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School
Programs and Assemblies
The school programs are designed specifically to expose and familiarize
the audience with various aspects of Afrikan culture by introducing them
to the history, terminology, and healing therapy techniques. This
program also explores ways of stimulating the audience through direct
participation and further exposes the students to Afrikan culture and
musical instruments.
Regardless of the level,
everyone benefits from this program. Each school program targets a
different aspect of the basic positive values that are shared by all.
It reaches out to the youth and provides them with an insightful look
into the Afrikan and Afrikan-American cultures. Through call and
response exercises, students learn Kiswahilli, a value system and songs.
There are always important messages translated through the programs.
And students get to participate through dance, song and open discussion.
This program has been tremendously successful
and very popular in the schools because it also allows the educators to
get involved as leaders and help set examples for the youth. It
stimulates the students, faculty and staff to dance and sing while
learning about the healing therapies of dance and drum.
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Workshops
A variety of workshops are available on various topics such Afrikan
dance, costume making, instrument making including the shakere and
traditional Afrikan percussions, drumming , and
storytelling.
 The dance workshops include an extensive warm-up and
instruction in the techniques, song and explanation of movements for
specific dances.
The
workshops also include the history of the dance and drum orchestra.
The drum workshops include an extensive warm-up and understanding of
breathing techniques, hand positions, and pulling different sounds out of
the Afrikan drums. Movement is always accompanied by live drumming
and is an essential element. Workshops are done for all levels and ages.
Workshops done on an ongoing basis are extremely detailed. Students
wear Afrikan fabric, use traditional instruments and receive personalized
instruction. All workshop schedules can be designed to your
specifications and as scheduling allows.
Our
workshops are unique because we have organized a curriculum that
incorporates the elements and spirit of Afrikan music as well as a strong
foundation for learning unity, self-determination, creativity, cooperative
economics, and many other self-esteem building ideas. Everyone gets
involved in all aspects of the workshop, and a planned performance before
family and friends is presented at the end of each workshop.
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Lectures
and Storytelling
The lectures and demonstrations are developed to provide an overview of
the meaning and purpose of Afrikan dance and drum. This program is
designed for all i.e.- general viewing audiences, community, civic, and
religious organizations, corporations and businesses.
Demonstrations on drum techniques, history, and sounds of different
Afrikan instruments allow the audience to gain a greater understanding of
this art form. This program also explores the evolution of some of
the ancient West Afrikan instruments to its modern day counterpart.
Demonstrations in Afrikan dance techniques uncover the meanings behind
movements. There will always be opportunity to experience the healing
powers of Afrikan dance and drum by participation in exercises developed
for all levels and ages.
Lectures
on various subject matters introduce audiences to Afrikan philosophies,
dealing with arts, science, value systems, and healing therapies. This
program allows interactive discussion and is available on limitless
topics. The art form of storytelling is often incorporated in lecture
styles and dates back to our “griots” that were the original
storytellers. They would bring the news to the villages, give the
history of family lineage or engage in musical dialogue. Our
storytelling program takes ordinary prose, and makes images dance in your
head. Always relaying a positive message, this program blends
original stories with old themes to create an exciting time.
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Concerts
Concerts are designed to provide the audience with a unique and insightful
look into the traditional ceremonies of West Afrika. Concerts are
performed on a variety of subjects and themes. Using thrilling and
exciting choreography, colorful costumes, and exciting rhythms, we take
you on a journey through time. Sounds of Afrika is available to
participate in concerts, theatrical productions, and programs that will
enhance the quality of your program. Specifics on concerts will need
to be worked out in detail with the program director.
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Kwanzaa
Although, the Kwanzaa holiday is celebrated from December 26th through
January 1st, Sounds of Afrika performs these ceremonies throughout the
year. This non-religious, non-heroic, non-political holiday is very
popular because everyone can practice the values.
Kwanzaa
was founded by Dr. Maulanga Karanga as the first holiday of its kind.
It incorporates the Afrikan harvest, feasting, and stresses unity and
self-esteem. It begins with the pouring of libations, then the lighting of
the candles, and as the ceremony begins, all are transported into a
spectacular world.
The
holiday focuses on the “NGUZO SABA”, which means seven principles.
The seven principles are explained during the ceremony to familiarize the
audience with the value system. This segment includes a call and response
session where active participants learn Kiswahilli words, sing songs, and
provide feedback for discussion. The seven principles explained in detail
and Kwanzaa programs are high-energy excitement for everyone, with
brilliant costumes, exciting rhythms, and jubilant songs. The program
incorporates storytelling, music, dance, and ceremony. As with every
program, active participation is encouraged. An informative guide to
Kwanzaa is provided for performance to better acquaint audiences with the
language and purpose of the holiday.
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