Maybe it’s naïve, but I would love to believe that once you grow to love some aspect of a culture–its music, for instance–you can never again think of the people of that culture as less than yourself. I would like to believe that if I am deeply moved by a song originating from some place other than my own homeland, then I have in some way shared an experience with the people of that culture. I have been pleasantly contaminated. I can identify in some small way with it and its people.
~ David Byrne
Njacko Backo
African Voyages Africains
Grades 1 to 8, 9 to 12 | maximum 150 | Available for morning visits only in 2015/16
Students play percussion instruments and learn traditional West African dance and singing responses as Njacko shares the music and stories of Cameroon, his West Africa homeland.
We Are One With the Drum
Grades 1 to 8, 5 day residency with student showcase | 3 classes maximum, 3 sessions/day | Available for morning visits only in 2014/15
Learn of village life in Cameroon while playing percussion instruments made from everyday objects and build a repertoire of African songs and dance steps.
Toum Kak, Chaa Chaa, Keeuk (Drums, Maracas and Bells)
Grades 1 to 8 | maximum 3 sessions/day | Available for morning visits only in 2014/15
Students make their own percussion instruments from recycled materials as they do in villages throughout Africa, and learn to play basic rhythms and beats. Materials required.
Gurpreet Chana
Tabla Fusion
Grades 4 to 8, 9 to 12 | Maximum 150
Discover the remarkable tabla with ALL our senses, within Indian traditional, classical and contemporary context including Soul, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop and Dance Hall – a wonderful way to introduce South Asian studies. Tabla workshop also available for a 5-day residency including student showcase. Limited availability.
Joy Lapps Lewis
From Skin to Steel and Beyond
Grades 3 to 6, 7 to 8 and 9 to 12, as solo maximum 100 students or as a 5-6 day residency with student showcases | 3 classes maximum, 3 sessions/day
From Skin to Steel and Beyond is a fun and interactive hands on workshop series exploring the steel pan. Students explore the rich history of steel pan and its present cultural and social contributions to communities throughout the world and locally. Instruments required – contact the MITS office for additional information.
Joy Lapps Lewis Trio
Grades 3 to 6, 7 to 8 and 9 to 12 | maximum 250
The Joy Lapps Lewis Trio explores Latin-Caribbean Jazz, with a hint of R&B and soul. Through their musical performance, students learn about the rich history of the steel pan. They are also engaged through interactive games, singing and movement. The ensemble features bassist Andrew Stewart, drummer Larnell Lewis and steel pannist Joy Lapps Lewis.
Muhtadi
Heartbeats
Grades 3 to 8, 9 to 12 | maximum 150 or 5 day residency with student showcase | 3 classes maximum, 3 sessions/day
Muhtadi introduces students to the heartbeat of all music featuring drums and rhythms from around the world as a performance or workshop where students learn the basic elements of rhythm, beat and playing as an ensemble. Performances are available for larger audiences with Muhtadi’s World Drummers. Workshop is available for a single visit or a residency including student showcase. Drums required – contact the MITS office for additional information.