Friday, October 30, 2026
Old Mill Road School in the North Merrick School District welcomed Matthew Hill Percussion on Oct. 19 for an interactive assembly celebrating Red Ribbon Week and encouraging students to make healthy choices.
Students took part in a performance inspired by West African musical traditions, with drums, dancing and singing. Members of Matthew Hill Percussion invited students on stage to play drums and participate in the performance.
Professional dancers also taught students a traditional West African dance while their classmates played rhythms on the drums. The assembly concluded with a surprise appearance by teachers, who joined the performers on stage to learn the dance.
Through music and movement, the assembly introduced students to West African cultural traditions while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, confidence and respect.
