Archives

The Frederick Douglass Writing Club

Frederick Douglass Writing Club brings history to life and ignites students’ creativity. Baba Bomani opens by introducing himself and his community through music, setting an energetic tone. He then dives into the remarkable story of Frederick Douglass, emphasizing how he “stole” his education and used literacy to escape slavery. Baba Bomani connects Douglass’ legacy to […]

It’s Alive! Stop Motion Animation

Students build films together while developing their media literacy, visual arts, ELA and social skills. Participants sculpt or build stop-motion characters and sets. They will set up a provided iPad camera and use free software to film and score their movies. Students will learn the techniques that will make their films clear, fun and eminently […]

Cajón (box drum)

This program is designed to introduce participants to the rhythmical magic of the cajón (box drum) as well as to the fascinating history and culture it carries within. Participants will learn basic techniques to play the most popular rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music. Depending on the length of the program, other percussion instruments like the quijada […]

Dancing Ourselves

Critically acclaimed Heidi Latsky Dance is passionately dedicated to reflecting the true diverse nature of the world we live in through accessible, thought-provoking, dynamic and rigorous dance works. We promote active/complete inclusion and challenging preconceived notions of who are generally accepted as dancers as a metaphor for life. During the assembly, we share our core […]

A Taste of Mosaic

In this workshop, students will learn a little bit about the history of mosaics and its importance in telling the stories of past civilizations. After learning about the history students will participate in a hands on experience of creating a small “Picassiette” style of mosaic using a variety of ceramic and glass tile. The resulting […]

B.A.R.S.: The Writing Process Through Rap

Students are taken on a fun, multimedia trip through the world of creative writing where they discuss the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing). Students will rap along to original, professionally released music created by Bomani, as well as songs highlighting his tips on how to be a better creative writer. There will […]

B.A.R.S.: The ABC’s of Hip Hop

Baba Bomani’s program uses rhythm and rhyme to explain basic reading and math concepts such as how to recognize syllables and showing how a rapper’s flow is simply a number bond math equation! Students have fun breaking and learning how to rap the alphabet backward, as well as learn crucial active listening skills and Black […]

Musiquita

Musiquita is a bilingual (English/Spanish) interactive educational music experience, appropriate for children of all ages and backgrounds, as well as kids at heart. The wife/husband duo features Blanca Cecilia González (violin/voice/uke/percussion) and Jesse Elder (piano/vocals/percussion/melodica). They perform originals, Latin Folk music, classical, jazz, pop, children’s classics and so much more! They have a play based […]

And Now I See: Race, Racism & American Music

Ball in the House’s brand-new show explores African American music, from Spirituals, Gospel, and Jazz to Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B.  Students will build awareness of where each style came from and why, as well as the cultural/social evolution of these styles and their influences and connect them to the contemporary styles of today. This is done […]