May 24: William “Ju Ju” House at Stanton ES

On May 24, Teach the Beat visited Danielle Finley’s PreK class at Stanton ES (DCPS) to share the history of go-go music. As students joined the virtual classroom, snippets of improvised songs and sleepy “good mornings” travelled through computers. 

Keesha Ceran, associate director of Teaching for Change, introduced the Teach the Beat initiative to the students and turned it over to Ju Ju House. William “Ju Ju” House is a drummer in Experience Unlimited (E.U.), one of D.C.’s premiere go-go bands and one of our founding teaching artists with Teach the Beat. Starting with a cowbell, Ju Ju began to engage the students in clapping and singing, drawing on their musical interests to center the class on go-go history. Ju Ju came prepared with “The Day they Found Go-Go,” a wonderful children's book by Ihkand Mason that he intertwined throughout the lesson. 

Inspired by the characters in the book, the class took a quick break to play the drums with their hands and the materials students had at home, practicing beats and playing together. With Ju Ju’s cowbell, everyone clapping, and the students and teachers dancing, the meeting turned into a show! Ju Ju House talked about the different instruments of go-go, and as kids unmuted to share their stories about drums, congos, the bass, and other instruments, parents at home chimed in with stories and children danced.

By the end of reading The Day they Found Go-Go with Ju Ju, the children were able to turn their microphones on and identify the different instruments and mimic the sounds each instrument makes as well! After an inspiring hour, Stanton ES students  had formed an unofficial PreK band and were excited for Teach the Beat’s return! 

May 21: Sweetcherie at Beers Elementary School

On Friday, May 21st, Teach the Beat visited Beers Elementary School to share the history of go-go music with a vibrant class of 3rd graders. At the start of the class, students were curious as to what go-go artists are, but after listening to an Experience Unlimited song, the student’s squares suddenly were filled with motion and joy. Next, the class listened to Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go. Despite minor tech challenges, Sweet Cherie, a keyboardist from the go-go band Bela Dona and founding teaching artist with Teach the Beat, shared her heritage as a child born and raised in D.C. loving go-go music. 

First, Sweet Cherie asked, “What is go-go?” A student shared that it was pop music and another shared that it was a mix of hip hop, rap, and pop. Sweet Cherie shared colorful slides about the history of go-go in D.C., including its 2019 designation as the official music of D.C. From the 1960s to 2021, students watched video clips and images to get a glimpse of the diversity and evolution of the sound of go-go music. After watching an excellent go-go dancing video, Sweet Cherie asked if any of the students could dance like that, to which they responded “yes!” Just in case they needed practice, we watched a tutorial on how to beat your feet and everyone stood up to participate.

Before our time came to an end, the class was exposed to the ingredients of go-go music. While learning how to make our own syncopation, one student joined in from his basement drum set. As a class, we practiced some call and responses and with only the smallest bit of lag, we got up and danced together! Out of their chairs and jumping out of the camera, Sweet Cherie sang “sardines!” while the kids enthusiastically responded “and pork and beans!” Seconds after we finished our first song, a student exclaimed “Oh, my goodness can we do that again? That was so fun!” Teachers, students, and the go-go guest artists danced and locked together, adjusting cameras for more space and filling the call with laughter. The music had everyone up and dancing, and even as the music faded, students broke out in solos and showed off their moves. From teachers to students, everyone was tired! 

Among student’s questions after the presentation, one student asked why go-go was so important to D.C., and Sweet Cherie quickly explained that it is essential to keep playing D.C’s music and keep the legacy going forever. That is why we learn about it now. One student’s parent popped into the call, hearing her student talking about go-go. As she got on the call, she asked “Who knows about go-go?” To which Sweet Cherie responded — and the mom screamed in surprise and excitement to see Sweet Cherie there, as she is a fan of Bela Dona, bringing a special surprise into the classroom. 

Through this pandemic, everyone agreed that (virtual) live music was a saving force. Even though no one expected their third grade classroom to transform into a dance floor, the energy of the meeting left us with gratitude and energy for the rest of the day. Sweet Cherie closed by saying that “go-go bands and go-go players are like D.C. stars! Look up to them!”

