Archives

Latin Rhythms

Latin Rhythms is a dynamic percussion residency designed to introduce students to the rhythmic foundations of Latin American music while fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural understanding. Throughout the residency, students begin by learning essential rhythmic building blocks, the foundational patterns that shape many Latin genres. Through immersive, hands-on instruction, they internalize pulse, subdivision, syncopation, and […]

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. […]

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 […]

B.A.R.S.: The ABCs 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 […]

The Magic of Storytelling

  ​In the winter time, the people gather around the fire waiting to hear the stories that they will later tell the next generations. Stories represent various aspects of human life. Often with a touch of humor and vividness, these tales teach us how we should behave, how things came to be and to give […]

Sound Stories

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

Cajón (box drum): Heartbeat of Africa in Peru & The Americas

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 […]

Joy Resides Here: An Interactive Justice Journey of Oral History & African Diaspora 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 […]

Afro-Puerto Rican Folkloric Music: la Bomba y la Plena

Segunda Quimbamba is a cultural gem based in Jersey City. Led by Master Drummer Juan Cartagena and Master Dancer Nanette Hernández, the band performs and teaches Afro-Puerto Rican folkloric music La Bomba and La Plena, honoring their ancestors and heritage through practicing this preservation. The call-and-response music creates a collaborative artistic space in Bomba for […]