Members of the Rayville Junior High School Library Club took a field trip Feb. 13 to the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame and the Arcade Theatre in Ferriday.
The purpose of the trip was to research and learn more about African American music in the Delta region of Louisiana. Because February focuses on celebrating Black History Month, students researched African American music traditions and their impact on culture.
“The students are reading several books in the library about African Americans and their impact on music,” reading and library teacher Torrie Britton said. “They also learned how African American singers often used their voices as instruments during that time.”
Library Club members researched several musicians, including Thomas Dorsey, Leon Whittaker and others who came to Ferriday to perform at events. Whittaker, an African American musician, was born in Newellton but later lived in Ferriday.
During the visit, students learned how African American musicians performed many types of music, including rhythm and blues, Cajun and gospel. They also discovered more about the history of African American music in Northeast Louisiana.
While touring the museum, students viewed artifacts and exhibits that included musical instruments, albums, records, clothing and souvenirs such as posters and signs left behind by musicians who performed in Ferriday.
Students also learned about famous blues musicians who performed at Haney’s Big House in Ferriday during the 1950s and early 1960s. Among the well-known performers who appeared in the area were Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Bessie Smith and Muddy Waters.
Students attending the trip included Jasmine Gee, Krishalynn Brown, Michael Kelly, Jeremy Robinson, ZyTerrious Griffin, Ari Hill, Znyiah Keys, Chalen Ricks, Javin Gee, Mackenzie Lockhart, Mackenzie Ball, Mackenzie Murray, Au’Brianna Wilson, Ahmiya Jackson, Willie Davis, Thurston Seaberry, Kadrielle White, Amariah Holmes, Malik Gaskew, Aaliyah Miles, Demarion Fletcher, Amori’anna Martinez, Eugene Combs, Amori’anna Watkins, Jada Mathis, Shi-layhia Washington, La’Chevi Carroll, John Callaway, Jasear Cook, Louisiana Green and Halie Parker.
Britton said he would also like to thank the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame and Arcade Theatre curators and tour guides, as well as bus driver Tommy Woodson.
