ABCDE - Flat
By Carol Comer Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence and
Master Teaching Artist
Carol Comer utilizes her vast experience as a jazz musician, singer, composer, and teacher to introduce beginning improvisation to young students. Starting with simple repetitions—a clock, a washing machine, a galloping horse, a jump rope—the concept of rhythm is introduced. Students create their own rhythms using a variety of percussion instruments. Melody and harmony are added with xylophone, piano, bells, snare drum, and electric bass as students form lively combos.
Grades:
K-2
Fee:
$100; $80 each for 2 or more, $14 cartage fee
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday-Friday after 9am
Special Requirements:
Acoustic tuned piano with bench (not stool); portable chalkboard, chalk, eraser; one 4' table; custodian to unload/reload equipment; empty workshop area at least 45 minutes prior to workshop for set up and sound checks; electrical outlets nearby; all workshops in same space.
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
6.12, 13.2, 13.3
African, Caribbean, or Brazilian Music
By Bird Fleming
Bird Fleming is a professional percussionist and director of the Traditional Music Society. He has designed workshops to enrich each of his performances. Students learn about the role of music in various cultures (African, Brazilian, or Caribbean). A variety of instruments are brought for students to play.
Grades:
2–5, 6–8
Fee:
$100; $75 each for 2 or more
Workshop Size:
25 students maximum
Availability:
Year-round
Special Requirements:
Choose one culture: African, Brazilian, Caribbean
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.1, 6.12, 7.3, 13.1, 13.6
Flautist or Flutist? Exploring the Sound of Language and the Language of Sound
By Flute Lingo
What do you call a person who plays the flute, a ‘flautist’ or a ‘flutist’? Find out as we explore the similarities between the English language and the universal language of music. We’ll play lots of familiar tunes in a lively, interactive workshop designed to sharpen students’ language and listening skills.
Grades: 3 - 5
Fee: $200; $150 each for 2 or more
Size: 30 students maximum
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday
Requirements: Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board; chalk or Dry Erase markers
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
6.3, 6.11, 13.3, 11.2
Jazz and Improvisation
By Carol Comer, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence and
Master Teaching Artist
The rich heritage of Jazz is introduced in this 60-minute workshop. Students will explore melodies using the xylophone, bells, and piano; play different rhythms on percussion instruments and the snare drum; and perform on the electric bass. Carol Comer teaches them to improvise using their voices as well as instruments, as they learn to scat sing.
Grades:
K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12
Fee:
$100; $80 each for 2 or more; $14 cartage fee
Length:
60 minutes
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum. Teachers must be present and
active participants.
Availability:
Monday–Friday after 9am
Special Requirements:
Acoustic tuned piano with bench (not stool); portable chalkboard, eraser, chalk; one 4' table; custodian to unload/load equipment 45 minutes prior to workshop; area empty at least 45 minutes prior to workshop; electrical outlets nearby; all workshops in same space.
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
6.12, 7.3, 13.3, 13.2
Jazz and Scat
By Carol Comer, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence and
Master Teaching Artist
A 60-minute workshop in jazz and scat singing is perfect for high school vocal ensembles. Carol will introduce the concept of vocal jazz and the students will learn to use harmonics and chords in structured tempos. Phrasing, quoting, dynamics, and melodic improvisation will also be explored.
Grades:
9–12
Fee: $100; $80 each for 2 or more,
$14 cartage fee per school
Length:
60 minutes
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Monday–Friday after 9am
Special Requirements:
Acoustic tuned piano with bench (not stool); portable chalkboard with eraser and chalk; one 4' table; custodian to unload and reload equipment 45 minutes prior to workshop; empty workshop area at least 45 minutes prior to workshop for set up and sound checks; electrical outlets nearby; all workshops in same place.
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.6, 7.2, 7.3, 13.2, 13.3, 13.8
Swingin' the History
By Lisa Henry, Lighton Prize Winner for Teaching Excellence
An introduction to historic pioneers of jazz music: Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, and Mary Lou Williams. Listening exercises, video viewing, and group activities are utilized during this presentation. The program complements the exhibits at the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District of Kansas City.
Grades:
7–8, 9–12
Fee:
$200; $150 each for 2 or more
Workshop Size:
30 students maximum
Availability:
Tuesday -Thursday
Special Requirements:
CD player; video monitor; VCR
Addresses Standards (download standards here):
1.1, 1.6, 5.2, 7.3, 13.1