Outreach

Outreach is an important part of Calliope's mission.
Calliope offers a variety of programs for students grades K-12.
Read on to learn more!

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World Roots and Rhythm, grades 4 & 5
at Kentucky Avenue School

An interview with instructor Kip Ruefle:

"Playing a world drum pattern is like building a small community. Everyone has their part, and the way the parts work together make something great."

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM:
I hope that I can impart the fun that music and playing an instrument can bring: the joy of performing or sharing one’s talent with others. Most of all, I want the students to enjoy themselves and have fun making some powerful clattering drum music!

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM:
I give a short overview of the history of each drum (Ashiko, Djembe, Bongo, Conga, Doumbek, Tar) and make sure that students understand how drumming is important in many cultures all over the world. I focus on introductory technique, hand position, posture (no need to start with any bad habits!) and teach specific world rhythms.

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
I perform with a variety of bands in different styles. I have played with the alternative rock band, A.T.S. for 20 years. I also perform with The Angry Francis. I play bodhran with Devilish Merry, Molly in the Crowd and Moonlight Motel. I also participate in local drum circles, traditional Irish music sessions, and am a co-founder of Pittsburgh’s one and only Samba Ensemble. You can find out about some of the bands I perform with at www.myspace.com/kipdrum.

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Roots of Rock, grades 6-8
at Kentucky Avenue School

An interview with instructor Julie Harris:

“I enjoy seeing my students expand their horizons and develop a greater appreciation of all forms and styles of music.”

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM:
What becomes truly revealing to music students is how rock music and other popular music styles have roots in classical forms and folk/blues genres. I hope to impart this understanding to my students and to help them realize that all musical styles are linked by common traits.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM:
I believe that middle school students have an innate curiousity and desire to learn and try as many things as possible. So, I teach from a general beginner level in order to expose them to as many aspects of guitar playing as I can: the famous rock groups, the individual players, their unique styles, the famous songs. We will learn all about them!

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
Julie Harris is a ceritfied music educator with over twenty-five years teaching experience and a long performance history in rock and blues. A graduate of Duquesne and Carnegie-Mellon, she currently works as an elementary school band director and a private guitar instructor.

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Latin American Guitar and
African Drum Workshops
at The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrenceville

In April 2008, two of Calliope's Outreach instructors and Calliope staff taught a series of hands-on workshops to interested after-school elementary and middle school students. Both workshops were filled to the brim with excitement and participation! The African Drumming Percussion Workshop led by Cameron Witten and Greg Sinn, pulsed with wonderful rhythm and empowered each student to lead the drum circle. The Latin American Guitar Class led by Emily Pinkerton focused on learning three different ways to play the guitar and taught the students to speak some Spanish, as well.

Paul Pish, the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club wrote, "Having Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society members conducting and instructing our Club members was great! The Club members' exposure to the musical instruments provided by the Calliope professionals were excellent tools to use to teach the Club members. The hands-on experiences for Club members were important and fun way to encourage their future aspirations in the music field. We appreciate their participation and look forward to future collaboration and partnership with the wonderful people at Calliope."

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Interested in our outreach programs?