W. A. Higgins, the former Black high school in Clarksdale, now serves as the middle school for the entire community, and is unique in that they have a rock and pop music ensemble. While most middle schools have some sort of music, and a traditional band and choir are not uncommon, a pop music group of students officially sanctioned by the school is very rare indeed. Each year this group performs on one of the stages during Juke Joint Festival, and every year I am amazed by the quality of the talent from these very young students. Note also the pleasure that festival-goers get when their access to the stage is not ruined by fenced-off areas and $2000 VIP tables.
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