The Carpenter Center is excited to offer Classroom Connections online for the Spring 2022 semester. All LBUSD elementary, middle school, and high school teachers are eligible to participate—there is no cap on participation.
This semester's program presents violin duo Black Violin and features a performance video and pre-recorded Q&A, both available from 4/25/22 through the end of the 2022 semester. Participating teachers will also be provided with a study guide to supplement the performance.
Photo credit: Colin Brennan
Black Violin
Grades: 2 – 12
Performance video, study guide, and pre-recorded Q&A available: 4/25/22 – 6/16/22
Artist Website: blackviolin.net
Black Violin enters the student virtual space with an all-new, high-energy performance that takes their unique blend of classical music, hip-hop, jazz and pop to new heights. Recorded at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, this engaging, high-definition multi-camera video covers themes of perseverance, exploration and unity with songs like Rise, Unbreakable, Believer, Dreamer and Impossible is Possible. Embedded in the performance is a message for students and educators about challenging stereotypes and status quo conventions, and that pathways to success require commitment, practice and unwavering dedication. In a pre-recorded question and answer session, Black Violin discuss their personal history, their journey to the stage, and their plans to continue their mission with their non-profit organization, Black Violin Foundation.
Past Classroom Connections Opportunities
Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles
Grades: 1 – 5
Workshop Video Available: 2/16/21 – 2/26/21
Performance Video Available: 3/1/21 – 3/5/21
Artist Website: folkloricocompany.com
Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles (BFLA) was founded in 2011 by Kareli Montoya, and has distinguished itself as the nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company. BFLA presents traditional Folklorico dancing throughout the Los Angeles area at venues such as the Nokia Theater, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, Greek Theatre, Disneyland, and more. In addition to presenting unique, colorful, and dynamic performances in collaboration with numerous artists and venues, BFLA also offers several classes each week at their dance academy for all ages.
Versa-Style Dance Company
Grades: 1 - 5
Workshop Video Available: 3/8/21 - 3/19/21
Performance Video Available: 3/22/21 - 3/26/21
Artist Website: versastyledance.org
Versa-Style Dance Company creates highly energetic work that fuses dances that are culturally significant to local communities. These forms include Hip-Hop styles such as 90s Hip-Hop, Popping, Locking, Whacking, and Boogaloo, and Afro-Latin styles such as Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Afro-Cuban. Versa-Style specifically aims to perform for the youth of Los Angeles County to instill the roots, history, and social and political issues surrounding the art for current generations and is dedicated to providing enriching opportunities through dance education. Through Hip-hop dance, students utilize their creativity and ingenuity to develop their individual voice. With direct mentorship, students develop an understanding of hard work, dedication, and communication skills.
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra
Grades: 1 – 5
Workshop Video Available: 5/3/21 – 5/14/21
Performance Video Available: 5/17/21 – 5/21/21
Artist Website: sjomusic.org
Symphonic Jazz is an innovative hybrid form of music blending the worlds of jazz and classical music. Members of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (SJO) will provide students with a workshop video on the history of jazz and a recording of a socially distanced performance. From counting out rhythms, to introducing instruments, to learning about the history of blues music, SJO inspires students to learn about the world around them and to question, create, and express. The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra has served over 65,000 young people and their families across Los Angeles County.
Classroom Connections is supported in part by a grant from the Long Beach Arts Council, the City of Long Beach, the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation, the RuMBa Foundation of Long Beach, and the California Arts Council.
