Kofi Sankofa and Cliff Mendelson have worked together for many years to create a unique African interdisciplinary program that culminates in a large assembly performance. (See video)
The value of an interdisciplinary program is to integrate the performance aspects of the culture with the visual arts to create a richer understanding. Studens enjoy a visceral, memorable connection to their academic studies. Music + three-dimensional design provides avenues for all students—from gifted to at-risk. An interdisciplinary program promotes virtues such as understanding, respect, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Students create masks in the same style and tradition of the African artists. We will explore the connection between the patterns, symbols and imagery that are incorporated into their own mask, and the rhythms, beats and patterns of a country’s traditional music.
(see full mask description)
Working in conjunction with the music and art department there will be drumming workshops to learn the history, culture, and techniques of hand drumming; singing (call and response) and teamwork using Kofi’s village concept. Students will be able to create their own rhythms.
SANKOFA AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE ENSEMBLE
Sankofa meaning – going back to the roots’ in the Twi language from Ghana, West Africa embraces the personal and community awareness of the positive role of the arts in the villages in West Africa. Says Kofi, “They are demonstrated through our rich cultural values passed on to us by our great ancestors ‘Nananom’”
This group teaches togetherness in diversity and empowerment of the individual’s self-image through African drumming and dance. Sankofa is made of four drummers and three dancers led by Kofi (an Asante prince from Ghana) and Yacin (a Wollof princess from Senegal). We teach authentic drumming and dance techniques together with their history and cultural origins. Our school performances, assemblies, and workshops generate the same community spirit of sharing, oneness, joy, and love where everyone gets involved, both audience and performers.
A Sankofa performance is electrifying in terms of the spiritual release in from our drum, dance, and chants. They have completed over 800 residencies in schools, conferences, and festivals. Notable amongst them are the 2006 UN Water Conference in Mexico City, Mexico; Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Folk Festival in Allentown, Pa; Indian summer Festival, Netcong, NJ; Jazz Festival, at the Delaware Water Gap, PA; International Festival and First Night at the Paramount Theatre in Middletown, NY; Sussex County Farm and International Shows, in Newton, NJ and eight World Trade Center Benefits in NJ, NY and PA for the American Red Cross, and other non- profit organizations.
Day In Clay provides a hands-on art experience. Programs designed for your curriculum. Within minutes, participants are involved in the process of working with clay and learning about the relationship between art and society.
