This program is designed to introduce educators (K-12) to the fascinating history, culture, and rhythmical magic of the cajón (box drum). Participants will learn to play the main rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music as well as typical songs that will be easy to learn by Spanish as well as non-Spanish speakers. Participants will also explore the use of oral tradition and Western music notation to learn and teach this music, as well as the use of different resources, including found objects, to be able to teach these rhythms in their own classroom. Finally, along with TA, Educators will imagine different applications for the needs of individual classrooms while considering the collective impact on school climate and culture. No musical background is necessary to enjoy and/or implement many of the techniques presented in this session.

Learning Intentions:

Educators will:

• Engage with the history, culture, and materials of the cajón.
• Transform everyday boxes into musical instruments.
• Learn to learn basic rhythms.
• Use improvisation to create original music.

YA Connections:

• NJSLS-VPA: Artistic Process; Creating
• Anchor Standard 1: Conceptualizing & Generating Ideas
• NJSLS-VPA: Artistic Process Responding
• Anchor Standard 7: Perceiving and Analyzing Products

When you pair this program with Hector Morales’s workshop or assembly, Hector provides teachers with the in-classroom support implementing creative teaching practices, what they have learned into practice.