May 17: Go-Go Mickey Visits Shepherd ES

On May 17, 2021, Milton “Go-Go Mickey” Freeman facilitated his first Teach the Beat classroom visit, engaging the first grade students of Zuri Saxon’s class at Shepherd ES (DCPS) in a lesson on the elements of percussion, and teaching them a short sequence of Chuck Brown’s Bustin Loose. 

To prepare for the visit, the students researched go-go during Black History Month and listened to go-go music as part of their learning. 

The students were in awe when Go-Go Mickey shared a little bit about his story and that he had been playing go-go for over 40 years. In unison the “wows” echoed through the classroom. 

After learning that the song they had been learning to play was by Chuck Brown, one student was excited to share that her brother had created a video on Chuck Brown.

Throughout the visit, students learned a percussion beat on Go-Go Mickey’s congos, played the tambourines, and learned to keep time. Each child participated as a part of the go-go band with Go-Go Mickey bringing it all together. 

May 4: Charles Stephenson in Virtual Teach the Beat session at Phelps ACE High School,

Charles Stephenson,  co-author of The Beat! Go-Go Music from Washington D.C. and a cultural and political activist, visited Dr. Hall’s D.C. History class and Mr. Green’s Music class at Phelps ACE High School on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. 

The students had recently discussed why go-go music was not connecting with a younger generation that preferred other genres of music, like hip-hop and R&B. Mr. Stephenson shared that go-go’s roots started in the school, where students had access to instruments that they could use. He shared, “The relationship between go-go bands and D.C. schools and the government brought the music closer and more accessible to everyone.”  

It was this proximity as a young person in D.C that helped him develop a deeper understanding of music. In fact, Mr. Stephenson shared with students that he became the manager of Experience Unlimited (E.U.) based on the relationship that band members developed at Charles Hart Middle School. 

Mr. Stephenson’s stories of how go-go was instrumental in the school system led a student to share that she is starting a go-go band with her friends, and she asked what is the best way for them to get recognized within the city. He shared that now more than ever, it is important for bands to engage with social activism and local organizations that are doing community building events. This will not only provide bands with an audience, but allow the band to become an integral part of improving the lives of the residents of D.C.

Through a question and answer period with Phelps administrator and Teach the Beat program specialist, Jonas Strickland. During which Charles Stephenson answered a few questions from students.

Student question: Is there anything you want to do with go-go to leave a legacy behind that you haven’t done yet or can’t figure out how to do?

Stephenson’s answer: My dream is that musicians and artists get more involved in social justice issues. I was energized by seeing the bands reflecting what is happening in the community. Especially in response to 2020, seeing bands and go-go music as part of Black Lives Matter protests and engaging in voter registration.

Student question: What inspired you to start or keep doing go-go music? 

Stephenson’s answer: Experience Unlimited concentrated on issues to engage the community. We used the popularity of go-go as a way to educate members of the community to issues that mattered to us. For example we supported a Malcolm X Day celebration. When Betty Shabazz arrived from her limo she said “Malcolm would have loved this.” Go-go played an instrumental role in the community.

Student question: What is your favorite go-go song? 

Stephenson’s answer: Go-Go Swing! There were so many elements in this song. Chuck Brown, pulling in elements of Duke Ellington. Classic! 

July 31: JuJu House Visits Horton's Kids

On Friday, July 31, youth from Horton's Kids summer program enjoyed a workshop with go-go musician and educator, William "Ju Ju" House. This virtual Teach the Beat lesson was organized by Secondary Youth Development Coordinator, Najuma Louison and Teaching for Change. 

Teens joined from mobile devices and home electronics for a distance learning musical experience. Ju Ju House joined from his home studio -- filled with percussion instruments and a large Chuck Brown poster, honoring the go-go legend. The lesson began by diving immediately into the importance of knowing our history. Ju Ju shared with participants, "I'm in a house that was built in 1713!" Urging youth to share their knowledge and experience with go-go music with the group, Ju Ju began to name famous people and groups to gauge the group's familiarity with many popular songs. Students shared their comments via chat feature and through the video/audio platform. 

