Head Start Recap

4-year-olds just drum.

That's why I was excited to share a Beatwell Workshop with two preschool groups last week. I was invited to Morgan State University's Head Start program by their mental health therapist, Nikki Smith, LGSW, MSW, M.Ed.

As most of us get older, we become more self-judgmental. Young kids play naturally, and I was there primarily for just that—to play music. However, in my work, we play with purpose. It was my intention to use group music-making to teach three specific concepts.

1. Individual Self-Expression

I explained to the kids that each instrument has its own sound, in the same way that each child has their own unique voice and gifts to share. They realized that it's possible to play different rhythms on their own instrument, while still contributing to one cohesive song. Which leads us to the next concept.

2. Community & Teamwork

In order for each individual "voice" to be effectively heard, working together was essential. I explained that throughout our lives we are members of different teams: classroom, family, sports team, community, etc. It is when we work together—in this case listening and contributing to the music—that the group is most successful. To tie the two concepts together, the group will work best when each individual contributes their best self.

3. Multicultural Diversity

Each instrument I brought has its own story of origin. Beatwell Workshops offer a great opportunity to experience how different cultures use music to strengthen community. Some African, Latin and Native American cultures—to name a few—make music each day socially. This is quite different from the musical experiences most Americans have. Too often in our consumeristic culture, we treat our art as a product; not as a tool of self-expression and community-building.

Drumming offered the opportunity to teach these important concepts to such young kids, while maintaining engagement. In fact, the number one compliment I seem to get from teachers and other adults is how engaged the children remain. I was glad to create some opportunities for learning, but between us, I was there to play.

And we did that—because 4-year-olds just drum.

The New American Dream

A hallmark of my message to others is to discover the artist within yourself. An infinite potential of creativity lies dormant within you and I. 

This is the foundation of all problem-solving skills.

Original Photo by Theresa Keil

The New American Dream
First Published January 12, 2012
 
“…But out of limitations comes creativity.” – Debbie Allen

“Mr. Jordan! Over the weekend I filled up a cup with beads, taped the top, and made a shaker!”
This has been the most potent affirmation that I’m doing my job well at the Baltimore City school where I work as a mental health counselor and resident drum circle facilitator.

The student, we’ll call him Justin, had an “A-ha!” moment; an experience of his own creative identity- and he didn’t do it by sitting in a stale classroom.

Our 20th century society fed us a road map towards the American Dream.

Go to school for seven hours a day, sit at your desk, keep quiet and follow the rules. Get a good-enough job, work eight hours a day, keep quiet and follow the rules. Do this for a half-century and you will be rewarded with a retirement plan and the gold watch.

Although devoid of individuality and creativity, this worked well enough for a short time.

This model is currently failing and though it’s painfully obvious, students like Justin are still being taught under this outdated and limiting model of how their future should unfold.

The 21st century reality is quite different.

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Who Are Our Teachers Teaching?

Welcome to the Beatwell blog! This is where I will be sharing my drumming and wellness experiences and insights. I will also be sharing the stories of others who contribute to their communities in similar ways.

This first post will direct you to What Weekly, an online magazine documenting the Baltimore Renaissance. They have been publishing my work for a year now. My first post was written during my Mental Health Therapist internship at a Baltimore City elementary school.

I invite you to comment below and share my stories with your social networks. Cheers! -Jordan

Photo by Brooke Hall

Who Are Our Teachers Teaching?
First Published November 11, 2011

As a music educator entering a mental health internship in a Baltimore City School, I was most excited to experience the school’s music class.

What did I expect? An underfunded curriculum with minimal and aging instruments, but a dedicated teacher using creativity to make up for lack of resources.

What did I find? A music educator’s dream classroom stacked with all types of percussion (who’s seen congas in a public school?!?), brass and woodwinds, piano, etc., and digital tools to project Powerpoint notes for the class to follow. What was missing was an educator who could effectively connect with his students.

Now understand, I have an unending respect for anyone who dedicates their work week to helping children in Baltimore City reach their potential, especially for little pay and respect in return. However, even the best of intentions doesn’t translate into effectiveness.

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