News & Testimonials
The Evolution of African American music is a journey from the drumbeats of Africa to the global dominance of Hip-Hop and R&B. Explore testimonials and press to learn more about EVAAM and its journey over time.
From the archive, 1979
“Bruce Henry is one of the most fun, engaging teaching artists that our district has ever had the pleasure of working with. He has a wide range of knowledge in both history and music and teaches with a passion and humor that sparked interest and enthusiasm in our students. His culminating live performance had our students and teachers dancing non-stop! Whether he is on stage or in the classroom, Bruce delivers with an excellence and vitality that spreads throughout schools. We look forward to working with him again!”
Fannie Medina
Teacher Professional Development in the Arts Program Coordinator, District 104, Argo, IL
“Our students loved The Evolution of African American Music. Students were so excited by the energy of the music they could barely stay still, and the best part was that they didn't have to. The performers invited students to come dance and join in the performance on the stage! The thing that impressed me most was that the presenter tailored his show to meet the needs of the two different age groups attending, keeping in very engaging for all ages.”
Teacher
James Ward Elementary, Chicago, Illinois
“For the many years that Bruce Henry brought his Evolution of African American Music residency to FAIR School (Crystal, MN), the outcome was always the same: implementation of a thorough and engaging curriculum, followed by a quality and informative performance. Henry is a knowledgeable educator and impresses all with his talent, skill, and enthusiasm for musical history. We were always happy to provide our community with such an amazing and comprehensive experience.”
Kevin Bennett
Principal of
The FAIR School, Winner of the Creative Ticket
National School of Distinction Award,
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
“Bruce's workshop was one for the ages––he exhibits the transformative power of singing.”
Ellen Stanley
Folk Alliance Region Midwest
(FARM)
Minneapolis, MN
Photo by Andrea Canter
Photo by Andrea Canter
“World-renowned Master Teacher and Master Jazz Singer, Mr. Bruce A. Henry’s curriculum, The Evolution of African American Music is informed by solid and well- rounded scholarship. Equally brilliant are his effective heuristic tools and emancipatory pedagogy. The Bruce Henry curricular journey leaves students enthralled and dramatically transformed.”
Tamrat Tademe, Ph.D
St. Cloud State University, MN
Photo by Andrea Canter
“Bruce brings African American history to life through his passionate and dynamic performance. Watching Bruce with my students was amazing!"
Madeline Elmhirst
Band Teacher Robbinsdale Middle School, Robbinsdale, MN
“The Evolution of African American Music was awesome. The students and staff were delighted. The performance was very interactive and kept everyone engaged.”
Principal
Johnson School of Excellence, Chicago, IL
