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Students will be presented with an array of musical instruments from Native and Immigrant Cultures. By listening and observing the changes in music and musical instruments through history, before colo... Read more

Students will be presented with an array of musical instruments from Native and Immigrant Cultures. By listening and observing the changes in music and musical instruments through history, before colonial times to the present, from the contribution made by Native, Latino, European, and African immigrants that brought their music, songs, dances and instrumentation to their new home far away from their lands, they will have a big picture perspective on the effect of culture and integration. Instruments introduced are made from animal and natural materials and more advanced designs to demonstrate the evolution of history, and culture through music. Before starting the workshop the artist will ask students if there is anything in their environment that they can use to make music. Their answers will be recognized and expanded upon. During the workshop students will be asked to volunteer to try out some of the instruments being presented and to feel in their hands the natural materials and sounds they create. Instruments used include turtle shells, seashells, armadillo guitar, bamboo drums, natural hides, horns, whistles, strings, folk instruments of Africa and South America, guitar, and rattles among others. All instruments demonstrate the human relationship to their environment, each other, and our natural resources. They will be taught in small groups to play simple rhythms, songs and dance from the culture being discussed. Emphasis will be made on the effects of the encounter when cultures first come together and how their music is an example of historic transformation. At the end of the presentation students will be asked summarize their learning.

"I CAN use creatively the natural resources from my environment," "I CAN appreciate the acoustic properties of different materials," "I CAN summarize the use of the arts in historical and cultural c... Read more

"I CAN use creatively the natural resources from my environment," "I CAN appreciate the acoustic properties of different materials," "I CAN summarize the use of the arts in historical and cultural contexts, and get a taste for how cultures have influenced each other and evolved," "I CAN make a connection to the immigrant experience in the state of Connecticut," "I CAN understand the effects of migration on our global society and appreciate the value of diversity in innovation and cultural expression."

This program can also apply to the Spanish language subject area for listening and comprehension. This program needs to be in an open classroom with space for students to get up out of their seats and... Read more

This program can also apply to the Spanish language subject area for listening and comprehension. This program needs to be in an open classroom with space for students to get up out of their seats and play music, dance, and interact. A folding table or similar surface is required. This program can be presented to larger groups combined in a single class. For example to a whole grade level at a time.