Students write about their experiences with drummer Bubbha Thomas, jazz band

Bubbha Thomas brought his famous “Jazz & Poetry Series” to the East Campus Feb. 21 and his band performed several jazz tunes for the students from the East and Northeast campuses. Following are short essays from students describing what they learned from the Black History Month event:

“This year’s ‘Black History Program’ was spectacular! The performance of Mr. Bubbha Thomas, a drummer and activist, was super! His band demonstrated to us how jazz music evolved based on beats, claps and steps.
“Mr. Thomas’ band was inspiring to most of the crowd. His band has many creative ways to inform schools about the history of Jazz. They specifically retold interesting stories about instruments that make up Jazz to this very day. They also told of the origins of which Jazz was made up.
“The students and teachers had a wonderful time. Everyone loved their comedy. ‘I think that the performance was educational and entertaining,’ Ms. Wyatt, the East Campus third grade teacher, commented. ‘The Black History Program was a huge success.’
“At the end of the performance, teachers and students joined on the stage with the band. Everyone got up and danced. It was really a journey through Jazz.”
-Christopher Mack, 5th grade, East Campus


“I liked the performance of ‘Jazz Poetry’. I heard many types of jazz…..I also liked the stories they told. It was fun to watch them perform. The instruments they used were cool….The show was very educational and informative. I hope to see them next year.”
--Joselinne Piedras, 3rd grade, East Campus


“I love Jazz, it is so cool. It talks about all kinds of jazz. All the instruments are fun. The most popular band is ‘Jazz and Poetry’. They are amazing….I learned what is Jazz. And Jazz has different types of music. It has an amazing tone that I like. If you want to be cool, just listen to jazz….It’s amazing and incredible. The band was fun and exciting..."
--Norma Diaz, 3rd grade, East Campus

Upper Photo: Christopher Mack
Lower Photo: Norma Diaz (left) and Joselinne Piedras
Art: Debra Hurd
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