World Music
in the Schools

Two students on metallophones

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Ongoing Progress Report (4)

Spring 2009

Learning African Drumming

During FY08-09, the Center served 1,880 students at 6 schools with long-term weekly classes (13-28 weeks/year), and provided an additional 2,535 students at these 6 schools and 5 additional schools with short-term weekly classes
or single events, reaching a total of 4,415 students at 11 schools. During the spring semester of 2009, the Center coordinated with the Visual and Performing Arts Director of the San Diego Unified School District to facilitate the implementation of the Center's World Music in the Schools and Communities Program. The four community programs served 95 community members with long-term weekly classes (26-45 weeks/year).

Martha Nye Elementary School Students' Comments about Their Experience with African Music, Dance, and Culture (June 2009)

5th Grade
“Dear Kwame, Thanks for teaching us African dancing and playing African instruments too. Me and my whole class will miss playing the instruments and dancing. You are a very great teacher. Bye Kwame. Your Student," --S.

“Dear Kwame, Everyone appreciates what you taught us about your culture's way of music. My favorite instrument that you taught us to play was the drums. My 2nd favorite thing to do was...DANCING!!! I shall thank you again. I'LL MISS YOU!!! Sincerely," --R.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us how to use the drums, shakers, and bells and how to dance. You're the best African Music teacher in the world! Sincerely," --R.

“Dear Kwame, Thank-you for everything you have done for us. You taught me how to play the bell, drums, and shakers in many ways of beats/rhythm. I enjoy the dances we've done so far. You're the BEST! Sincerely," --S. (has a cast).

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us about African Music. It is so fun playing the shakers, agogo bells and drums. It makes me smile whenever I dance! We all had a great time with you. Sincerely,” --H.-R.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us about music in your culture. I had a great time playing the African instruments. Sincerely,” --J.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us dances and songs. I really liked the shakers and the drums. And thank you for giving us your time. Thank you! Sincerely,” --J.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us drums, bells, and shakers. They were really fun and really loud. Thank you for teaching us different rhythms in the songs. Sincerely,” --S.

“ Dear Kwame, Thank you for teaching us how to play the drums, shakers, bells, the songs, and dances. My favorite instrument was the drums. I loved the drums. They had cool beats and sounds. Once again, thanks! I know that I will miss learning how to play the drums. So I will do my best on the last day!! Sincerely,” --H.
P.S. THANKS!

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for coming to NYE to teach us how to use the drums, bells, dance, and the shaker. I even memorized the song we sang. By” --J.
Thank you!!! BYE

King-Chavez Primary Academy Students' Comments about Their Experience with African Music, Dance, and Culture (June 2009)

Mixed Grades (K-2)
“Dear Rebeca and Kwame, Thank you for teaching us drumming. You are a good drummer. And I get happy when I drum with you. Love," --C.

“Dear Rebeca and Kwame, Thank you for teaching us drum. You are the good teachers of drum. Love," --J.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you for letting us drum. Thanks for kuming to are scool. I hope I go to drum at 1rst grad. You are a nice drumming teachr. Love," --J.

“Dear Kwame, Thank you how to play a drum because you are smart." --E.

Progress Report (3)

Modified: May 30, 2009