Curiosity is sparked and awe ensues when students discover that their teachers have gifts outside of the classroom. This is what happens when E.L. Haynes students watch ADAMARE, a band composed of teachers and administrators, perform. ADAMARE started in 2020 as a backing band for student performances and first included PK-4 Teacher Joe Robinson, ES Music Teacher Ben Byrd, ES Math Interventionist Giavanti Greenaugh, and Director of Professional Learning Alex Baron. Later that year, with the addition of MS Art Teacher Nate Harris and ES Culture Coach Claire Tucker, the band became complete.
When buildings reopened for in-person learning in SY 2021-22, the band was “even more driven to come together, both for the creative outlet and the social connection,” says Mr. Byrd. On merging their outside passions and their professions, Mr. Joe notes that “Claire has taught me that it’s really important for our students to see us as happy, thriving individuals, not just in our professions, but also with respect to our hobbies, the things we love, and the art we create. It has definitely helped me connect with students and families.”
“Claire has taught me that it’s really important for our students to see us as happy, thriving individuals, not just in our professions, but also with respect to our hobbies, the things we love, and the art we create. It has definitely helped me connect with students and families.”
Mr. Joe, PK4 Teacher and ADAMARE band member
ADAMARE has performed around the city at school events, Petworth festivals, and music venues. Their shows are family-friendly and draw audiences filled with E.L. Haynes colleagues, families, and quite a few students. The effect that experiencing an ADAMARE concert has on students is palpable. Judith, a fourth grader, says that “to watch ADAMARE perform was joyful. Ms. Tucker, she said my name in a performance!”
Elementary school parent Sonal B. has noticed that her sons Akesh and Roshan are “definitely proud of and excited for their teachers.” She added that seeing them “gives them a sense that there are so many possibilities open to them.”
Getting to see their teachers this way is a fairly novel experience, reflects Leo Z., a first grade parent, who remembers his teachers as “rarely seen or talked to outside of school.” He is glad that his son, Alexander, “gets to see the full picture. When ADAMARE performs at public events, it bridges classroom and neighborhood communities.”
“…When ADAMARE performs at public events, it bridges classroom and neighborhood communities.”
Leo Z., 1st Grade Parent
In both singing and teaching, Coach Claire embodies her belief that “collaboration is key to success.” She urges students to “listen to others’ ideas, communicate clearly, and respect differences. Working together means combining everyone’s strengths and being patient when things get tough.”
ADAMARE inspires people across the community. The band reminds Tashiyra Freeman, ES Literacy Specialist, that “in life, we get the opportunity to do things that make us happy, but it is ultimately up to us to make time and ensure these things happen.” Having seen her colleagues and friends perform several times, she has noticed that during their shows, “you can feel the love pouring from the crowd.”
ADAMARE embodies “choosing joy” on and off the stage, creating a fanbase of all ages that appreciates their unique sound and playful and positive sets. Check out their YouTube channel to follow their journey.
Written by Alana Canterbury | Alana is an elementary reading intervention teacher, Haynes parent, and Editorial Fellow. When she’s not rounding up kids for a reading session, you can find her with her nose in a book.
Editorial Fellows are E.L. Haynes staff with a penchant for storytelling, writing, and the visual arts. Fellows develop and publish original stories that amplify the many voices and perspectives of the E.L. Haynes community.