CPS Faculty Ensembles Celebrate Black Excellence

Cincinnati Public Schools’ music educators are taking center stage for an evening of artistry, collaboration and celebration.

On Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m., CPS faculty will perform in a special concert at the Walnut Hills High School Auditorium. The free event will feature about 80 teachers from the CPS Faculty Wind Ensemble, Faculty Choir and Faculty Strings in a powerful program honoring Black composers and celebrating Black culture.

The concert is the culmination of a full day of professional learning in collaboration with the Save The Music Foundation, a valued grant partner of CPS. The foundation provides musical instrument grants to schools across the country and is currently supporting CPS students with instruments at Oyler School, Roll Hill School and Evanston Junior High School.

As part of this partnership, Save the Music has brought nationally recognized educator and conductor Mickey Smith Jr. to Cincinnati to lead professional development for CPS band directors. During the day, three faculty ensembles will rehearse in preparation for the evening’s performance:

· Faculty Wind Band, conducted by Mickey Smith Jr.

· Faculty Choir, led by Jason Alexander Holmes of the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus

· Faculty Strings, self-conducted by CPS string educators

The result is a unique opportunity for CPS music teachers to grow professionally, collaborate across the district and model lifelong musicianship for their students.

Each ensemble’s repertoire will spotlight music written by Black composers, highlighting the depth, influence, and excellence of Black artistry in classical and contemporary traditions. The evening is designed not only as a performance, but as a celebration of culture, creativity and community.

By showcasing faculty talent and honoring Black excellence through music, CPS continues its commitment to providing rich, culturally responsive arts experiences for students and families.

Families, students, staff and community members are invited to experience an inspiring evening of music, and to celebrate the educators who are Here for Kids both in the classroom and on the stage.