This week’s update on the Art for Progress art education programs features a brief introduction to some of the students in the AFP music programs, as well as some photographs by Paula Parker from the AFP visual arts programs, including student artwork.  Sherif, a senior at Humanities Prep, moved to New York City from Cairo, Egypt last summer, and was always an eager student in my music class throughout the past semester.

Sherif spent most of the first several weeks of the semester playing a D chord rather roughly on the electric guitar. Although I continuously suggested that he learn another chord, he continued to focus on the D chord, lifting one finger at a time to hear the variations. Since he seemed to derive such joy from that one chord, I encouraged him to listen to the tone of the strings and demonstrated to him that there were different sounds that could be evoked coaxing them out of the instrument rather than hacking at the strings. Sherif has since developed his D jam into a more coherent developing piece, and after I lent him one of AFP’s classical guitars, he recently exchanged it for an electric guitar and is avidly practicing at home. Sherif fulfilled his arts requirements last semester, but continues to come by the music room at every opportunity and is a regular participant in the Tuesday afternoon student/faculty jam, playing drums, guitar, and occasionally gracing the microphone with his own inimitable brand of freestyle rapping/storytelling. Ever the eager student, Sherif has become among the most dedicated and capable music students at Humanities, and never fails to crack me up.

Christian Tapia was also a student in my music class at Humanities Prep last semester, and also, despite his having already fulfilled his arts requirements for graduation, is constantly coming by the music room to continue his musical development. He had been trying to learn piano since a year before the AFP program started. He reportedly would visit the music room every day and be kicked out, often receiving detention as a result. he was even told by the former dean of his middle school, “If you don’t know how to play, then don’t play.” Upon recognizing Christian’s enthusiasm and drive last semester, I lent him an AFP digital piano, and he reports to me regarding his progress on a daily basis. Among the most diligent and focused music students in the school, Christian now participates in the Tuesday jam every week as well, introducing new songs every week that he is working on learning. Lately, he has been focused primarily on developing original compositions. well as developing original compositions. Christian is also a participant in the NYPD Explorers program for high school students.

Please enjoy some examples of student artwork from the AFP visual arts program at Landmark High School.

Until Next Time

-Barry Komitor