Kzoo Parks and the Kalamazoo Civic will host a series of creative workshops this summer for youth and teens ages 10 to 16. The workshops are free to attend and will be held every Wednesday from June 15 to July 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Civic (426 S Park St). Pre-registration is required and is available online at www.kzooparks.org/creativeworkshops
The workshops will be taught by creative professionals covering topics like music, improv, poetry, and dance.
June 15 - Music Creations: This workshop creates the opportunity for youth/teens to develop individual style by applying various concepts and techniques to express their own ideas using melody, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and lyrics. Participants have the option to bring music they have been working on and present at the end of the workshop. The workshop is facilitated by Yolonda Lavender, a Kalamazoo-based singer/songwriter, curator, composer, arranger and performing artist, whose sound is soul-based with gospel, R&B, hip-hop, blues and jazz influences.
June 22 - Think On The Spot: This workshop teaches creative ways to think on the spot, create characters, test memory, build confidence with stage presence and public speaking. It is facilitated by Crawlspace Comedy Theatre, which offers improv and sketch comedy in Kalamazoo.
June 29 - Expressions Through Poetry: This workshop teaches creative poetry structures and rhythms to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions into a story. Participants can bring material they have been working on or create new at the workshop. There will also be an opportunity to present at the end of the workshop. The workshop is facilitated by Speak it Forward, Inc., an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and adults by using spoken word poetry as vehicle to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and instill a sense of empowerment in the community.
July 6 - Music Creations: This workshop creates the opportunity for youth/teens to develop individual style by applying various concepts and techniques to express their own ideas using melody, harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and lyrics. Participants have the option to bring music they have been working on and present at the end of the workshop. The workshop is facilitated by Jessica Ivey, a vocalist, songwriter, and teaching artist from Detroit Michigan with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from Western Michigan University and over 12 years of teaching experience.
July 13 - Rhythm and Motions: This dance workshop for beginners explores techniques from different dance genres, tips on stage presence, and simple choreography with energy and fun. It is facilitated by Trinity Prep Center, a dance studio in Kalamazoo with a mission to use positive influence to help youth reach their maximum potential.
July 20 - Expression Through Poetry: This workshop teaches creative poetry structures and rhythms to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions into a story. Participants can bring material they have been working on or create new at the workshop. There will also be an opportunity to present at the end of the workshop. The workshop is facilitated by Speak it Forward, Inc., an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and adults by using spoken word poetry as vehicle to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and instill a sense of empowerment in the community.
Attendees should remain cautious and follow CDC and local health official guidelines to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19.
Original source can be found here.
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