Courtesy photo The Gladstone High School Band poses for a photo. These students, as well as others in the Gladstone Area Public School District, will have an opportunity to learn from percussionist and arts educator Lorne Watson.

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Area Public Schools were awarded the Arts in Education Residency grant for $8,194 from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). This award brings percussionist and arts educator Lorne Watson into the schools to present his World Music and Percussion residency program.

This is the second time Watson has been awarded this grant. Last year, he was in residence with the Escanaba Public Schools. He has also held residencies for The Seattle Public Schools, New York Public Schools, California Institute of the Arts, Alma College, Cornell University and Ithaca College, among others.

Lorne will work with pre-K through 12th grade music classes in January and February of 2019. The residency stared on Jan. 11 with junior high and high school choir and band classes directed by Gina Anderson. In February, it will continue in the elementary music classes directed by Joe Hellberg. Lorne will be sharing his knowledge and experience of Afro-Cuban, African and Brazilian music through his original arrangements created specifically for the students in Gladstone.

“It’s an honor to receive this grant.” Watson says. “This residency is an opportunity for students to learn about world cultures through music, and it helps me refine my teaching skills.”

The music presented will include traditional African Yoruban songs for Eleggua and Yemaya, rumba style music from Cuba including Yambu and Mozambique, traditional Latin songs Guantanamera, Besame Mama, Che Che Cole and the Latin jazz standards Watermelon Man and Afro-Blue.