The York School 2024/25 Year in Review - Music at York: Challenge Week in New Orleans

The goal of The York School’s IB Music program is to foster a lifelong appreciation for music in its many forms. Students from JK to Grade 12 embrace meaningful opportunities to develop their vocal and instrumental skills, explore the connections between music and identity, immerse themselves in cross-cultural learning, and perform for their family members and friends. 

We’re excited to share some of the unique-to-York learning experiences that our passionate faculty members led during the 2024-25 school year.
This was the eighth year that Grade 10 Music students immersed themselves in Louisiana’s rich musical culture by spending May Challenge Week in New Orleans. On their first day in the city, the students attended the city’s annual Jazz & Heritage Festival and heard world-class musicians performing jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, Afro-Caribbean, country, bluegrass and a variety of other musical genres. Throughout the trip, students participated in music workshops and performed in public places like Jackson Square, right in the heart of the French Quarter. They also visited the New Orleans Jazz Museum and enjoyed delicious local cuisine.

One of the highlights of the trip was recording two songs with professional musician Herlin Riley. Donations to the Annual Fund made this experience possible.


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