For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 29, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Greater Lawrence Tech Junior Performs Historical Rap During Special Trip to ‘Hamilton’ 

ANDOVER — GLTS junior Jahmo Chavez got the opportunity to showcase his musical talents when he performed a historical rap during a trip to see “Hamilton.”

On Oct. 18, 200 students at GLTS attended a special matinee performance of “Hamilton” — a musical about Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers — at the Boston Opera House for just $10 a ticket.

The opportunity is part of a program through the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, which works with the show’s producers and schools to pair history and musical performance into a unique educational experience for students, especially those in low-income areas.

Last year, GLTS history teacher Sarah Gore applied for the program and was granted 220 tickets (for students and chaperones) to see the musical.

Students interested in attending the performance were required to complete the EduHam curriculum, which included creating an original musical piece using primary sources. The project mimicked the work of “Hamilton” playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, who used the 2004 biography of “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow to create the box office hit.

At the end of the curriculum, work from one student at each of the 30 participating schools was submitted to “Hamilton” producers, and out of the group, 12 were selected to perform in front of their peers during their trip to the Opera House.

Chavez, of Lawrence, created a rap about the Boston Tea Party, speaking from an American’s point of view, and earned one of the coveted spots. Watch Chavez’s submission video here.

“Out of all the projects I received, Jahmo’s offered a really amazing combination of historical information and entertainment value,” Gore said. “I knew this was a special project for Jahmo as well given his theater background, so needless to say, his project did not disappoint.”

Once on stage in Boston, Chavez was met with cheers and applause from the crowd as he eloquently moved from verse to verse. His performance even caught the eye of Nicholas Christopher, the actor who plays Aaron Burr.

“He said that my performance inspired him,” recalled Chavez. “When I was first selected to do this, my heart dropped. I’ve never performed in front of that many people in such a beautiful place, but I know that music is powerful and it’s something I plan to continue to pursue.”

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