Sam Waymon Virtual Assembly Grades 4-5

At Upper Nyack Elementary School, Music Teacher Steve Yankou was teaching a unit on musician, singer, and civil rights activist Nina Simone. In a way that truly demonstrates the spirit of the Nyack community, this evolved into a first-ever Virtual Assembly for all fourth and fifth graders, hosted at Upper Nyack with all of the Elementary students attending via Zoom. 

Mr. Yankou along with music teacher colleagues Genevieve Marino (Liberty Elementary) and Sara Beth Lieberman (Valley Cottage Elementary) prepared students in advance with lessons on Nina Simone and her brother, collaborator and manager, Sam Waymon. Mr. Waymon is also a resident of Nyack and an active member of both its cultural and social justice programs.

Mr. Waymon performed songs and interacted with students who asked him questions about his musical career, his personal experience with the civil rights movement and perspectives on the future of music and society. It was a wonderful experience and no one wanted the moment to end.

Mr. Joseph Mercora, Upper Nyack Principal, hosted Mr. Waymon at Upper Nyack and opened up a Zoom Conference room for all three Elementary Schools.  Mr.  Yankou had prepared an appropriately spaced performance area with microphones strategically placed to capture Mr. Waymon and Mr. Yankou interviewing, as well as a video camera to document the program. Mr. Joe Goodman, a parent volunteer and professional photographer, assisted with capturing wonderful images of Mr. Waymon performing and speaking with the students. Mrs. Loveland-Gill, Music Department Chairperson, assisted with on site audio/video/Zoom troubleshooting. Ms. Marino and Ms. Lieberman assisted remotely providing  immediate audio-video feedback to ensure students had the best quality experience. 

The Music Department is deeply grateful for Mr. Waymon's visit. Please enjoy the video from this special day.