DBCF Master Classes
Tap Dancing
Step Classes
Step Classes
What is Tap Dancing?
- Tap Dancing is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses on dance; it is widely performed in musical theater.
- Rhythm tap focuses on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the jazz tradition.
- The sound is made by shoes that have a metal "tap" on the heel and toe. There are different brands of shoes which sometimes differ in the way they sound.
Step Classes
Step Classes
Step Classes
What are the benefits of Stepping?
- Stepping gives students, the opportunity to become a musician by using their bodies as an instrument. It is a percussive, highly energetic art form. In stepping, the body makes sounds through clapping, stomping, and spoken words. Stepping is a full-body workout. From the muscles in your legs to the muscles in your arms. Not only will muscles be strengthened, but also the student’s cardiovascular endurance will improve as well.
- Stepping is not just physical; it can be quite beneficial to the mind. It exercises the mind by dancing in rhythm and building muscle memory. It teaches students to rely on their hearing senses, often times students may be asked to join in the middle of the step without having the visual of the other steppers in front of them. Stepping teaches teamwork and accountability.
Band Arrangements
Percussion Classes
Percussion Classes
Percussion Classes
Percussion Classes
Percussion Classes
Percussion Masterclasses:
- We are offering masterclasses in mallet, hand, and body percussion for elementary, middle, and high school music classes. Our experienced visiting DBCF teachers create engaging classes tailored to the abilities of any age group and skill level. Classes are designed to challenge students' listening abilities and understanding of meter, while also highlighting the legacy of American Jazz, R&B, and Rock in today's music.
Presentations
Intro into the World of Music
Intro into the World of Music
Intro into the World of Music
Body Music
Intro into the World of Music
Intro into the World of Music
What is Body Music?
- Students will be given the opportunity to become a musician by using their bodies as an instrument.
Styles of Tap Dancing
Intro into the World of Music
Styles of Tap Dancing
Workshops
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We offer workshops on the following:
- Recognize and assess stereotypes and biases that affects the classroom.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve the learning environment.
African American Diaspora
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We offer workshops on the following:
- African American experience in the United States.
- New Jersey Amistad Curriculum.
- The role of the Community Activist.
- Civil Rights and US.
Other Services
Booking for Donald Byrd@90
In need of a Music Substitute?
In need of a Music Substitute?
Review by Mike Shanley, JazzTimes
It seems no jazz festival is complete without throwing together some “all-star” group of musicians, but PIJF had the right idea. “D Byrd@90: Tribute to Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds” added to the party atmosphere of the day with a band, organized by director Wilson in collaboration with the Donald Byrd Cultural Foundation, that included another almost-hometown hero, trumpeter Sean Jones. (He hails from Youngstown, Ohio but lived and taught in town for several years.) The group also included Frank Lacy (trombone, vocals), Gary Bartz (alto saxophone), Brett Williams (piano), Endea Owens (bass), Anita Levels (vocals), young flutist Nathan Paul Davis and, fresh from a set with his Kinfolk group, Nate Smith (drums). Songs like “You and Music” and “Change (Makes You Want to Hustle),” with their singalong choruses, might skew away from jazz, but Bartz in particular delivered a solo during the former tune that went beyond mere party blowing. Orlando Watson added depth with a deep piece of sociopolitical spoken word.
In need of a Music Substitute?
In need of a Music Substitute?
In need of a Music Substitute?
We are currently offering to have our experienced and certified* music educators come in to substitute for your school’s instrumental** music program for a day. Music teachers can coordinate with a visiting DBCF teacher to have them give a masterclass, a workshop, or to work with students on their current ensemble repertoire for a school day. Our substitute program offers school music programs consistency in quality education.