Bonga leads upbeat hands-on sessions for kids ages 2-8 in an educational music workshop setting. Traditional percussion instruments, dances and songs from Haiti are used to help students learn developmental skills and discover their own musical abilities. Curriculum goals are integrated into each session and programs are customized for age groups. Sample lesson plans available.

Skills
Listening, cooperation, counting, motor skills and fundamentals of music are among those developed. Coordination, following direction, call & response, carrying a tune, moving to the beat and keeping time are all taught in Bonga's patient and encouraging style. history : Bonga discusses the origins of Afro/Caribbean rhythm and its use in popular songs and the purpose music serves in our daily lives is considered.

Tree Meetings
Students are gathered around a tree or a log and asked to imagine how the tree will eventually become a musical instrument. Critical thinking about where sounds begin and how elements transform is encouraged. Using hands, feet and voice, kids are asked to tune inside and listen to their own sounds and rhythms.

Rhythm Practice
Kids learn how to play traditional Haitian instruments: drums, tcha-tchas and horns by practicing basic rhythms and folk songs from Haiti and America. Everyone is encouraged to improvise using drums, body percussion and vocals. *Note: Residencies include practice sessions for technique improvement.

Dance & Folklore
Bonga presents traditional stories and teaches simple movements, dances and songs that correspond with practice rhythms.

Drum Circle
The workshop is typically arranged as a drum circle with room to move in the middle. Everyone is encouraged to drum, dance and jam in a dynamic session finale. Optional lullaby with mbira thumb pianos for pre-schoolers. .

Drum Clinic (optional arts & craft program)
With a hollowed log, goatskin and rope a series of "drum clinic" construction/repair sessions are held in an open workspace. Students build the drum and construct their own tcha-tchas (maracas) from sticks, gourds and seeds using traditional Haitian techniques. When the instruments are ready, everyone joins a drum circle.

Westchester Arts Council
White Plains, NY
Jonathan Mann, Director of Education

Union Child Day Care Center
White Plains, NY
Gina Emdin

New Rochelle Day Nursery
New Rochelle, NY
Sabrina Delgado

Martin Luther King Child Development
New Rochelle, NY
Monica McNeal

Children's Village
Dobbs Ferry, New York
http://www.childrensvillage.org/
Mia de Bethune
914-693-0600

Montessori School 11
Yonkers, NY
Martha McKernan

New York City Board of Education
Bruce Schner, Principal, Liberty High School

Artists Collective, Hartford, CT
Cheryl Smith

Danetta Jimenez
Director of Education
Caribbean Cultural Center
New York, NY

Montessori School 11
Yonkers, NY
Martha McKernan

Central Park Conservancy Public Programs
Dana Discovery Center
Terri Carta, Director of Education,
New York, NY

Djoniba Drum and Dance Center, New York, NY
Djoniba Mouflet
212-477-3464
www.djoniba.com

Artists Collective, Hartford, CT
Cheryl Smith, Educational Director

"The connection between Bonga and the students was immediate and magical. We want him back. Thank you Bonga!!"
Bruce Schner
Principal, Liberty High School
New York City Board of Education

"...Bonga did an exceptional job with a very challenging group of kids....Bonga was able to relate to them at their level and attempted to transmit some basic ideas about drum skills to them.
The boys enjoyed playing with Bonga so much. Many of them picked up enough skills to perform with him and look forward to his return so they can."

Mia de Bethune
Arts Coordinator
Children's Village
Dobbs Ferry, New York

"I would like to extend to you our warmest and heartfelf thanks for becoming part of our lives. You have truly enriched each of our children through music..."
Tanya Johnson,
Coordinator School-Age Program
Union Child Day Care Center, Inc.
White Plains, NY

"Dear Bonga,
I like your drums and your maracas and I liked Ra-Ra. I can't wait until you come back.
From Jessica"

"Dear Bonga,
I thought you did very good yesterday at the dance. I like the way your music sounds and I like when I play your instruments. You are my favorite music player. I want to be a music player when I grow up."
love, Jasmine"

"Dear Bonga,
I think you're very good at music. It is good when we play music. I like when we dance."
From: Ashley"

"Dear Bonga,
I enjoyed what you have taught me. I liked when we sang songs and played with instruments. I also liked when you gave us turns to play with your drum. I hope you visit again.
Sincerely, Denajia"

"Dear Bonga,
I miss the drums and I hope you come back. Ra Ra was great and I liked when we got icepops. I miss you Bonga.
From Kareem"

"Dear Bonga,
Thank you for the wonderful time. I learned a lot of new things. I liked to play the instruments.
Truly Yours, Torry"