Preschool students from the Day Nursery at the Indiana State Government center made a visit to the Statehouse today at the invitation of Tina Mahern, President of the Indiana Coalition for the Arts Foundation.
The children had front row seats for a performance by the Griot (GREE-ah) storytellers of Africa who pass on the history of their people through storytelling and the Griot Drum Ensemble led by Young Audiences storyteller and musician Khabir Shareef, who plays a dynamic mix of West African and African Diaspora percussion music.
The group of 15 preschoolers, ages 3-5 were accompanied by their teachers Tim Tegarden and Theresa Jameson as well as center director Deanna Saylor. When Deanna shared this picture with me today, she reported that the children were enthralled with the story-teller. “He told a story about the snake in the grass and the kids sat so quietly. I don’t think I have seen them sit so still.” Preschool students are very honest and we have to say that they didn’t love every part of the program. Sophia told her teacher the “drums are too loud.”
Arts Day at the Indiana Statehouse is an annual arts advocacy event presented by the Indiana Coalition for the Arts where the diversity of arts in the state is promoted and honored.
Day Nursery Association has been active in the arts and assisted Young Audiences in launching their “Young at Arts” preschool program several years ago.
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