Moving Music Museum
Our main learning activity suitable for all ages is an interactive concert, cultural lecture, and world instrument exhibition designed to inspire children, families, and educators. For over a decade, it has blended music, history, social studies, and geography through an arts integration approach aligned with CPALMS education standards, offering an engaging musical and historical journey across diverse cultures.”
"The Berimbau's Journey: Where, Music, Movement, and History Meet"
Journey into the origins of one of humanity’s most ancient and overlooked musical instruments — the musical bow. This immersive, interactive program explores how early communities may have transformed hunting tools into expressive sound makers, giving rise to traditions still alive today. Participants will discover various types of musical bows like the mouth bow, ground bow, and gourd bow, and learn how gourds became essential resonance chambers for countless instruments around the world. The activity showcases traditional percussion such as the shekere, Cuban güiro, caxixis, and the mesmerizing asalato of Ghana — one of the most complex and versatile shakers in African music. A special focus highlights the berimbau, the iconic Afro-Brazilian musical bow whose rhythms accompanied Capoeira, a martial art born in resistance during the Atlantic slave trade. From a marginalized, outlawed practice to a global symbol of Afro-Brazilian identity, Capoeira’s journey mirrors the resilience found in every beat of these instruments. Participants will also experience the Brazilian pandeiro, a uniquely expressive frame drum, and learn the basics of the ginga, Capoeira’s signature movement, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, physical activity, and cultural preservation. This program bridges music, history, martial arts, and cultural resilience — celebrating creativity as a tool for survival and expression across generations.
"From Crates to Global Stages: The Cajon's Journey"
Discover the inspiring story of how creativity, resilience, and cultural identity transformed everyday objects into powerful musical voices. This interactive activity explores the Afro-Peruvian diaspora’s remarkable percussion traditions through three unique instruments: the cajón, the quijada (donkey jawbone), and the cajita (little box). Participants will learn the fascinating history of the cajón — from a simple wooden crate used in times of scarcity to one of today’s most versatile and internationally recognized percussion instruments, embraced by genres like flamenco, jazz, and world music. The experience also highlights Afro-Peruvian culture’s journey of survival and innovation, offering hands-on demonstrations of the cajón, quijada, and cajita, along with a brief look into Peru’s ancient pre-Hispanic heritage and the mystery of the Nazca Lines. Ideal for audiences of all ages, this program blends music, geography, history, and arts integration, sparking curiosity and celebrating the universal power of rhythm and resilience.
"Voices of the Land : The Sound of Australia's First Nations"
Take an unforgettable sonic journey — no passport required — to Australia’s Northern Territory and experience the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations peoples, especially the Yolngu of Arnhem Land, one of the world’s oldest living cultures. This immersive activity introduces participants to the history, technique, and cultural significance of the yidaki (commonly known as the didgeridoo), alongside the sharp, commanding sounds of the bilma (clapsticks) and the mysterious hum of the bullroarer. Learn about circular breathing, explore the health benefits of yidaki playing, and discover how this once sacred ceremonial instrument has become a symbol of Aboriginal culture on international stages, embraced by world music, electronic music, and film soundtracks. The presentation features an authentic collection of yidakis, bilmas, and traditional boomerangs brought directly from Australia’s Northern Territory. More than a music session — it’s a tribute to resilience, history, and the enduring voice of the land.
"Keys of the Ancestors: The Mbira and Kalimba"
While Africa is often celebrated for its powerful rhythms and drums, its legacy of melody, harmony, and counterpoint is equally remarkable. In this interactive experience, audience will discover the Kalimba and Mbira, two of Africa’s most iconic lamellophones. Learn about their rich cultural significance, from sacred ceremonies to contemporary world music stages. Participants will explore their history, unique construction, and delicate, soulful sound — uncovering how these instruments have carried the voices of ancestors through generations and continue to resonate with audiences around the globe.
