On May 16th and 17th, Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist Matt Sawaya, aka MC Matre, visited the Waldorf School of Garden City to present his “music to lift spirits and break barriers.” He engaged students in grades six through twelve with poetry and music workshops where students were encouraged to write creatively and listen carefully to the words of their classmates. The workshops were followed by a presentation with Matre and select students performing their own work. Juniors, Eric Mundy, Gaby Martin and Anastasia Zaintz each presented empowering creative writing, followed my sophomores Boris Epie and Chloe Chun who read their touching free writing pieces. Eighth grader Aly Tarmin then read her series of powerful 6-word poems. “This was a very enlightening and meaningful experience that enabled us to improve our creative writing skills” said freshman, Noah Negri. Matre explained that he found his own voice through hip hop as he tried to understand, articulate and grow from difficult life experiences. The day ended with Eric Mundy on the drums accompanying Matre’s original rapping that included audience participation. The students left feeling inspired and energized. For more information about Matre, visit: www.mcmatre.com.
(Photos courtesy of www.mcmatre.com)
