Freedom songs from the Civil Rights movement; Garba, a traditional Indian dance performed during Hindu festivals; and Bomba and plena, percussion-driven musical traditions from Puerto Rico.

Those are just a few of the musical topics teachers and students in elementary schools across Volusia County Schools are studying thanks to an initiative from Carnegie Hall, the famed concert venue in New York City.

"This unique opportunity aligns with our commitment to advancing student achievement and preparing students for college and career success," Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. "By empowering our elementary music teachers with Carnegie Hall’s resources, we’re enriching students’ lives through music and broadening their educational journey."

Volusia County Schools is one of eight districts nationwide chosen for Carnegie’s 2024-25 "Musical Explorers District Partnership Pilot Program," part of the venue’s Weill Music Institute, which was established in 2003.

“It was crafted by their education department and by musical artists from around the world, ensuring students are getting a truly globally inspired musical education,” Craig Uppercue, the district’s fine arts specialist, said of the pilot program.

In addition to educational resources and exclusive professional development sessions for teachers, there are online “Meet the Artist” sessions with Musical Explorers artists Juan and Julia Gutiérrez, Starr Busby and Falu Shah.

Through the pilot program, students will build fundamental music skills through listening, singing and movement, and each program concludes with an interactive concert experience.

Jessica Palmer, a music teacher at Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach, said it’s broadening students’ horizons.

“Oftentimes, we get caught in just our own world and of course, this is expanding what they know as far as world music is concerned,” Palmer said.

Additionally, Palmer said she believes the program will teach students empathy and compassion.

“That’s something that I think we need in our world, probably now more than ever,” Palmer said.