K-12 Assemblies
Ryan and Marietou with help from Evergreen Elementary's finest
Assemblies at a Glance
| Grades: | K-12 |
| Length: | 45-60 min. |
| Typical Venue: | Auditorium, gym, cafeteria |
| Population Served: | Entire School (Each assembly is limited only by facility seating and sound re-enforcement) |
| Additional Artists: | 2-6 |
| Required Instruments: | Dunduns (1-2 sets - sangban, kenkeni, dununba with kenken), jembes (6), krinyi (4), Seke-Seke (1 set) |
| Optional Instruments: | Orff xylophones (bx, sx, ax) |
| Instruments Provided: | Yes (for additional fee) |
School assemblies are specially designed to educate participants in the authentic music and dance of West Africa, while creating interest and excitement about arts education and fostering a desire to explore the traditions of other cultures. All assemblies are highly interactive, with Ryan guiding students and teachers on a road of musical and movement discovery using traditional West African instruments, body percussion, vocalizing, different languages, singing and other forms of audience participation. Programs include instrument demonstration, background and history on the use of music and dance in traditional culture, and analysis of how West African music and dance is such a relevant and important part of the popular art we see, hear and create today.
The highlight of school assemblies is the exhilarating performance aspect displaying the awesome energy, grace and power of West African drum and dance that you may have read about or seen briefly in the media, up-close and personal. As the artistic director of Denbaya, Inc., former member of Fore-Fote, and years of training in Guinea, Ryan can integrate into virtually any existing group environment and has the unique opportunity to work with some of the finest West African and American artists and scholars, dedicated to the highest level of professional, in-depth education in traditional West African music, dance and culture.
Bring Ryan and Denbaya to your school and bring West African music, dance and culture Alive!!
To book Ryan, please use our email form or call 541-621-1815.
