Northampton College Celebrate Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month Northampton College has been busy putting on events across all three sites including music workshops, performances and art exhibitions.

To celebrate Black History Month Northampton College has been busy putting on events across all three sites including music workshops, performances and art exhibitions.

Jerry Elliott, Ghana-born music practitioner and a musician from the Northampton-based jazz band ‘The Ginger Pig’ visited Northampton College last week and ran several workshops on the cultural significance of African music.

Students studying Music and Music Technology had the opportunity to experiment with a range of traditional African drums such as a djembe, kpanlogo and a dudu whilst also learning about how African music has influenced jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

Following the two hour workshops, students then performed live in front of fellow students and staff in the college restaurant.

Jerry Elliott said, “Music is the one of the most beautiful and most accessible arts that we all share, it can also be political and can express messages across various languages and countries”.

In addition to the music workshops, catering staff and students also put together a fantastic African themed menu in the college canteens and art students at Daventry had an exhibition in the reception area.

Curriculum manager and lecturer in Music Stephanie Marsland said “It has been a great inclusive opportunity for our students to play together and to showcase their fantastic musical talents.”