Crocodile River Music Company Rocks Jacobs Elementary School

As part of the Crocodile River Music Company visit, Jacobs Elementary students in grades 3-5 learned how to play West African drums. (Photo Courtesy Hull Public Schools)

HULL — Superintendent Judith Kuehn and Principal Kyle Shaw are pleased to announce that the Crocodile River Music Company rocked the house at the Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School.

The Crocodile River Music Company visited Hull's Jacobs Elementary School for a three-day workshop on March 2, 3 and 6. The workshop focused on bringing African music, art and dance to Hull students in grades 3-5.

On the first day of the workshop, students had the opportunity to learn West African drumming and play some songs. On the following day, students learned rope-drum tuning and the science of sound. On the final day, students participated in a dance workshop.

Once the dance workshop was completed, the three-day visit culminated in an hour-long performance by the Crocodile River Music Company. During their performance, select students also had the opportunity to dance in front of the entire school.

Throughout the workshop, many students noted how exciting and energetic the group was. Teachers highlighted the collaboration that the members of the group displayed as they all came from different regions of Africa, yet worked together to form a cohesive sound.

"We were extremely excited to welcome the Crocodile River Music Company back to the Jacobs School," Interim Assistant Principal Elaine Menice said. "The students loved learning how to string a drum and play it, and then having the workshop come together with a highly energetic dance party and concert! We couldn't be more thankful for all those that made this visit possible."

The Crocodile River Music Company previously visited the school in 2017-18.

The Crocodile River Music Company's visit to Hull was made possible thanks to a STARS Residency Grant sponsored through the Mass Cultural Council. The STARS Residency program provides grants to support creative learning in the arts, sciences and humanities. Hull Public Schools would like to thank PTO Vice President Renee Kiley for applying for the grant on the school's behalf.

"It was a pleasure to have the Crocodile River Music Company here in Hull providing our students with a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Superintendent Kuehn. "Their visit allowed our students to immerse themselves in African arts and music, which will hopefully inspire them to continue exploring the many other cultures that are around the world."