Explore the origins of the basic beat patterns and the different types of drum sounds still relevant in today’s music. We will explore and showcase how music is a part of a global family. We will make the connections from the original basic beat patterns from the drum and the different types of drum sounds and show how this beat pattern can still be recognized in today’s music through the DJ. We will also highlight the influence of the DJ and turntablism (aka the art of dj’ing) and use different techniques to manipulate and create sounds. Students who in engage in this workshops will

 • Draw the correlation between the sound and beat pattern of the drum and link it to the DJ.

 • Learn specific drum strokes and specific DJ techniques that will be explained throughout the session. 

• Learn the origins of the DJ and their impact on music • Learn about the basic constructs of the drum and the turntable 

Recommended for open space room/gym assembly style presentation of 100+ students

Explore the origins of the basic beat patterns and the different types of drum sounds still relevant in today’s music. We will explore and showcase how music is a part of a global family. We will also look to highlight the Djembe, Congo & Conga drum and associated sister instruments and its influence on music from Africa, Latin America & West Indies. Students who engage in this workshop will 

• Understand the constructs of the drum • Understand the cultural and historical importance of drum to music and various ethno-communities around globe (Migration of sound through the drum) 

• Learn about typical activities that happen in an African Village 

• Use tableaus to demonstrate their learning 

Recommended for small – mid size group 25 - 50 students

The Spoken Word of Black History Spoken Word is rooted in the storytellers and griots of ancient black cultures. Its more contemporary form came out from the Black Civil Rights Movement. The Spoken Word of Black History will engage students in learning and engaging with black history in a creative and self-expressive way. Students will discuss the spoken word art form while simultaneously learning how to express their thoughts, feelings in an interactive way. Students who engage in this workshop will 

• Have a deeper understanding of the history of the spoken word art form and its importance in Black History 

• Engage in critical discussions around topics in black history and understand how this relates with their own present day lives and realities 

• Engage in the creative writing process and learn healthy ways/outlets to express themselves and bring thoughts to fruition 

• Develop skills in public speaking and confidence through presenting their pieces to their peers 

Recommended for small – mid size group 25 - 50 students

This exciting workshop will showcase the role DJ’s and dancers have played in the lives of African Canadians/ Americans & Afrikans around the world. The workshop will also reveal how Hip hop dancing with its different styles is an essential element of communication and expression as an art form and how this dance movement history is tightly linked to music in general and the DJ. Students who engage in this workshop will 

• Students will learn how dancing has played an integral role in contemporary/pop and urban music 

• Students will learn about dance history and the migration of dance from around the globe 

• With the dance component we will also highlight how dance can be used to express oneself in a positive manner. 

• Students will learn how dance and its linkages to the role of the DJ 

Recommended for open space room/gym/assembly style presentation of 100+ students

In this session we will fuse several artistic elements and explore the connections between the drum and the basic beat patterns as it relates to the DJ. As we continue to expand on this thread we will also introduce the concept of spoken word/poetry and engage youth around self identity, empowerment and how students can express themselves through spoken word performance poetry. We will examine spoken words history/origins and show how it’s a relevant component to rapping, singing and dance. Students who engage in this workshop will

• Taken on a historical journey of various art forms and shown how they are linked together

• Learn about history and the socio-political world by using art and making it relevant

• Be introduced to other“non-traditional/popular”Afro-centric history and figures and provide strong, culturally appropriate role models • Draw connections of how the various art forms are independent and co-exist

Recommended for open space/gym/assembly style presentation of 100+ students