AFRICUSSION’S SCHOOL AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS

 

AFRICUSSION's school and public programs for people of all ages has won them many followers. Their program create a safe and sensitive environment using drumming, percussion, dance, masks, costumes and traditional storytelling to build self-confidence, support strong value systems, and improve physical grace and motor skills. Students, teachers and staff all join in the activities. AFRICUSSION encourages participation, spontaneity and creativity in an atmosphere of fun and acceptance.

AFRICUSSION also offers an Arts-in-Education program of classroom visits, which follow a large assembly. They bring African cultural experience into the academic environment and inspire their students with the great potential of learning. Workshops can be tailored for developmentally challenged, visually and /or hearing impaired students.

 

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

 

 Agoo and Amee:
Students experience Ghanaian drumming, dance, costumes and stories of village life.  Rhythm instruments are handed out to students and they learn simple group dances. All are encouraged to value and integrate their own heritage into their learning and living experience.

 

Kwaku Anancy,Ananse, Anancy: (Folktales)
This event uses music and stories, games, questions and answers to communicate sound values. Themes can include learning self-discipline, respecting elders, communing with nature, listening to your conscience and getting along with others.

 

African Culture Lecture/Demonstration 
AFRICUSSION shares stories and explanations of traditional Ghanaian village life relating to students' modern life. Appropriate for geography, history, social studies and cultural awareness classes.

 

AFRICUSSION’s Educational Experiences in Traditional Culture and the Arts.

1) (Bomukasa and Asa ) Fundamentals of Drumming and Dancing
Students are introduced to traditional African culture through music, dance and stories of village life. They learn to apply these lessons to creativity, self-expression and quality of life.

 

Residency: African Dance and Music Workshop

Description: Traditional West African Dance and Drumming

Objectives:

·        Students will understand the significance and meaning of gestures and movements used in traditional Ghanaian dance rituals.

·        Students will learn to execute the movements of a basic traditional dance.

·        Students will be introduced to the basic elements of traditional drumming rhythms and the nuances of drum language.

·        Students will learn the words, meaning and melody of a traditional call and response song and participate in singing.

·        Students will perform as a group the dance at the end of the day’s session.