Steel Drumming at the Apollo: The Road to Super Top Dog
By Trish Marx
Photographed by Ellen B. Senisi
Hardcover: out of stock
Paperback: $13.95
Ebook
View the InterviewsAhmel, Aaron, Spencer, Dayshawn, Andre, Steven, Dha’Sean. Seven remarkable musicians in the Hamilton Hill Steel Drum Band. Seven high school friends who came together for the journey of a lifetime.
In January 2005 talent scouts from the world famous Apollo Theater came to Schenectady, New York, the boys' hometown. After beating out the competition there, the band went on to New York City to battle the best amateur acts in the country in front of the boisterous Apollo Amateur Night audiences. The competition got tougher; but, with their unique sound, the seven friends ignited the crowds into thunderous approval time after time. By December they had made it to the final face-off, the Super Top Dog show. Could the band now drum their way to the top?
Filled with the thrill of competition, the elation of winning, and the passion of pursuing a dream, Steel Drumming at the Apollo is a celebration of the power of music to unite and excite us all.
Check out activities and discussion questions to teach about and celebrate drums.
Bailamos Play audio track
You Can Make It
Flow
Breakdown 3:24 AM (Dedicated To Oshe)
The Beauty Of Words
A True Story
The Love Of Music
Just Push
Reviews & Comments
Ms. Yingling ReadsCarol's Corner
BayViews, Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California
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Parent:Wise Austin
School Library Journal
The Yellow Brick Road
The Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Kirkus Reviews
Kate Messner
About the Creators
Trish Marx - Author
has written several books for children. Marx specializes in nonfiction, especially current events and environmental issues—interests that stem from her background in teaching and journalism. Marx lives in New York City.
Ellen B. Senisi
is the photographer and author of several award-winning photo-essays for children. Specializing in candid photography, her work also appears regularly in educational publications, textbooks, and professional journals. Ellen’s ideas for stories come from listening to children and following them around with her camera, as she did for Bebop Books’ Shapes Where We Play and Counting Pumpkins. For Steel Drumming at the Apollo, chronicling the experiences of the Hamilton Hill Steel Drum Band was especially gratifying for Senisi since her son Steven is one of the band members. Senisi lives in Schenectady, New York. Her Web site is ellensenisi.com.
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About This Title
ISBN
Hardcover: 9781600601248
Paperback: 9781620142318
Guided Reading:
YLexile:
930LInterest Level:
Grades 3 - 6Reading Level:
Grades 4 - 4Themes
Nonfiction, Middle Grade, YA interest, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Responsibility, Overcoming Obstacles, Music, Mentors, Friendship, Dreams & Aspirations, Childhood Experiences and Memories, African/African American Interest, Art, Integrity/Honesty , Leadership, Optimism/Enthusiasm, Persistence/Grit, Respect/Citizenship, Self Control/Self Regulation, Pride
Part of These Collections
African American English Collection Middle School, Fluent English, Diverse Background English Collection Middle School, High-Low Books for Preteens (Grades 4-6), African American English Collection Grades 3-6, Fluent Dual Language , English Guided Reading Level Y, High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School,
