Marshalltown Mixtape Unveils the Soul of a Community
In a small corner of Iowa, a group of students from Marshalltown Learning Academy (MAL) is making big waves. Addyson Kane, Gabriela Martinez, and Eva Guzman have embarked on a unique project. This project captures the essence of their community. It is called the Marshalltown Mixtape. This 30-second audio collage features interviews with various community members, offering a diverse tapestry of voices and perspectives.
Katherine Mummert, MLA’s dedicated high school English teacher, guided the trio. They delved deep into their community. They sought out insights from all walks of life. The result is a captivating snapshot of Marshalltown’s heartbeat. It is a blend of stories and experiences. These resonate far beyond its borders.
Kane and Martinez share the transformative impact of this effort. Kane reflects, “I get nervous to talk to people, but I get comfortable easily. You see new faces and talk to people. You realize that it’s okay to talk to people. You’ll be comfortable right away. I think it’s helped with a lot of things.” Many people have experienced this sentiment. They stepped out of their comfort zones and discovered the warmth of human connection.
Recording and crafting the mixtape was no small feat; it demanded a month-long dedication. Yet, the culmination of their hard work brought boundless joy. Martinez eloquently puts it, “To see it all edited and put together is really just… it’s like nice. It’s a good feeling to see it.” Their creation stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and the beauty that emerges from collaboration.
This venture aligns seamlessly with MLA’s vision of authentic learning. This curriculum urges students not only to absorb knowledge but to actively engage with their surroundings. Through the Marshalltown Mixtape, these students are preserving the essence of their town. They are also fostering a culture of openness and community involvement.
Their project wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of the Arts and Culture Alliance. Executive Director, Amber Danielson, shares her pride, stating, “We are so incredibly proud of these students. They are extremely creative and talented.” This project is the Arts & Culture Master Plan in action.” This commendation reflects the initiative’s impact. It affects both the students and the community they represent.
Looking ahead, this dynamic trio, along with Mummert, are gearing up for their next passion project – a podcast. Here, they plan to delve into topics of interest, with Taylor Swift holding a prominent spot on their list. This project promises to be another avenue for these young visionaries to share their unique perspectives and insights.
Marshalltown is a town brimming with stories. In its heart, these students have crafted an auditory tapestry. It resonates far beyond its borders. Through their work, they’ve demonstrated what is needed. Sometimes, all it takes is a microphone. You also need a willingness to listen. And you definitely need the courage to share.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/_oLWs8bT7Sk?si=hK1vrV9xJly16Kt8
- https://who13.com/news/marshalltown-students-create-an-uplifting-mixtape-for-their-community/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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