Florida State University’s Opening Nights in Class program is inspiring students across Leon County with unforgettable arts experiences. By bringing world-class performers into classrooms, the initiative sparks creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation for the arts among young learners, all at no cost to schools or families.
“Opening Nights in Class provides us with a great opportunity to work with the amazing educators and administrators in Leon County Schools to bring outstanding artists to our community classrooms,” said Jordan Phillips, education and engagement manager for Opening Nights. “This semester’s artists demonstrated just how transformative arts experiences can be for students.”
This fall, nearly 2,500 students connected with artists including Hubby Jenkins, New Jazz Underground, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson and Bassel & The Supernaturals through interactive, curriculum-aligned performances, workshops and master classes.
“Opening Nights in Class is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “When students learn directly from world-class artists, you can see their curiosity spark in real time. These experiences expand their sense of what’s possible, not just in the arts, but in themselves.”
Hubby Jenkins, a multi-instrumentalist expert in old-time American music, visited Buck Lake Elementary School, Apalachee Elementary School, Griffin Middle School and Godby High School. His storytelling and musicianship brought history to life, leaving students with a richer understanding of the cultural traditions that shaped the music they hear today.
New Jazz Underground performed for performing arts magnet students at Raa Middle School. The trio merged traditional jazz with modern influences like hip-hop and Afro-Latino music, offering students a look at professional improvisation.
November featured a residency by OkCello, whose artistry integrates cello performance, live-sound looping and storytelling. Visiting six schools — including Chiles High, Deerlake Middle, Lincoln High, Bond Elementary, Springwood Elementary and Astoria Park Elementary — OkCello delivered an experience that encouraged bold artistic exploration.
“Having students see someone like OkCello perform for them is incredibly impactful, opening up the possibilities of what it means to be a musician,” said Scott Leaman, secondary music curriculum developer for Leon County Schools. “After that performance, we had students who started to ask about composition, music technology, performance and storytelling, all inspired by his incredible engagement with them.”
The semester concluded with Bassel & The Supernaturals, who visited four schools: Kate Sullivan Elementary School, Fairview Middle School, Hartsfield Elementary School and the Gretchen Everhart School. Their blend of soulful melodies and personal narratives highlight how identity shapes contemporary music through active listening, thoughtful discussion and cross-curricular connections through themes of identity, community and expression.
“The live music and interactions with the instruments and performers are so valuable for our students who wouldn’t have had this opportunity had it not been for the Opening Nights in Class program,” said Gretchen Everhart School Principal Jane Floyd Bullen. “The performers quickly realize how much our students enjoy their music and actively engage with them in a very meaningful way.”
With 15 schools visited, including eight Title I schools, the program is making the arts accessible. The spring semester promises to continue this momentum with five new artists slated to visit Leon County Schools.
For more information, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/education/.