This past week, the new Stuyvesant Media Lab hosted a special presentation by Robert Lamont, the Brooklyn North Arts Coordinator and a member of the education board of the Tin Pan Alley Popular Music Project. DOE music teachers gathered to learn about the rich history of Tin Pan Alley, with a spotlight on classics like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Choral student Adina Salant added a touch of magic to the event with a whimsical rendition of the Tin Pan Alley classic “I Don’t Care”, thanks to Choral Director Ms. Shamazov. The Tin Pan Alley piano diorama, a generous gift of The Songwriters Hall of Fame to Stuyvesant High School on behalf of Mr. Stephan, The East Coast Educational Chairperson for the SHOF, served as the aesthetic centerpiece for this inspiring event.See a full size photo collage here.
The Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project was founded to commemorate and invigorate learning about our living legacy: the birthplace of American popular music on West 28th Street, New York City’s historic Tin Pan Alley. The TPA Education Library's series of wraparounds offers iconic songs to teach for various grade bands and music ensembles. In addition to free educational resources, attendees will experience a musical presentation outlining approaches to "Teaching Tin Pan Alley: Grades K-12” by TPA Education Committee Chair, Robert Lamont, and a companion presentation on 21st Century Songwriting and A.I. by Stuyvesant Music & Technology teacher, Harold Stephan. Mr. Stephan offered a sneak preview of the newly installed Stuyvesant Media Lab for songwriting. The Lab is also home to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Tin Pan Alley piano.
