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The Fundamentals of Puerto Rican Folkloric Music: la Bomba y la Plena

This workshop, taught in both Spanish and English, provides educators with a fundamental understanding of Afro-Puerto Rican dance and drum culture through the rich musical heritage of Bomba y Plena. Educators will engage with Bomba y Plena’s history and culture and gain insight into how it is used to nourish resistance, healing, and community celebrations. […]

Songs in the Key of Love+Unity

Historically general and instrumental music education in the United States has been influenced most by Western and European cultural traditions and art. This in-person two-part workshop will be a dynamic experience designed to help teachers, administrators, and music and instrumental instructors enhance music instruction from a student-centered, diverse, and culturally responsive lens. Educators will: Experience […]

Cajón (box drums): Heartbeat of Africa in Peru and The Americas Workshop

This program is designed for participants to experience the rhythmical magic of the cajón (box drum) and become acquainted with its fascinating history. Participants will learn to play the most popular rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music using the cajón as well as other typical percussion instruments of Afro-Peruvian music, like the quijada (jawbone) and the cajita […]

And Now I See: Race, Racism & American Music

An entertaining, informative, and eye-opening show that celebrates the rich tapestry of African American music, from Spirituals, Gospel, and Jazz to Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B. Students will gain insight into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of each genre, tracing their influences through time. The show addresses the impact of racism on musical styles and […]

Sound Stories

This professional learning session provides a dynamic exploration of the sonic spaces and rhythmic worlds in which we inhabit through deep listening, sensory play, and hands-on collaborative learning. Educators will experience guided deep listening exercises and be invited to consider the many ways we make meaning of the sounds around us. Personal experiences will be […]

Joy Resides Here: An Interactive Justice Journey of Oral History/Telling and Diasporic African Drum and Dance Traditions

Uncover how Diasporic African Polyrhythms from Africa, Brazil and America create mechanisms for place-making. Experience a Porch Choreo-Story from a Historically Black Neighborhood while learning about the Great Migration. Oral History/telling practices allow us to document our own stories, and speak for ourselves. Using dance as text, students will dance a friendship quality in the […]