The virtual visit continued with an in-depth lesson on the difference between the bounce beat and the pocket. Using conga drums and other percussion instruments, House demonstrated the rhythmic qualities of the two beats. In order to test the difference between the two, House encouraged students to name a song in which he applied the different beats. Students shared songs across genres, sometimes humming the melody as Ju Ju played on snare drums from home. 

Students and Ju Ju discussed go-go, rap, the rivalry and influences between the genres. Ju Ju mentioned modern day artists such as Mary J Blige and Beyonce, as he highlighted go-go's reach across many musical generations. It was an afternoon full of laughs, head nods, and immense D.C. pride. One student mentioned that she liked how Ju Ju merged the go-go beat with some of their favorite songs to show the D.C. undertones in mainstream music.

Thank you, Horton's Kids and Ju Ju for a special inaugural virtual lesson, and for bringing the distinctive sound of go-go to students from the safety of their homes.

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Visit description prepared by Rosalie Reyes.

March 3: Ju Ju House Visits Capitol Hill Day School

On March 3, 2020, second, third, and fourth graders at Capitol Hill Day School got a special visit from go-go percussionist William “Ju Ju” House as part of Teaching for Change’s Teach the Beat program.

The go-go workshops were split into two sessions. At the start of each session, Ju Ju quizzed the students on what they had already learned about go-go at school.

Who knows who Chuck Brown is?

          The Godfather of go-go!

Who can name a Chuck Brown song?

          Bustin Loose!

          We the People!

What kind of music do they play in Nashville? (Country) What do they play in New York? (Hip-Hop) And what kind of music do we play in D.C.?

Go-Go!

Ju Ju passed out sticks to all of the students and introduced them to the two main rhythms in go-go music: the pocket beat and the bounce beat.

Students also sang the chorus to “Bustin’ Loose” and worked on the call and response to Junkyard Band’s “Sardines.”

The students broke into groups of five and came to the front of the room where Ju Ju coached them to play a rhythm on drums. Some groups came up with band names like “Go-Go Bubbles” and “Go-Go Gucci Gang.”

At the end of each session, Ju Ju gave a demonstration of how the band comes together to create a cohesive sound.

Students enjoyed learning more about go-go rhythms and look forward to an upcoming field trip to visit Chuck Brown Memorial Park.

View more photos and videos on Flickr.

February 12: Langdon ES Fifth Graders Learn About Go-Go

By Talia Brock

On February 12, 2020, go-go artist “Sweet” Cherie Mitchell visited Langdon Elementary School in connection with Teaching for Change’s Teach the Beat program. This is the second year that the program has been able to visit Langdon, a partner in Teaching for Change’s Tellin Stories parent engagement project.

This year the 5th-grade students were in for a treat. Sweet Cherie came to talk with students about the history of go-go and play some music with them as well.

Cherie started by telling the students a little bit about herself and her career performing with “the godfather of go-go”, Chuck Brown, and the all-female group Be’la Dona Band. She broke down some of the main elements of go-go music: the typical go-go beat, the syncopated rhythm (or the “off-beat”), and the “talker” (who leads the call and response and energizes the crowd).

Students drummed out the rhythm on buckets while Cherie played the off-beat and led the group in some examples of call and response. As all the pieces of the music started to come together, Cherie invited some students up to sing and dance to Backyard Band’s version of “Hello.” Even 5th-grade teacher Perea Blackmon and school principal Kemi Husbands danced along!

Toward the end, students asked Cherie questions about her favorite bands, how she became interested in performing go-go music, and her favorite places that she’s traveled to on tour.

She talked with the students about how important it was for her to stay committed to her piano lessons when she was growing up. Practicing consistently was hard work, but it was worth it. Even though she feels happiest when she’s playing go-go music, if she hadn’t kept up with her classical music lessons as a child, she might not have developed enough skill to cross over into other genres as an adult. The students listened attentively, and nearly every student had their hand raised, hoping to have a question answered. Cherie was so impressed with the students’ energy and said that they were the liveliest group she’d ever worked with. Cherie’s visit made such an impression on the students that one student even doubled back as Cherie was leaving to ask her one more question. 

