The April 22, 2006  free concert for the Wilmette community featuring the Jubilate Children's Choir and The Holy Goat Percussion Ensemble caps a series of in-school workshops sponsored by the District 39 Foundation Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund.  The fund offers a free arts experience to the community every other year.  The concert this year offers two performances at  4:00 or 6:00 p.m. at Wilmette Junior High School Auditorium.  The tickets are free, but should be requested in advance by mail.

The Jalilya Ensemble of the Holy Goat Percussion Ensemble will be conducting an in-school workshop with our children to teach them the world of West African Music and culture in February. The presentation will be conducted by Michael Taylor and Morie Keba Kouyate. Michael Taylor is a percussionist who works with African drums, particularly the djembe; Mr. Kouyate is an African storyteller and kora master (string instrument). Each presentation will consist of a brief history on the instruments, the culture they come from and how they are made, some information on language and geography of West Africa and an African folk story with music.  Here is the schedule:

• February 2, 2006 - McKenzie Elementary School
• February 7, 2006 - Central Elementary School
• February 16, 2006 - Romona Elementary School
• February 21, 2006 - Harper Elementary School
• February 24, 2006 - Highcrest Middle School

Ask your children what they thought of the event at school and then plan on bringing your whole family to enjoy what promises to be a fantastic show.

This event is being sponsored by the District 39 Foundation -- a nonprofit organization that raises and grants funds which expand, enrich and complement educational opportunities for the students, staff and community in District 39.  The Foundation sponsors biennial free cultural arts events for the community through our Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund. This special endowment was created in 1998 in honor of the retiring superintendent’s 31 years of exceptional service to the District.