Community Arts Partner

Teaching Approach

Teaching Philosophy + Approach

The primary mission of Jah Breeze Rhythms is to foster a “can do” attitude amongst my students. I encourage students to use critical thinking and analytical skills to create original music. I teach by example and serve as a role model for students. As a teaching artist, I use music as a tool to teach social studies and history, as well as, other subjects like math, science and environmental studies. I believe that integrating a holistic approach to music education and learning can build confidence and self-esteem in students, which is a prerequisite to learning all subjects.

Curriculum Integration Possibilities

I use the drum to talk about history and the immigrant experience of students’ ancestors. We discuss Africa and its geographical location. We then identify the countries the drums are from and the rituals that are included in the making of a drum. I also use the drum as a way to talk about culture and origin stories. This gives students an opportunity to share their family history and origin. I introduce the conversation by talking about my own immigrant experience and ask students to identify their ethnic origin to foster a sense of pride in their heritage. This encourages a conversation about tolerance, diversity and acceptance because we all come from a common ancestor in Africa. During my artist in residence at Islandwood School on Bainbridge Island, I created curriculum intersecting the arts and the environment. We talked about the various environmental elements that make up the drum, like the tree trunk as the base of the drum. This discussion also gives me an opportunity to talk about deforestation, global warming, and old growth forests. We identify various sounds that the many creatures and animals are making in the surrounding forestry area and connect that to music.

Special Skills and Areas of Expertise

• Marketing and Promotion
• Coordinating performances for culminating events and school assemblies

Testimonials from Schools

• Erie Jones, Classroom Music Teacher, South Shore School, jonesack@earthlink
• Jessica Henderson, Arts Coordinator, IslandWood School, 206.855.4300,  info@islandwood.org