Center Grove Middle School Central teacher Alisa Isaacs was awarded a 2012 Fall Teacher Grant from the Center Grove Education Foundation for “The Storytellers Drum.” The Griot Drum Ensemble performed at the school Thursday, December 13, 2012.
Sponsored by Young Audiences of Indiana, the Griot Drum Ensemble is a musical storytelling group. The culminating activity for the study of African geography and culture in seventh grade, the Ensemble will present storytelling styles and musical instruments of Western Africa.
From their authentic dress to their handmade drums, this dynamic group of performers brought African storytelling, call and response, and rhythmic traditions to life. The performance was interactive, and students had the opportunity to try instruments, rhythms, and dances.
“The program is not only highly engaging but also covers state standards in social studies and language arts,” said Isaacs. “Our teams will plan activities to help the students connect the performance to the material they have been studying in their classes.”
The Center Grove Education Foundation awards teacher grants during the fall and spring of each school year. Founded in 1998, the mission of the CGEF is to partner with our community to enrich the lives of all Center Grove Community School Corporation students by funding extraordinary and innovative learning experiences. To find out more, go to www.centergrovefoundation.org.
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For more information regarding the Griot Drum Ensemble, please visit their website: http://www.storytellersdrum.com/aboutus.htm.