At the conclusion of Cherie’s visit to Langdon, she posed for a traditional go-go photo with two Langdon staff members in front of the display - it was a fitting end to a great visit. 

PARENT ENGAGEMENT

Part of Langdon’s partnership with Teaching for Change involves holding monthly meetings with parents, called Principal Chat n’ Chews. Organizers from Teaching for Change’s Tellin’ Stories project work with Principal Husbands to design meetings that are open to all parents and caregivers, prioritize the voices of marginalized parents and build a stronger school community.

At the January chat n’ chew, parents participated in an icebreaker where they were asked to consider:

What does go-go music mean to you?

Parents responded to this question with so much enthusiasm that the chat n’ chew went over-time! Some examples of their responses include

“it’s a lifestyle,”

“it means to be alive”

“it’s a culture, a movement”

“it gives a native Washingtonian a sense of pride in their city.”

They listed their favorite bands, such as Rare Essence, Be’la Dona, Junkyard Band and New Impressions, and talked about going to go-go parties when they were growing up. Following this meeting, the parents’ responses were displayed under a banner that read “Langdon loves go-go!”

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Special thanks to the Horning Family Fund whose generous donation for the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action made this visit possible.

February 7: Learning about the Go-Go Pocket Beat vs Bounce Beat at Moten ES

By Allyson Criner Brown

On Friday, February 7, 2020, fourth and fifth graders at Moten ES (DCPS) in Southeast D.C. participated in a mini “battle of the bands” as part of a Teach the Beat visit with legendary go-go musician and percussionist William “Ju Ju” House. Teaching for Change coordinated the visit with Moten ES music teacher Allyson Chamberlaine as part of the 2020 Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action.

In “crews” of four to five, students each picked up an instrument from Ju Ju’s percussion section of cowbells and several types of drums. Each crew got the chance to practice a go-go pocket (aka beat) and then perform for the class.

Then as a whole class, with drumsticks in each hand, Ju Ju taught the students to tap out a go-go “pocket beat” and a “bounce beat” that is popular among younger go-go performers and listeners.

Ju Ju ended the visit by doing a call and response with students of classic go-go lyrics, including key lines from Chuck Brown hits “Bustin’ Loose” and “I Need Money.”

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Special thanks to the Horning Family Fund whose generous donation for the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action made this visit possible.

February 6: Anacostia HS Drumline Learns About Go-Go

By Allyson Criner Brown

On Thursday, February 6, 2020, celebrated go-go musician Sweet Cherie Mitchell, keyboardist and singer for the all-female Bela Dona Band, joined the music class at Anacostia HS (DCPS) as part of a Teach the Beat visit to bring go-go music to D.C. classrooms. Teaching for Change coordinated the visit with Anacostia HS as part of the 2020 Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action.

Members of the school’s drumline received special pass to participate in the visit and showed off their talents, moving between the classic sound of marching band drumlines, go-go pocket beats, and the bounce beats that are popular among younger go-go performers and listeners and made for “beat your feet” style dancing.

A highlight of the visit was when Sweet Cherie led the room in Junkyard Band’s go-go classic, “Sardines.” A student joined in as one of the vocal leaders of the song and began dancing, while one of the drummers joined her in the circle and midway through the song added a bounce beat to the rhythm. After the visit, students had a deeper appreciation for some of the go-go classics and the music behind them.

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Special thanks to the Horning Family Fund whose generous donation for the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action made this visit possible.

February 5: Beers ES Second Graders Learn About Go-Go

On Wednesday, February 5, 2020, legendary go-go percussionist William “Ju Ju” House led a class on the go-go pocket with second graders at Beers Elementary. Teaching for Change coordinated the visit with as part of the 2020 Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action and the Teach the Beat project to bring go-go to D.C. classrooms.

