Last month, we launched what will hopefully be an annual program called the Cultural Arts Program. We brought back visiting artists Dadha da Hora and Papiba Godinho, from the Santa Cruz based band Samba Dá. If you recall, they were here for a kids camp this past summer in Mammoth Lakes.
The camp was so amazing we decided to turn the program into an in-school cultural arts program, where the students would spend a week learning about Brazilian Culture through Capoeira, Song, Dance, Art, and Percussion. We launched the program in our smaller district, the Eastern Sierra Unified School District, where over 250 students in grades Kindergarten - 8th grade participated in this richly interactive program. Each school had about 3-4 hours of rehearsal/learning time throughout the week for each group of students, and the end result was a fantastic assembly performance by each group at the end of the week.
Each student decorated their own "Bucket Drum" in honor of the upcoming Carnival in Brazil, which they were able to keep and take home. "I was so impressed with all the students. From how quickly they learned the complex rhythm patterns to how welcoming and respectful they were towards our visiting artists. I truly hope we can make this program an annual offering for all Mono County students." Kristin Reese, MAC Executive Director
As a bonus, we were able to offer two nights of adult Afro Dance and Drum workshops at both the T-Bar Social Club (thank you for donating your venue!) and our MAC Gallery & Arts Center.
We would like to thank Chris Lizza, Dave Marquart & Connie Henderson, the Andruss Motel, and Mono County for their contributions that made this program possible. If you would like to see this program continue and expand to more schools, please consider making a donation today.
Comments