Each Playshop:
50 - 60 minutes
Cross-cultural, Interdisciplinary, Interactive.
Can accommodate up to 200-300 students, but smaller is better .
All props are provided: Authentic intruments and the dragon for
the "Dragon Dance." The school provides the PA system, and a
piano if the Caribbean program is selected.
Dr. Abe's Playshops for Schools
Enter the Dragon: An Introduction to Chinese Music, Culture and Dragon Lore
El Merengue: A Caribbean Song Dance Form
Students learn simplified rhythms on authentic instruments: gu (drum), bo (cymbals), and luo (gongs) as well as basic steps of the dragon dance. Some students perform the dance as others provide instrumental accompaniment. In the process, students learn the concept of tonal language identify and reporduce tones of Mandarin Chinese and discover differences between the Western and Asian concepts of the mythical dragon discuss color symbolism in a cross-cultural context
Simpified, yet authentic rhythms are taught on the tambora (a drum), guiro (a scraper), and sencerro (cowbell). Students learn the basic steps to this couple dance from the Dominican Republic. We put it all together in a bilingual call and response song written by Dr. Abe called "El Merengue." In the process, students: Learn some Spanish phrases and are introduced to the concept of melorhythm, Recognize the musical and social relationships between various musical instruments, Identify the African, Spanish and Native American components of the merengue understand the historical context in which this song dance form evolved.
Students learn a traditional children's stone passing song-game, of the Akan people, of Ghana. In the process, students learn:
The relationship between tonal languages and the talking drums
A few phrases in Twi, one of the national languages of Ghana
Simplified rhythms on the dunno (talking drum), and other traditional instruments the meaning of the song, as discussed in terms of its cultural context
This program is excellent for elementary school age children.
African Rhythms of Life is a great program for elementary school age children. El Merengue and Enter the Dragon are both excellent for elementary and middle school students. El Merengue is best for high school students. All programs are adjusted to the intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities of each age group.
Funding is often available via the PTA, community cultural programs and anti-drug programs.
"The assembly was the best show I have ever seen. I hope for Mr. Abe to return to our school next year."
-4th grader, John Adams School, North Brunswick, NJ
Playshops
African Rhythms of Life
