Castle of Our Skins | Curriculum Creator
Boston Public Schools Collection & Educational Curricula
A collection of six culturally responsive music education curricula developed for Castle of Our Skins, accompanying commissioned choral and wind ensemble works by Black composers and an exploration of Malcolm X's life and legacy. Created to support educators and young musicians, these interdisciplinary resources connect musical performance with Black history, cultural identity, social justice, and creative expression.
Meet the curricula
IN CONVERSATIONAdaptable and ready-to-use in music classrooms for students of all ages.
— UCLA Library — Music Inclusion Hub resource listing
About the Project
In collaboration with Castle of Our Skins, a Boston-based arts organization dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music, Alexis Peart developed a collection of culturally responsive, interdisciplinary music education curricula for K–12 students and young musicians, with materials adaptable to different grade levels and learning environments.
Created to accompany musical works and educational initiatives, these resources bridge music education with history, literature, cultural identity, and social justice. Through historical research, guided listening, discussion prompts, and creative activities, each curriculum encourages students to engage critically and personally with the music while developing a deeper understanding of its artistic and cultural context.
Alexis's work includes curriculum development for Castle of Our Skins' Boston Public Schools Collection, featuring commissioned works by Black composers for student ensembles with accompanying lesson plans, as well as educational materials exploring the life and legacy of Malcolm X in connection with Anthony Davis's opera X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.
Designed for educators, students, and community organizations, these curricula aim to make music education more inclusive, accessible, and representative of the diverse voices that have shaped classical music and American history.
Curriculum Portfolio
Boston Public Schools Collection
Audience: K–12 student musicians, including high school ensembles
Developed in partnership with Boston Public Schools, this collection pairs commissioned choral and instrumental works by Black composers with culturally responsive curriculum guides. Designed for student musicians at varying levels of musical proficiency, the resources provide educators with interdisciplinary lesson plans, guided listening activities, historical context, and opportunities for creative exploration.
Curricula Developed:
Peace, Peace, My Soul — Maria Thompson Corley (Choral; high school/collegiate content level)
In My Skin — Darius Edwards (Wind Ensemble)
Safari Jams No. 1: Mandjani Dance — Fred Onovwerosuoke (Wind Ensemble)
Road Trips — Che Buford (Wind Ensemble)
Lucky Me — Marcus Norris (SATB Choir)
X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X
Audience: Grades K–12
Developed to accompany the recording of Anthony Davis's landmark opera X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, this interdisciplinary curriculum introduces K–12 students to Malcolm X's life, legacy, and enduring influence through history, music, and storytelling.
Featuring adaptable lesson plans, student worksheets, and creative activities, the guide encourages exploration of identity, racial justice, political activism, and artistic expression across a range of classroom subjects.
Curriculum Samples
To request curriculum samples or inquire about curriculum development and educational collaborations, please email alexisnoellepeart@gmail.com.
Learn more: Castle of Our Skins