McHenry Community High School students started the school day Wednesday, Feb. 21 with the jazz classic, “The Groove Merchant,” to celebrate Black History Month and the 2024 theme, “African Americans in the Arts.”
"The Groove Merchant" by Jerome Richardson and Thad Jones was written and first recorded by Richardson in 1967 and features trumpet, trombone, saxophone and clarinet solos. Members of the school’s jazz band performed it as students entered school for the school day.
Wednesday’s morning performance also included Black History Month bracelets handed out to students by members of the school’s Black Student Union club. The club has organized several events throughout the month, including a movie night and crossword activity during lunch periods at McHenry High School - Upper Campus.
In addition to club activities, high school teachers highlight aspects of Black History Month during classes.
To learn more about Black History Month, visit the page on the district's website. To see recordings of Wednesday’s performance, visit the MCHS page on Facebook or Instagram.