I hope that you are finding some peace in your days as we are all dealing with a lot. We will be spending time with artifacts from Japan and various African countries over the next few days in music class.
We do a lot of music from around the world at MTE. It's important students make meaningful, respectful connections with the countries the songs are from. So, each year I try to get artifacts from countries we experience music from.
Last year we got to look at artifacts from the Philippines to make connections with tinikling (click here to see a demonstration), and artifacts from the Northwest tribes to learn more about Margie's performances of Tlingit music (Margie is our fabulous day custodian, makes traditional drums and used to lead a local dance team).
This year, we are looking at artifacts from Japan to make connections with Ekaki Uta (click here to see the 2 we've learned so far), and artifacts from many countries in Africa to learn more about our Zimbabwean marimba song, Tatenda (kids actually get to use one of the real instruments!). Some of the items this year are personal items from my trip to Japan last year, and the Hosho the students get to use is from my own collection.
As I continue to develop the music program at MTE I am always interested and looking for music that reflects our community’s heritage and cultures. If you're open to sharing more about your family's musical traditions with me I’d love to speak with you. Our students are musicians of the world, and I am eager to contribute to their global understanding of music.
Stay safe everyone :)
Here are some photos of some of the artifacts we get to use courtesy of the Schack Art Center and my personal travels:
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| A selection of kimonos and obis (sashes to tie the kimono closed) |
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| A calligraphy set (in the purple box) next to some wrapping clothes, as well as some slippers and an old text |
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| Coins, train tickets, and a packaged toy from Japan next to a stack of the same 2 books (one in English, one in Japanese) |
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| A selection of cloths/textiles from Zaire, Kuba, Kente cloths, and an Adire cloth from Nigeria, Yoruba. |
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| A Maasai beaded collar from Kenya near a beaded collar and bracelet from Egypt |
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| A doll from South Africa, Ndebele |
