Rhythms of Connection: A Celebration of Culture and Creativity

This year’s Cultural Connections Series at the Innovation Amphitheater has kicked off with a bang, celebrating its fifth anniversary in style! On Tuesday, Oct. 22, nearly 50 enthusiastic high school percussionists from our three band programs gathered for an electrifying master class led by the renowned Dr. Arvin Scott, a world-class percussionist and legendary drumming instructor.

For three exhilarating hours, these budding musicians immersed themselves in the vibrant rhythms of African and Afro-Caribbean drumming. Dr. Scott expertly guided them, transforming their newfound skills into an hour-long concert set, ready to dazzle an audience of 1,500 students just two days later.

Then came Thursday, when the amphitheater came alive with the sound of drums! Two spectacular world drumming concerts unfolded, captivating over 1,500 students who were treated to a unique arts-integrated field trip experience. Dr. Scott, alongside his newly trained drum band of Barrow student percussionists, filled the air with infectious beats that had everyone clapping and tapping along, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and excitement.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Georgia Council for the Arts for their generous funding, making these incredible events possible at no cost to the schools or students. We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors, including Zaxby's of Winder and Bethlehem, Akins Ford, and the Peach State Federal Credit Union CARES Foundation, whose support has been invaluable.

Adding to the magic, the live audio engineering was skillfully handled by students from the BASA Music Technology Program, under the expert guidance of Mr. Paul Thornton, ensuring that every beat resonated perfectly throughout the amphitheater.

Looking ahead, the next event in the Cultural Connections Series promises to be just as thrilling, with a visit from The Atlanta Shakespeare Company on April 1st. Students will have the chance to experience one of two daytime performances of Romeo & Juliet, blending the timeless art of theater with their educational journey.