The HIp-Hop Blues Project has been conducted in NY and NJ inner-city schools for the past four years. It is presented with the support of Carnegie Hall Education, with funding from Citibank. The project includes clinics in participating schools, and culminates with a concert featuring string players from grades Pre-K through HS. Featured soloists are young people attending leading high schools, colleges and conservatories. Hip-Hop Blues Project #4 was presented on May 17, 2008 at HarlemStage. Featured artists included song stylist Andromeda Turre (who is currently appearing at Disney/Tokyo), and Orion Turre on drums. Each year, the first half of the program is performed by one of Akua's professional ensembles. This year the Akua Dixon String Quintet featured Sara Caswell, Kurtis Stewart, Rozanna Weinberger and Jennifer Vincent.
We receive calls from teachers around the country, and have participants from beyond the NY tri-state area! It goes without saying that we stretch our funds to the limit. Schools interested in joining us must have a source of funding. If you can't come to NY, perhaps you can bring Akua to your area for your own HHB workshops and performances!
Each year, Akua has added a new work to the repertoire:
Year 1: Hip-Hop Blues Year 2: Gonna Get It Year 3: Dream On Year 4: Beatz
These introductory works for jazz strings include improvisation and syncopation exercises.
CD contains rhythm accompaniment.
Sheet Music available for players on every level. Parts range from rhythms on open strings to Grade 5 (Vln 1A part for Gonna Get It).
We have the parts you need -- just ask!
Akua is a terrific clinician whose exciting methods enliven students at every level of development. BRING THE HIP-HOP BLUES PROJECT TO YOUR SCHOOL!