"United by Rhythm: Build, Play, Connect"
This dynamic, hands-on program transforms participants into a vibrant percussion ensemble, using a rich variety of instruments — from sound effects, hand bells, and boomwhackers to pandeiros, frame drums, cajones, shakers, and more. Together, participants learn and perform accessible, engaging pieces designed to develop fundamental percussion skills, listening abilities, and teamwork. Adaptable for all ages — from kindergarteners to adults — and available as a one-day workshop or multi-session residency, this activity is more than just a jam session. It’s a collaborative, cultural exploration that builds coordination, communication, and community spirit. Every participant has a part to play, and every beat matters. Through music-making, participants experience the joy of collective creativity while developing essential social-emotional skills like cooperation, active listening, and shared leadership — all through the universal language of rhythm.
"The Healing Frequency: How Music Moves, Soothes, and Shape Us"
This eye-opening program invites participants to explore how sound and music have served as powerful tools for health, unity, and human connection throughout history. From ancient armies using music to build morale and cohesion, to modern research on frequency therapies and sound healing, this interactive experience reveals the fascinating ways sound affects our minds and bodies. Participants will receive a brief talk about the use of sonic weapons, frequency-based treatments for stress and illness, and the energizing and calming properties of sound. Participants will engage with soothing, meditative instruments like the handpan, gongs, and sound healing tools, while learning how music can lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, boost energy, and promote emotional balance. Specially designed for middle and high school students, this program addresses the current influence of mainstream entertainment disguised as art — promoting content heavy with violence, anger, and negativity — and opens a crucial conversation about its effects on personal well-being and social dynamics. The session integrates basic breath-work techniques to promote relaxation, focus, and emotional awareness. It aligns with social-emotional learning goals and encourages students to reflect on how sound can be intentionally used to support a vibrant, healthy, and harmonious life. This activity is endorsed by Sela Percussion instruments.
“The Water Cycle’s Symphony: Where Nature, Sound, and Discovery Meet”
This imaginative, interactive program invites children, families, and educators to explore natural science through the universal language of sound. Participants embark on a playful journey through the water cycle’s stages, each accompanied by live, hands-on sound effects using instruments like ocean drums, rain sticks, thunder drums, bird whistles, seed shakers, rattles, wind chimes, hand bells, and frame drums. Beyond exploring nature’s music, this program highlights the role of sound in audiovisual storytelling, soundscapes, and film soundtracks, introducing young audiences to how music shapes our understanding of the world. Participants will develop listening skills, teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and apply key dynamic concepts like forte, piano, crescendo, and diminuendo while making music together. It’s a magical blend of music, science, and creative discovery — perfect for elementary students and families alike.
"Did you know drums can talk?"
Join us for an immersive cultural journey exploring the talking drum, an extraordinary instrument from Yoruba land in West Africa. Known for its unique ability to mimic the tones and rhythms of spoken language, the talking drum has served as a vital tool for transmitting oral traditions, preserving history, and fostering community connection for centuries. In this interactive session, audiences will discover the drum’s role in African societies — from royal courts and religious ceremonies to armies and marketplaces. We’ll explore how drums have been used as communication tools not only in Africa but also in Japan and throughout the African diaspora in the Americas.
Highlights:
-Discussion on the importance of oral tradition and music as a historical record
-Stories of how drums were used for long-distance communication and signaling in various cultures
-Hands-on activity: Participants will have the opportunity to try basic rhythms and spoken language mimiking using the talking drum.
"Rhythmic Sticks & Drums Circle for Seniors"
A joyful, seated group music-making experience designed to foster connection, movement, and creativity through the use of rhythmic sticks. Participants engage in call and response rhythms, improvisation, and listening exercises, promoting teamwork, leadership, and mind-body coordination in a fun, accessible setting. Participants take turns leading and following simple rhythmic patterns, building confidence and strengthening social bonds through shared musical dialogue.
Why it matters:
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness are linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia and higher rates of heart disease, depression, and premature death in older adults. Engaging in regular group activities like this has been shown to improve mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. This session encourages movement, laughter, and meaningful interaction — essential elements for healthy aging
"Connecting Culture, Music, and CPALMS Standards"
In this dynamic professional development session, teachers will actively participate in Moving Music Museum activities while gaining insight into how these experiences integrate with educational standards. The training provides a clear framework linking each activity to specific CPALMS standards across social studies, music, language arts, and wellness education. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, a detailed activity guide, and ready-to-use classroom applications that foster student engagement through arts integration.
