Culturally Responsive Teaching in a High School Percussion Ensemble: Validating Immigrant Identities (Routledge Focus on Music Education: Culturally Responsive Teaching)

Culturally Responsive Teaching in a High School Percussion Ensemble: Validating Immigrant Identities addresses themes of immigration, identity, and culturally responsive teaching in music education using a deep case study of Brazilian samba music in the context of a high school percussion ensemble. Through an in-depth ethnographic study of the World Percussion Ensemble at Somerville High School, Massachusetts, and how it was renovated by a progressive music program director, the author demonstrates how a program can respond to the cultures and needs of immigrant students by creating a unique intercultural community within the classroom.The book recognizes key components in the process of immigrant social integration: (1) music education can help facilitate immigrant students’ adjustment to a new culture as they negotiate a hybrid identity. (2) The inclusive nature of samba percussion music encourages communication, cooperation, and empathy, helping students to build life skills. (3) By