2008 Grant Proposal Details

World Rhythms   Opportunity Center

Total: $500

Description:  The World Rhythms project will bring expert musicians to the Opportunity Center to perform and teach elements of world music through rhythm. Working with the Lane Arts Council, we will bring in an expert musician in West African drumming and an expert in Indian drumming to conduct two six-week workshops in which students will learn and perform. The Opportunity Center will provide drums to the students and bring in musicians from the community to teach in their field of rhythmic expertise. We currently have the funding to pay the teachers but need to raise funds to purchase a class set of drums.

Why is this important?  As a small alternative school in the 4j school district, the staff at Opportunity Center does its best to offer a well-rounded education to students. Part of that education includes education in the arts. One of the difficulties that we face as a small staff is offering a diverse range of experiences in the arts that appeals to many members of our eclectic student body. I have surveyed our students and found that there is great interest in exploring drumming. It offers students a form of musical expression and communication. Additionally, our art teacher is out on leave this year and our students need a certain number of art credits to graduate. By offering classes in world rhythms, we can avert the problem of not having enough opportunities for students to gain art credits.

Who will be served?  All of our students can access the class. It will be offered both in the morning and the afternoon. Each given class will have fifteen to twenty students. Given that this exploration of world rhythm will happen over two units, it will serve between 60 to 80 students. That would represent almost half of the students currently enrolled at the Opportunity Center.

How will this be evaluated?  There are several ways we will evaluate the success of this project. Given that most of the students attending Opportunity Center left their previous schools for attendance issues, student attendance and interest in the courses will be a key indicator of the success of the project. As a staff we have discussed having a "Talent Night" in which students can demonstrate their abilities and creativity. It is quite possible that a drum troupe could be part of that experience. If we have a critical mass of students who are interested in performing, we would see that as a key measure of success.

Does this build on existing programs?  Yes. As a musician myself, I am interested in bringing the love and discipline of music making to my students. Since I arrived here last year, we have started an electric guitar class and a didgeridoo class at the school. Drumming would also be part of building an alternative art and music program. I am particularly interested in working in rhythms because of its communal aspects and because the techniques and sensibilities required to be successful are well within reach of our students.

Budget:  Equipment: Gregg at Mother Rhythm has offered to wholesale the Opportunity Center a variety of African Djembe Drums. The total cost is $795 (including shipping). I am requesting $500 and will write other grants to cover the additional cost.

Proposal #:  88