(January 13, 2022) Grammy-nominated and award-winning saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr. has joined the Rochester City School District as a per-diem substitute music teacher. The world-renowned jazz musician will be mentoring music teachers and students at Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7.
Highsmith Jr. has shared the stage with and opened for multiple Grammy winners, including Alicia Keys and Wynton Marsalis. He has recorded 11 top-selling smooth jazz CDs that have sold worldwide. Highsmith Jr. will use his talents to help those involved in the school's band.
“As a city resident, I feel I have an obligation to support kids from the RCSD,” said Highsmith Jr, who is a graduate of School of the Arts. “If I can support them through music, I want to do that. The kids need it, and I want to be there when I can to support them. I wish I could do more.”
“This is just another great reason for students to come to school,” said School No. 7 Principal Dave Lincoln. “This will help scholars to build community, culture, and improve their social-emotional learning.”
Highsmith Jr., who will spend two days a week as a per diem substitute, has volunteered as a member of Fathers Initiating Restorative Engagement (F.I.R.E.), where dads have been serving as positive role models for RCSD students at school during arrival, lunch, and dismissal times.
For anyone interested in applying to become a substitute teacher or for other positions within the Rochester City School District, please visit this website.
