Jamaican Instrument Building and Folk Music History is an innovative program, taking place over three (3) weekends in March, where participants will learn to design and build traditional Jamaican stringed and percussion instruments- the Akonting and Plantation Banjo (Gourd Banjo). The workshop will also teach techniques, rhythms and songs from Jamaica’s folk canon while immersed in the island’s music history.
Participants will ultimately play the instruments created in an open ensemble ... view more »
Jamaican Instrument Building and Folk Music History is an innovative program, taking place over three (3) weekends in March, where participants will learn to design and build traditional Jamaican stringed and percussion instruments- the Akonting and Plantation Banjo (Gourd Banjo). The workshop will also teach techniques, rhythms and songs from Jamaica’s folk canon while immersed in the island’s music history.
Participants will ultimately play the instruments created in an open ensemble performance that will be attended by the Community as well as have their instruments installed in a short-term exhibition at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum before being returned to their creators, allowing the community to have a firsthand view of the results of these cultural explorations.
Developed by Berklee College of Music academician and multimedia artist Michael Sean Harris, the workshops will be led by Harris, and co instructed by Robert Malcolm (Jamaica) and Alex Woods both experts in their respective fields and well versed in percussion and instrument making.
Schedule:
During the program, participants will meet during all day sessions (10am – 6pm), focused on specific disciplines in each class.
Workshops: Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17
Workshops: Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24
Performance Rehearsal Saturday, March 30
Final Performance: Sunday, March 31
Why Participate:
Delve into the heart of Jamaican culture by engaging firsthand in the creation of traditional instruments and understanding the significance behind them.
Enhance craftsmanship skills and enjoy a unique crafting experience.
Enrich musical knowledge and expand your repertoire by learning techniques, rhythms, and songs from Jamaica’s folk music canon
Connect with other like-minded participants who share an interest in music, craftsmanship, and cultural exploration, including experts, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts.
Contribute to the preservation of Jamaican cultural heritage.
Inspire your own innovative thinking
Leave with your own handcrafted traditional Jamaican instruments, professionally recorded performance video and museum exhibition credentials, giving you tangible and memorable takeaways from the workshop.
Be part of the movement that elevates Broward County as a global cultural hub.
For inquiries, additional information, or to sign up in person, please contact museum@islandspacefl.org / 954-999-0989.
Let’s make Jamaican Instrument Building and Folk Music History an unforgettable showcase of artistic brilliance!
Ask about our Scholarship program.
Workshop Cost: $240.00 ($30 / day)- includes all materials required for the workshop.
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