Breaking Racial Barriers: The Story of DC’s Todd Duncan

World Music Collective

This educational program teaches students about Todd Duncan, the first Black vocalist to sing with a major opera company and the first Porgy in Porgy and Bess. Duncan was also instrumental in desegregating audiences for Porgy and Bess performances in DC. The World Music Collective created and performed an original show highlighting Duncan’s life and contributions. To continue to teach students about Todd Duncan, this show has been adapted to bring his story directly to DC Public Schools.

Grade level: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th

Maximum attendees: 250

Program Outline:

Program:
5 mins: Compositional Process
5 mins: Song #1: Todd Duncan introduction
5 mins: History of Todd Duncan in D.C.
5 mins: Song #2: Roland Hayes with Todd Duncan
5 mins: Song #3: Dear Mr. Duncan
5 mins: Porgy and Bess: Why was it groundbreaking?
5 mins: Song #4: I’m on Board
5 mins: Song #5: Lungi Del Caro Bene
5 mins: Discuss Todd Duncan’s decision to require that venues desegregate audiences for Porgy and bess in order for him to perform
5 mins: Song #6: Dear Mr. Duncan Reprise / Instrumental
10 mins: Discussion – What did you learn today? What inspired you about Todd Duncan’s story?

Curriculum Goals:
General Music Standards Strand 5:3.5. H2: Identify and describe roles (past and
present) of musicians in and/or from Washington, D.C.
General Music Standards Strand 5:4.5. H3: Explain how experiences, surroundings, stories, and history are expressed through music.

Date Options:

To be scheduled with the teacher

Time Options: 60 minutes - to be scheduled with the teacher