School Outreach

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT...

Our Ensemble members are not only compelling performers,
but also highly experienced teachers in both private and
classroom settings. We will guide your students
through our West-African-influenced music,
which blends a unique combination of both
traditional and original melodies and accompaniments.
(The Music Director has been teaching since 1974.)

For K-9 presentations we have found that
performing three pieces works best.
Because our ensemble plays authentic indigenous instruments — balafon (marimba), dun-dun (talking drum), kora (harp),
and many others, we allot ample time to describe
and demonstrate them. How these combine with
specific Western instruments such as alto flute, melodica,
and ukelele, is an endless source of fascination.
We also field questions from the students,
drawing from each of our performers' rich backgrounds.

For our music-specific high school and college presentations,
we present a detailed overview of
different approaches to composing and arranging,
including how we turn the seeming limitations
of some of these instruments into opportunities.
Our recent incorporation of a realtime loop machine
will allow students to experience the interaction of
acoustic instruments with electronic manipulation.

HISTORY OF
LECTURE / DEMONSTRATIONS

2010
Mission San Jose Elementary School, Fremont
April 16th

2008
Oakland Military Institute
January 15th

2007
Castilleja School, Palo Alto
February 14th

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

"The children and families of
Children's' Village Child Development Center
    thoroughly enjoyed the ebullient sounds of 'Bal du Kor'!
This wonderful group of musicians
helped create an ambiance of warmth and sharing.
Our event celebrating West-African cultural heritage
was an evening to remember, thanks to 'Bal du Kor'." 
  
—Molly Skuse (Executive Director, Children's Village
Child Development Center, SF branch)

"On Wednesday, February 14, 2007, the talented West African Trio 'Bal du Kor' performed with indigenous African instruments playing authentic West African music...to the delight of all."