Students at Mount Daniel Elementary School in Falls Church will get a lesson in hip-hop directly from professional artists.
From March 11 to 13, hip-hop artist and educator Pinqy Ring and New York City–based beatboxer AirLoom Beats are leading a three-day residency at the elementary school. The program, The Power of Voice: A Hip-Hop Residency, will introduce students to the history, artistry, and cultural significance of hip-hop. It is funded by the Falls Church Education Foundation and the Falls Church Elementary PTA.
Teaching an Art Form
For Mount Daniel music teacher Nicole Guimaraes, bringing the artists to the school is about expanding her students’ understanding of music.
“Hip-hop is one of the most influential musical styles of our time,” Guimaraes says. “When students learn directly from artists, they get an authentic experience that helps them understand its creativity, history, and meaning.”
The residency will begin with a school-wide assembly introducing the foundations of hip-hop, including beatboxing, rhythm, and storytelling. Select second graders will be able to participate in workshops experimenting with collaborative music making and creative expression.
The goal, Guimaraes says, is not only to teach musical skills but also to challenge misconceptions about the genre itself.
“Hip-hop sometimes comes with negative stereotypes,” she explains. “By bringing in professional artists and educators, students can see the artistry, the discipline, and the cultural importance behind it.”
A Final Showcase
The three-day program will conclude with a community showcase on March 13 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Meridian High School. Students will have the chance to share what they learned alongside the visiting artists.
For Guimaraes, the performance is an opportunity for families and neighbors to see the impact of the program firsthand.
“It’s going to be really special to watch our students perform with these artists,” Guimaraes says. “They’ll not only learn about hip-hop – they’ll become a part of it.”
The showcase event is free and open to the public.
Feature image by Nicole Guimaraes
