By Kristin Rubisch | Communications & Marketing Manager
On Wednesday, May 11, a group of 45 Broome Street Academy students viewed the smash Broadway hit Hamilton and two BSA students performed their own history-inspired hip hop track before the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
BSA attended as a member of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History's Hamilton Education Program, a curriculum sponsored by The Rockefeller Foundation that uses the musical Hamilton to teach New York City students historical analysis techniques and the power of using art to tell history.
Hamilton, which racked up a whopping 16 Tony nominations, uses hip hop and other musical styles to communicate the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, a penniless immigrant from the Carribean who ascended to the heights of Revolutionary America through brilliance, drive, and eloquence. The musical's relatable story, diverse cast, and acclaimed tunes make it a valuable educational vehicle for BSA.
BSA is the only charter school participating in the Hamilton Education Program and was one of only a handful of schools whose students were invited to perform their own musical number.
Two BSA students, Tootie and Christopher, delivered a rap on the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791, which is considered a seminal event that demonstrated that American democracy could succeed. The New York Daily News described their song as a "sick 32-bar monologue" with "a wicked Doug E. Fresh-style beat."
BSA students also had a chance to participate in an exclusive Q + A with the Hamilton cast. A number of BSA students will also be going to interview Alexander Hamilton's biographer Ron Chernow.
Miranda, who graduated from a New York City public school and recently received a MacArthur "Genius" Award, described the event as "the best day of the year."
“If we can excite curiosity in students, there’s no telling what can happen next,” Miranda said previously about the Hamilton Education Program.
To see photos from the event, check out our "BSA Hamilton" Facebook Album.
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