What We Do
Our Djembe Orchestra program is currently delivering the course The Great Mali Empire which exposes students to the culture and history, particularly relating to Mansa Musa and Sundiata through the study and technical training on West African Drums. This course addresses the Social Studies goals of the Compass by tailoring instruction to meet schools’ goals about the study of world cultures.
West African Dance introduces participants to the history and culture of The Great Mali Empire through movement. This course addresses the Social Studies goals of the Compass by tailoring instruction to meet schools’ goals about the study of world cultures.
African American cuisine is legendary. This course offers a look at Black heritage through the lens of the kitchen. Students will learn traditional recipes, new takes on old favorites, and how we are connected across the Atlantic and the Diaspora through food.
New Orleans is known for Second Lining, Chicago for Stepping, and D.C. for Go-Go. Baltimore's hometown groove is Club. This class will teach students about ethnic groups, and their signature dances and music, from the continent of Africa to the city we live in.
Rios's Carnival has made Samba world famous. Baltimore's marching band dance is the local equivalent. In this class, students will learn the basics of dance for Marching, and how the neighborhood bands across the city parallel those from New Orleans to Rio.
The snare drum shows up across the Diaspora from Brazil to Baltimore. In this instrumental music class, students will learn drumming technique, marching skills, and explore the connections between Black cultures from one side of the Atlantic to the other.
From Field Songs, to Spirituals, and Gospel to Rock-n-Roll, the life and times of African Americans has been preserved through song. In this course, students will learn tonality, pitch, and fundamental vocal techniques through various genres of Black music.
HBCU's fraternities and sororities have made Step famous. Its roots in South African Gumboot dancing connect this Black dance to the continent of Africa. This course will teach Step technique, and open students' eyes to collegiate education, as it exposes them
to world history.
Being behind stage is some students' preference in the performing arts. This visual arts class teaches students to create and install thematic elements to create a stage design.