The Musical Instrument Museum

 

Introducing Signature Workshops for Students: Balinese Gamelan and West African Percussion and Dance

These new immersive workshops allow students to spend time with a qualified teaching artist to explore specific instruments and musical traditions from Indonesia and West Africa and to have fun playing together as a group. Geography, social studies, and music education are built into both workshops.

Balinese Gamelan

For grades 4–12
Offered at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday or Thursday

What is it like to play in a Balinese gamelan orchestra? This workshop includes an introduction to Balinese culture and music and the experience of playing authentic Balinese instruments such as metallaphones and gongs. Musicians and non-musicians will enjoy this unique musical experience, so come join us! Students will be asked to sit cross-legged on the floor and remove their shoes during the workshop. If your students require special accommodations or are unable to sit cross-legged, please e-mail colin.pearson@theMIM.org prior to your arrival. Click here to watch a four-minute video about this workshop.

West African Percussion and Dance

For grades 3–12
Offered at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday

Students are introduced to different drumming styles and traditions from several cultural groups in Ghana, Mali, and Guinea. Rhythm, movement, and call-and-response are incorporated into the workshop, so that students are on their feet and interacting with each other and the drum instructor. By the end of the class, students are able to play a group rhythm and sing a traditional West African song, coupled with some basic dance movements. Students will play along using the djembe, agogo double bell, and shekere. This workshop is presented in partnership with the Arizona Rhythm Connection and uses the Roots of Rhythm world-drumming curriculum, sponsored by Percussion Marketing Council, as the educational foundation.

 

Here’s what you need to know to book a workshop for your students:

  • Call 480.245.6919 or e-mail grouptours@theMIM.org.
  • Workshops available starting November 2, 2011.
  • Have three preferred dates in mind when you call, as workshops are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Allow two hours for the entire experience at MIM, including a fifty-minute workshop and a seventy-minute guided museum tour.
  • $10 fee per student, which includes the workshop fee and museum admission.
  • Four-week advanced reservation required, with a minimum of ten and a maximum of fifty students.
  • One chaperone is required for every five elementary students and one for every ten middle- and high-school students, at no additional cost.
  • $75 deposit or a P.O. will hold the reservation and apply toward final payment.
  • MIM meets all ADA requirements for accessibility. Please notify us at least two weeks prior to your visit for any special-needs requests.