Today in Mount Madonna School’s U.S. History class, sophomore students had a “guest speaker”: Lin-Manuel Miranda! Miranda is a composer, lyricist, singer, rapper, actor, producer, and playwright, widely known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton. As part of the College Board’s AP Master Class series, Miranda agreed to a live review session for students around the world who are taking the Advanced Placement United States History exam remotely from their homes later this month.
“I had my students Zoom in live with me so we could watch it together and discuss it afterwards,” shared teacher Tiffany Wayne. “It wasn’t so much AP test prep or tips that Miranda offered, but he gave a fascinating and helpful talk about how he
was inspired by historical events and used historical sources and documents in his own work, and how different sources might tell different parts of the story. At one point he explained how the songs and scenes for “Helpless” and “Satisfied” in the Hamilton musical tell two different sides of the same event, first from Eliza’s and then Angelica’s viewpoints.”
“Miranda shared, ‘Whoever’s closest to the action, gets to narrate that action’. As in theatre, so in writing history! It was fun and affirming for him to wish our students good luck on the exam,” said Wayne. “Thank you to Lin-Manuel Miranda for the pep talk for the AP U.S. History students!”
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Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.