This edition of A Real Slow Drag for Concert Band (Grade 3.5) by Scott Joplin is an exciting step forward in music education! BaobaoTree LLC, under the leadership of its founder, Dr. Georgiary Bledsoe, created the Africentric Music Education Framework. The Framework is a systematic way of teaching and learning about African American contributions to American music through perspectives grounded in Black music culture. This arrangement, as with all BaobaoTree teaching tools, was designed to reflect core principles of the Africentric Music Education Framework.

Additional resources and pedagogical activities are available through BaobaoTree, including a companion guide to A Real Slow Drag for Concert Band. To learn more about BaobaoTree and the Africentric Music Education Framework, visit www.baobaotreelearning.com.

Words of Praise for BaobaoTree Teaching Tools:

A musical mosaic and a mirror that reflects the reality of life for black Americans, Anton Charles brings a new element to the music from Scott Joplin’s ragtime opera Treemonisha. This hauntingly beautiful concert band addition brings a unique and soulful mood to the overall effect. Joy and sorrow are forever intertwined in A Real Slow Drag for Concert Band.

— Mickie Smith, Jr., Director of Instrumental Music, The Greene School, West Palm Beach, FL
    2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient

What an exciting and grounding process this continues to be! Dr. Bledsoe, you are making a difference in the lives of teachers! Thank you for your work and your inspiration!

— Jason Alexander Holmes, Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir