Wacheva 2023-2024 dance & drumming SCHEDULE:
*Children with their parents & Adults classes
Children class resumes on Sat. Nov. 25
Sat. 11/25- KIDS DANCE/DRUM class: noon-1pm
Sat. 12/16 – KIDS DANCE/DRUM class: noon-1pm
Sat. 12/23 NO CLASS NO CLASS NO CLASS
Sat. 1/13- KIDS DANCE/DRUM class: noon-1pm
103 Wyoming street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (classes)
315-396-0748 (office)
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About our youth African dance and drum program from Ages 3-12:
“African dance and drum like in the Moonlight”
Project Description.
The program is a multidisciplinary approach to introducing youth to West African culture, and heritage through instruction in song, traditional dance, drumming, and historical lessons related to this art.
Students will be grouped according to age categories and lessons will be tailored to each group, and at the end of the program, perform front of their parents and community.
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
African dance and drum is recognized internationally as the first manifestation of African culture. It’s a profound display of the body, as well as a means of expression from the deepest place within one’s being. My vision is to raise awareness and expand the understanding of my culture through the expression and communication of this traditional folk art to unify people of all societies and cultures.
ACTIVITY:
There are two options:
Option 1:
All students will participate in learning African dance and drum. They will be separated into two groups -- one group is learning dance while the other group is learning drum. After some practice, the two groups then switch so each student experiences African dance and drum.
Option 2:
It can be only on each class group of dancers and group of drummers.
• Students will be told the name of the dance and drum rhythm that they will learn, it's place of origin and meaning.
• Each dance step or drum rhythm will be broken down to a simple form and taught in an A, B, C-style of instruction each day when there is class.
The teacher will verbally play the drum rhythm, much like beat boxing, so the students become familiar with this style of drum rhythm and dance movement before they dance with live drums.
• Once the students are able to dance by themselves the choreography, without the teacher showing each step, they will be taught an African song which they will sing before they dance.
The students will then repeatedly dance and sing to the beat of live drums.
Part 2: The students will sit down and learn about African culture. As a group, the teacher will explain to them the history of African dance and drum and how they play an intricate role in African culture. The students will learn the different names of the drums and dances and will have an opportunity to ask questions about Africa.
LEARNING GOALS:
The primary goal of the Arts-in-Education Children’s program is to teach students the importance of bridging cultures through the arts. African Dance and drum and their stories allow for a hands-on cultural experience through a unique educational interaction between students, the art and culture form, and its fascinating history; The program Provides students with an incredible multicultural experience and have a profound effect on the students.
African dancing: Learners are introduced to the fundamentals of the dance, songs and music of the tradition. Learners discover and explore the body as an instrument of self-expression through traditional African Dance styles and movement building self-confidence and discipline.
Learners engage in technique and musical composition essential to the dance form including rhythm, gestures, and storytelling. They are introduced to understanding the connection between music, dance, and the culture as expressed in Africa.
African drumming:This class explores the elements of musical techniques within African drumming including understanding polyrhythms, composition, melody, harmony, tones, pitches, basses, improvisation and arrangements. This class introduces the role of music within African culture. Learners use drumming as an instrument of self-expression through traditional rhythms building self-confidence and discipline. With their increased knowledge and repertoire, learners develop a personal signature in performance techniques.
EVALUATION
Students will be administered pre-tests at the start of the program to assess their current knowledge of West African history, cultural heritage and preconceived assumptions about the people and culture. Throughout the weeks, they will learn about various aspects of West African culture and will be administered the same test at the completion of the program. A successful outcome would mean that students have greatly increased their knowledge since the beginning of the program.
GROUP I: Ages 3-5 dancing and drumming
Students will learn basic drum background and basic drumming steps with songs.
GROUP II: Ages 6-8 dancing and drumming
Students will begin to learn Basic drum rhythms and traditionally dance steps. Students will also be introduced to various traditional instruments, songs, and history.
GROUP III: Ages 9-12 dancing & drumming
Students will begin to learn Basic drum rhythms and traditionally dance steps. Students will also be introduced to various traditional instruments, songs and history.