Drum Sermons: African Stories, Drum, Dance, and Song Across the Curriculum

led by: Don Harrell

Introduction to African Drumming & Oral Traditions

  • The role of the drum in African culture (communication, celebration, storytelling)

  • Understanding oral traditions as historical and cultural records

  • Demonstration of key African rhythms and drum calls

Storytelling Through Rhythm & Movement

  • How drumming and dance are used to pass down folklore and moral lessons

  • Connection between rhythm, spoken word, and movement

  • Interactive group activity: Call-and-response storytelling with drumming

Learning Through Participation: Hands-on Drumming & Dance

  • Basic drumming techniques and patterns

  • Connection between drum rhythms and traditional dances

  • Simple dance movements reflecting African cultural traditions

Bringing African Arts into the Classroom

  • Using drumming, dance, and storytelling to teach history, literature, and social studies

  • Strategies for adapting African arts for various grade levels

  • Cross-cultural connections and fostering global awareness

Reflection & Discussion

  • How arts integration can improve student engagement and understanding

  • The role of music and movement in promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation

  • Q&A and brainstorming ways to implement these practices in classrooms

PRESENTER BIO:

Don Harrell, Co-Founder/CEO, African Diasporic Arts and Education Inc.

Don Harrell is an author, arts activist, administrator, arts educator, researcher, folklorist, filmmaker, music producer, performing artist, and college professor who is the President and CEO of African Diasporic Arts and Education Inc.- an organization created to foster knowledge and understanding of African life and culture traditionally and in the African diasporic dispensation, as well. He is also co-founder of Orisirisi African Folklore a performing arts and arts education company with a mission to illuminate the beauty of African culture both continentally and globally. His academic affiliations include the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, and Ringling College of Arts and Design, where he lectures on various Africana Studies courses and topics. He is an Executive Committee Member of Alternate ROOTS, a Year Three Inter-Cultural Leadership Institute Fellow. He has received numerous awards and special recognition for his dedication to the social uplift of African peoples world-wide.