Ju Ju began by having students clap and stomp out different beats, including a go-go pocket. Music teacher Mr. Strother passed out buckets and drumsticks to each of the students, with two students getting the special opportunity to play the cowbell.

The highlights of the visit for Ju Ju were having the room full of second graders drumming out a go-go pocket, and then later singing key lines from Chuck Brown’s go-go hits “Bustin’ Loose.”

February 7: Ju Ju and Geronimo at Anacostia High School

William "Ju Ju" House (EU) and Geronimo (Trouble Funk) did a go go workshop at Anacostia High School (DCPS) for a music class on Thursday, February 7.  The students were so excited that now they want to create a go-go band and incorporate go-go into their drum line. Even the principal joined in.

Day 4 of #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool Week of Action featured Go-Go band EU teaching our music classes the beat that originated in DC! Our students enjoyed learning more about the genre's past, what makes Go-Go unique, and trying out the drums. Check out student Jordan! #WhyAna #BHM https://t.co/Poa02T0RbD

— Anacostia High (@AnacostiaHigh) February 7, 2019

This was part of a week-long series of activities at Anacostia High School for DC Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. On Wednesday, for example, they hosted KanKouran West African Dance Co.  

On day 3 of #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool Week of Action, our student body traveled to West Africa with @KanKouranDance to learn traditional drumming and dance. Their joy and pride was on level 💯 during this combined brotherhood/sisterhood assembly! #WhyAna #BHM pic.twitter.com/rDqeycoCDi

— Anacostia High (@AnacostiaHigh) February 6, 2019

The Teach the Beat visit to Anacostia High School was made possible by a donation to Teaching for Change from the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation.

February 5: JuJu at Noyes Elementary School

Students at Noyes Elementary School (DCPS) learned about go go during Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action with a Teach the Beat lesson from international go-go artist, William “Ju Ju” House on Tuesday, February 5.

February 4: Ju Ju at Langdon Elementary School

Langdon Elementary School (DCPS) kicked off Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action in DC with a Teach the Beat lesson from international go-go artist, William “Ju Ju” House on February 4, 2019. Thirty fifth graders took turns jamming on Ju Ju's rototom drum set, a hands-on experience that taught them all about the pocket, Chuck Brown, and go-go's wider influence. Ju Ju explained:

This is your home music. New York made hip hop, Atlanta has down-south trap. D.C. has go-go. Go-go is important because it was created here by the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, and it is something that you own no matter where in the world you go! 

Students drummed out the classic go-go bounce beat with their hands and feet, and cued in their classmates who were playing the drums with a loud, "One! Two! Gimme that pocket!"

After everyone took turns in groups of three of four, Ju Ju took their questions. The adults in the room were surprised to see how little students knew about go-go. In response, JuJu issued a challenge: if they could sing five go-go songs on his return visit, he'd buy them pizza.

Principal Kemi Husbands, who is a D.C. native, said:

I'm so proud. There are so many myths aligned with go-go — that it's just for the younger generation, or only 'certain kinds' of people listen to go-go said When I tell people I used to stay at the go-go, they say, 'What! You?' I hope my students get more appreciation of go-go as a true art form.

Iche Buchanan, fifth grade math teacher, said:

[Teach the Beat] sparked their interest. Now when they hear go-go on the radio they will make the connection. Go-go was made by Black people, and it shows our importance in this world. Without us there would be no go-go music! 

See more photos and video clips from the visit to Langdon Elementary School and from more Teach the Beat classroom visits in D.C. schools.

The Teach the Beat visit to Langdon was made possible by a donation to Teaching for Change from the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation.

March 19: Ju Ju at Washington International School

During a week-long special session at the Washington International School, sixth and seventh-grade students participated in a workshop on go-go music organized by educator Allie Wilding. Students were introduced to go-go at the start of the session through an interactive gallery walk which provided background information on the music genre. The legendary William “Ju Ju” House then joined students for the second half of the workshop to teach them how to play go-go music.

