Weaving words and rhythms, students build literacy and learn essential music skills playing drums of Africa and Latin America and percussion colors from around the globe. Spiced with song, stories, movement and spoken word, classes develop skills of teamwork, listening, creativity, and self-expression, as they create a multi-layered rhythm ensemble. Students and teachers learn about instruments they can make from recycled materials, connecting to the environment, science and math. They will understand music and drumming in relation global cultures and history. Roots and Rhythm Residencies integrate music with culture, character and grade specific curriculum and can be co-designed with a particular theme or focus, for example: Social Studies- Africa, Latin America/Spanish language, USA- jazz, global cultures, ELA – integrates text from poems, stories, and other content as students explore rhythm, repetition, accent, and inflection, to enhance language fluency. Science of Sound- Vibration Celebration integrates music, wild percussion and science exploring vibration, wavelength, frequency, volume, pitch and other scientific sound phenomenon. Schools will have access to a series of asynchronous videos for prep or follow up, Residencies can also include assembly or student sharing.

Artist Background

Beverly Botsford is a cross-cultural percussionist, blending music, movement, and spoken word in solo and ensemble presentations. Embracing drumming traditions of Africa, Cuba, South America and her native North Carolina, Beverly weaves colorful rhythmic tapestries with her infinite array of collected and homemade instruments. Her decades of experience include work with the African American Dance Ensemble, American Dance Festival, as well as sharing passion for rhythm and culture in thousands of school and community residencies, performances and workshops. Beverly has played on three Grammy nominated recordings and brings deep global experience, touring with jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon in major venues around the world. The language of music is universal.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Workshop/Residency
• Discipline: Multi-Disciplinary, Music
• Grade Level: Elementary, Middle
• Cultural Context: African, African-American, Caribbean, Hispanic, Latinx, North Carolina
• Does Not Accept bookings in Johnston County
• Virtual option available