"Movements" for the Children
Manding Foli Kan Don, a dance and drum ensemble featuring music from West Africa , creates inspiring interactive performances to ignite young audiences. The multi-cultural ensemble of Toronto artists is led by Master Drummer, Mohamed Diaby from Guinea .
Our showcase entitled Movements encourages audience participation, as is the tradition in Africa ! The authenticity of the music from the Manding region of Guinea is preserved in an exciting and interactive showcase of fiery rhythms and funky footwork!
Movements is an interactive performance showcasing the music, dance, songs, history, instruments and costumes from Guinea . Each dance and rhythm portrayed is significant to an important life event or celebration. Students will experience the music and learn about the language, history, geography and the meaning or purpose of each rhythm. Audience volunteers may join in the fun for hands-on learning.
Curriculum Focus & Student Participation
Themes:
- Drums and Dance of West Africa, specifically the Manding region of
Guinea
Understanding and Compassion for Diversity - Celebration of Life Events through Music (Rhythm, Song, and Dance)
- Self Expression
- Individuality in a Community
Outcomes:
- Identify different drums, their tonal quality, and use
- Identify the use of song and dance for different stages of life by the Manding people
- Identify different areas in West Africa including the different ethnic groups
- Identify early history of Africa and how it has transformed
- Identify the materials used to make the instruments
- Inspire storytelling using movement and drumming to represent real life events
- Express inner thoughts through dance and drum
- Fundamental Principles of Music - Explore the concepts of polyrhythmic music, tempo, tone, and harmony vs. atonal, electronic vs. acapella, call and response, syncopation
- Using the resources at your disposal to create art i.e. “Scarcity is the mother of invention”
- Using the body as an instrument & body percussion (clapping, stomping, snapping)
- Improvisation: dancers and drummers are free to improvise within the framework
- Linear and non-linear storytelling