Ju Ju taught students that go-go music is unique because it sounds like everyone is playing at the same time but in actuality, everyone plays at a designated time. At first, Ju Ju provided a visual demonstration to students, and then he showed students how a go-go beat is different than a bounce beat. Students were then called upon to play the drums, congas, and the cowbell. Ju Ju approached each volunteer individually and taught them to play the instrument. Ju Ju also taught a student who brought their guitar how to play a note during the performance.

Every student in the class had a chance to perform and before playing Ju Ju would say, “one, two” and the audience would respond, “Give me that pocket!”

During the end of the session, Ju Ju showed students a beat that is paired with the phrase, “chop barbecue and hot chop barbecue,” made famous by the founder of go-go, Chuck Brown. Three students who play the trumpet were invited to join the performance, and Ju Ju taught them a note that went along with the beat. With direction from Ju Ju and encouragement from their classmates, the trumpet players mastered the note.

As Ju Ju gathered his belongings to leave, one student, inspired by his teaching and impressive musical talents, asked him to sign her ukulele. At the closing of the class, it was evident Ju Ju left the students buzzing with energy and inspired to learn more about go-go music.

March 13: Ju Ju at Mundo Verde Public Charter School

Go-go artist, William “Ju Ju” House, facilitated a workshop with twenty-four students in Ms. Walson’s fourth-grade music class at Mundo Verde Public Charter School on March 13, 2018.

Students crowded around Ju Ju as he began the session by asking students, “What’s the most important rule in basketball?” Many students responded by yelling, “teamwork!” Ju Ju told the students that teamwork was also a tenant of playing go-go music. 

Walson divided the students into three groups and Ju Ju directed them to establish a group name. Group names included: The Goodwood, The Ju Ju’s, after the go-go artist, and Do splat.

Students sat by the group in a semi-circle waiting patiently for his directions. Before teaching students a beat, Ju Ju established a rhythm by asking students to follow along as he clapped and stomped on the floor. Once students demonstrated their ability to work as a team to create a beat, Ju Ju began to call on groups to perform.

Each group was asked to stand at Ju Ju’s drum set and instrument by instrument, he taught the students a rhythm. After Ju Ju introduced the performers he would say “one two” and students in the classroom would yell back, “give me that beat.”

Walson then called on individual students to sit at one of the eight drum sets, donated by Seven Drum City, and Ju Ju directed students to play a variety of beats. Ju Ju taught the students the difference between a go-go beat, a bounce beat, and a pocket beat. Students were buzzing with excitement as everyone in the classroom took turns practicing how to play go-go music on the drum sets.

At the end of the session, Ms. Walson asked, “Can Ju Ju come back? He was so great with the students!”

February 5: Ju Ju at LaSalle-Backus Education Campus (DCPS)

LaSalle-Backus Education Campus (DCPS) music teacher Rebekah Cabaltica and twenty-five of her students (all boys) from grades 4-8 participated in an engaging workshop on go-go music facilitated by legendary go-go drummer, Ju Ju House.

The session started with students creating a rhythm by clapping their hands and stomping their feet in response to Ju Ju’s command. Students were then divided into groups of four and given the opportunity to create their own band names. Inspired by artists they like students developed names such as Little Savages and Gucci Sanic.

Each group was then brought up to the front of the room and with guidance from Ju Ju students were given an opportunity to play an instrument. Excitement filled the air as each team had their turn to play and compete against one another.

At the end of the session, one student said to Ms. Cabaltica, their music teacher, “this was fun I want to have more class sessions like this!”

As part of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools, this session was organized by Teaching for Change, and is connected to the guiding principle of Intergenerational, Black Families, and Black Villages.

May 16: Ju Ju at Seaton ES

Claire Sontag’s second-grade class was joined by older students who participate in Seaton’s DC SCORES soccer program for a visit from go-go drummer Ju Ju House on May 16. Students arrived in the music room to find a child-sized drumset, Ju Ju’s roto toms, and a cowbell set out at the front of the room. Every student had the opportunity to play the instruments, with instruction from Ju Ju. Ju Ju demonstrated the difference between a go-go beat and a bounce beat, and explained that go-go was created in D.C. Finally, the children got up and danced to the beat of Ju Ju’s drumming. The following week, Ju Ju returned to Seaton for a cultural heritage celebration.

