The Aggie family always showing commitment to the community, especially around the holiday season, and this year is no different. 

The A&T Department of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a show for children in the Partnership Village Community Outreach Project on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall.

The Partnership Village is a transitional community for individuals and families who are living in temporary housing. 

The Partnership Village Project is affiliated with Greensboro Urban Ministry, an outreach agency committed to providing “crisis intervention and emergency services.” Dr. Eleanor Gwynn, chair of the department of visual and performing arts, said that she became involved with the community outreach project through a leadership program.  “What I find is that you really get more out of it than the children do,” said Gwynn.  “Anytime you give to somebody, you get back far more in return.”

Fifteen children, who live in the Partnership Village housing complex, ranging from upper elementary school to middle school ages, arrived with eager faces toting their parent- and teacher-chaperones alongside them. 

The children were welcomed by Dr. Gwynn, who expressed the university’s appreciation for the kids’ visit and also introduced the other speakers and performers.  Gwynn also encouraged the kids to become Aggies in the future.

Following Gwynn, Mrs. Dina Eagle from the Dean’s Office engaged the kids in a discussion about the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Mr. Wendell Phillips, from the Chancellor’s Office then explained to the children the obligations of the faculty to the students of the university.  During the opening talks, the children and their chaperones enjoyed lunches from Jason’s Deli.Following the opening discussions and introductions, the kids were allowed to participate in various workshops for theater, dance, and music. 

Donna Bradby, assistant professor of theater and the marketing and publicity director for the department of visual and performing arts, started the kids off with a variety of vocal and physical exercises with the aid of some of the students from the theater department.  Kids were asked to move in a circle while holding hands without breaking the chain, repeat a series of tongue twisters, and clap in unison. 

Gwynn and Melanie Dalton, A&T dance instructor, then led the children and chaperones into a dance accompanied by drum players.  In the last workshop, John Henry, professor of music, gave the kids a quick music lesson on the xylophone.  Some kids were also allowed to play on the drums and keyboard.”Any time we are able to perform or pass on material to other people, it’s always exciting,” said Dalton. 

“But today because of the population that is coming in, because of the particular group, the Partnership Village, it’s even more special because it feels like an opportunity to share some things that we enjoy with these young people and just excite them about some things.” 

After the workshops were completed, the guests were treated with a performance.  Students from the A&T dance department came out in African-style garments to perform Mandiani, a traditional dance from the West Africa region.  Subsequent to the dance performance, the A&T drumline played the “20 cadence” and “tunnel cadence”.  In the final performance, Henry returned to play “When the Saints Go Marching In” on his trombone, accompanied by Joshua Fox, junior electronic media major from Greenville, N.C., on the keyboard. 

The whole audience was engaged in the performance as they all got out of their seats to dance and march in line.

“I’m glad that the youth are being exposed to this crucial part of their culture, being able to experience the music and the dancing as well.  I’m happy to participate.  I like working with children,” said Jonathan Rogers, junior construction management major from Raleigh, who drummed for the Mandiani performance.

Before the guests departed, Dr. Gwynn presented them with gift bags.  Gwynn said that the VPA is also going to sponsor a Christmas party for the children in their own community in December and the VPA department is giving them tickets to an A&T play and dance concert so that they can visit the campus in the future as well.

• Marcus Thompson