Local author bringing Somali tradition into classrooms with new songbook

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Wednesday November 22, 2023
By Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown


Qorsho Hassan poses for a portrait inside The Coven coworking space in St. Paul on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.Ben Hovland | MPR News

What do you remember from music class? Learning the xylophone and the recorder? Singing folk songs in unison with your classmates? Maybe a holiday concert or two?

A new book by two Minnesota educators could become part of those traditions. It’s called “The Rhythm of Somalia: A Collection of Songs, Stories, and Traditions.”

Qorsho Hassan is an educator, researcher, community organizer and Minnesota’s 2020 teacher of the year. She co-wrote the book alongside fellow educator Becca Buck. Qorsho joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer. 

Click HERE to listen to the full interview.



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