School: Brooklyn College Academy
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Description:
Shofar, tabla, djembe and balafone may be foreign words to most people in the tri-state area, but at Brooklyn College Academy these instruments are very familiar. Under the supervision of Mrs. Laurie Friedman-Adler, the BCA World Ensemble was established as a musical group made up 72 students who learn to perform on non-traditional instruments collected from various cultures worldwide. In conjunction with teaching students how to play the instruments, Mrs. Laurie Friedman-Adler, goes out of her way to provide students with cultural activities, requiring each student learn the historical significance of the instruments that they are playing.
The ensemble rehearses throughout the school year's duration where students are free to add creative nuances to enhance the composition. They have preformed at various public and private institutions, playing and demonstrating world instruments for over 2,500 students culminating with a concert at the Gershwin Theater.
The BCA World Ensemble has turned educational theory into a practical classroom agenda. It fosters an understanding and an appreciation of world cultures, whose instruments are being discussed, performed and analyzed. By participating in the BCA World Ensemble, students enhance their self-esteem and develop learning skills that are unique and challenging as they listen and learn to these "non traditional" instruments.
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