Dwight New York Celebrates the Legacy of Duke Ellington

Dwight New York, anchored in the vibrant, multicultural melting pot of New York City, celebrates the myriad cultures found in the School and outside its iron doors. Children throughout our school, from Early Childhood to the Upper School, are given ample opportunities to connect with their own culture and the cultures of others.

Our Lower School recently came together to demonstrate how visual arts, performing arts, and culture are intricately linked and taught to the younger generation. They gathered to celebrate the 125th birthday of jazz great Duke Ellington, a pioneering Black American composer, piano player, and bandleader. This celebration started in the Fall when our Lion musicians learned two Duke tunes for their Winter Concert. After the concert, students studied the children’s book, Who Was Duke Ellington?, written by Dwight’s Editorial Director, Matt Payne.

In preparation for the big celebration, students used their art classes to create a huge, colorful 3D paper birthday cake for the assembly. Each cake layer was designed by a different grade and featured 125 clay candles. In the library, students created small banners answering the question, “Who was Duke Ellington?”

At the assembly on Duke’s birthday (April 29), with the banners hung and cake displayed, the students were joined by professional jazz musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America — including two performers who played with Duke Ellington himself! The celebration was truly a cross-curricular artistic effort — grade 5 drama students performed a short play based on Mr. Payne’s book, with one of our students, Cameron Keitt ’31, in the role of young Duke, performing “The Entertainer” live on the piano.

Music Teacher Violetta Zambetti, who orchestrated this incredible event, said, “The whole purpose of reading this book and watching multiple videos of Duke and his orchestra, was to demonstrate to our students how his spark of genius became a flame. To find those examples in our history and reveal them to our students, creates magical moments for them to realize their own future paths.”

Dwight New York’s visual arts and performing arts experience is a reflection of New York’s cultural traditions— in this case, the American art form of Jazz—encouraging students to ignite their spark of genius in their own unique ways. One spark already flew after the concert: The visiting piano player was so impressed by Cameron that he gave Cameron his CD to listen to and continue to be inspired.

DWIGHT NY’S STUDENT-RUN RECORD LABEL!

566 Records operates out of our Columbus Avenue campus and highlights music of all styles, created by students. They are especially interested in new, original music and creative, unique takes on existing material. 566 Records allows students to connect with New York City studios and professional musicians, affording our students a unique link to the talent that exists in this city. Visit the 566 Records website to listen to the latest releases.