Exploring the Art of Song Through the expression of sound, one finds their own voice. Renowned performer and arts educator Imani Gonzalez, introduces traditional world music and song as a tool to understanding the interrelationship of sound, the voice, and culture. This program builds a foundation for music as well as an understanding of other cultures through song. Students will learn song forms drawn from traditions around the world, participate with hand percussive instruments, call-and-response and vocal improvisations. Through hands on participation, folktales, art projects, video/books and songs/chants, students learn the unique beauty and functions of sound, rhythm and everyday concepts of social and geographic aspects of the country being studied. This program increases students' global perspective, creating unity, cultural understanding and respect through the power of song. About the Program This program is designed for primary grade levels one through six. These performances, workshops and residencies by Global Voices will enhance the curriculum of any students' knowledge in the areas of: World History Social Studies Geography Language Arts Math Music We travel through the cultures of India; Ghana, Mali and Senegal, West Africa; Zimbabwe, South Africa; Brazil and the Yoruba people in Cuba. Global Voices uses music as a tool to educate and stimulate a child’s imagination in a way that will make learning fun and creates a wonderful atmosphere for it all to happen. Philosophy The root meaning of Education is derived from the Latin root Educare, which means "to bring out what is inside." Global Voices provides the instruments that taps into the inner knowledge and instills respect for all humanity. This awareness encourages the students to become better human beings and prepares them for living life - not just survival. That is true knowledge.