April 4: Ju Ju at Capital City PCS

Sixty high school seniors, students of Capital City Public Charter School U.S. government and D.C. history teacher Ben Williams, participated in a go-go workshop with the legendary go-go drummer, Ju Ju House on April 4. Mr. Williams prepared students for the visit with some of Teaching for Change’s lessons on go-go music. Students came to the workshop with questions for Ju Ju and one of the students provided Ju Ju’s formal introduction to the class. 

Ju Ju played music for the students and asked them to share what they know about go-go. He demonstrated the difference between a go-go beat and a bounce beat, and explained that the congo and the drums in go-go music never play the same beat. Students asked questions about how Ju Ju started playing, his father’s musical career, what continents he has visited, and the history of go-go. One student asked about the origins of the “beat your feet” dance move, and Ju Ju explained that it has its origins in church.

A lot of people don’t realize that there’s a connection between church and go-go, but that’s how people used to move when they felt the spirit on Sunday. A lot of the music, the dances–they got their start in church.

Some students demonstrated the chop and the beat your feet for the class.

The workshop was greatly appreciated, as noted by these two students,

It was very insightful to learn more about Ju Ju and D.C. culture regarding go-go. His visit completely changed my view on the scope of go-go music.—Evelin Guevara

I learned that go-go music has spread worldwide and that people from all over the world appreciate go-go music. I never knew that you could make a career out of go-go music and be so successful doing it. —Max Leathers

Mr. Williams reflected,

It was wonderful to have Ju Ju House at Capital City today. His visit reminded me that bringing experts into the classroom is a powerful experience for students that cannot be replicated otherwise.

This visit was made possible by a grant from the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation.

September 27: Ju Ju at Garfield Elementary

Fourth and fifth graders in Mr. Brach Cobb’s music class participated in a go-go workshop with the legendary go-go drummer, Ju Ju House on September 27. Ju Ju introduced himself and shared some history of go-go music and then said to the children, “But today I want you to teach me about go-go music. This is your music. It comes from you and belongs to you, so I want you to teach me.”

Ju Ju proceeded to call students up in groups of four to improvise on various percussive instruments. He guided each one of them in discovering the rhythm for their instrument. Once each member of the Go-Go quartet knew their part, he asked another student to call “One, Two!” and the rest of the class would respond “Gimme that beat!” Each group of four would synthesize their parts and share their unique go-go rhythm. This became a “battle of the bands” and students were thoroughly inspired and engaged. During the final round, everyone danced and celebrated the creativity of one another. Everyone finished feeling like a winner.

September 27: Sweet Cherie at Raymond Education Campus

Go-go performer Sweet Cherie led a Teach the Beat workshop with approximately twenty-sixth graders in Mr. Dylan Nowak’s music class at Raymond Education Campus. She was introduced by a student who chronicled her long history as a go-go performer in DC. Sweet Cherie began the workshop by explaining the percussion beats in go-go and asking for examples of these instruments while Nowak passed them out to the students. Sweet Cherie and Mr. Nowak modeled rhythms for the different instruments and the students excitedly picked it right up.

Sweet Cherie explained the role of the “talker” as an integral part of go-go that includes the audience as part of the performance. Acting as the Talker while the students played, Sweet Cherie welcomed them all to class before demonstrating call and response. The students then helped her compile a list of go-go musicians. Sweet Cherie was wearing a Chuck Brown shirt, which all the students excitedly recognized as the Godfather of go-go. From there they talked about the different legends leading up to today’s generation of crank go-go bands.

The students and Mr. Nowak brought the beat back while Ms. Cherie performed “Sardines” with the students calling back. To close, students had the opportunity to ask Sweet Cherie questions. They asked what inspired her, how she became such an influential performer, as well as about her experience of playing with Chuck Brown for so many years. On their way out, the students wanted autographs and continued to call their thank yous.