Al-Andalus Ensemble: Tarik & Julia Banzi: Home
Programs for Young Audiences
to open minds
The Al-Andalus Ensemble presents the program for Young Audiences “Journey from Baghdad to Cordoba” where Middle Eastern, Spanish and North African cultures are celebrated through the universal language of music and dance.
Dear Educator,
This site is to let you know about “Journey from Baghdad to Cordoba,” a highly educational and interactive program offered for K - 12 students that is uniquely relevant in today's world. This performance jewel offers a different view of Middle Eastern cultures, showing the rich threads that weave Middle Eastern, North African, Hispanic and American culture into a vibrant, cultural tapestry. History and cultures come alive as students learn the language of the fan and see the magic of a shawl in action! Students are invited to create rhythms with the darbuka drum, do palmas (flamenco hand-clapping), interact with the performers with jaleo (shouts of encouragement), and join in a lively group rumba dance.
“Journey from Baghdad to Cordoba” enables K - 12 students to experience different cultures through an interactive experience of music and dance, performed by world renowned professional artists.
Awards
* California ArtsBridge award: "Best in Creative and Complete Planning for Teaching Arts in the Public Schools.”
* JPFolks "Peoples Grammy Award" for "Best World Music Song of 2009" (Al-Andalus Ensemble song “Alchemy” chosen #1 out of more than 500,000 entries).-
We hope that you will consider offering this uniquely educational and entertaining Young Audiences program to your students. We would be happy to discuss the possibility of a performance at your school and answer any questions you may have.
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“The students were absolutely INTRIGUED throughout—This was far and away the best production for Young Audiences that I have ever seen!” (Teacher, James John Elementary)
“A perfect balance between performing, talking and student active participation.” (Teacher, Roosevelt Elementary)
“The musicianship was superb, the historical context, lineage of the music...our children need to understand the important contributions Arabs have made!” (Teacher, James John Elementary).
“The best example of cultural integration!” (El YA, Madrid, Spain)
“The performance integrated the art forms, catered to different learning styles involving students and staff. It was fantastic! All were engaged in the learning process.” (Teacher, Roosevelt Elementary)
"Without the impact of Arabic musical thought & practice, European classical music as we now know it simply would not exist" (Robert Palmer, New York Times)
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"Journey from Baghdad to Cordoba" program videos coming soon! In the meantime, click below to view some live videos of the Al-Andalus Ensemble in concert settings at homepage www.Andalus.com. The Ensemble website is www.Andalus.com and their Electronic Press Kit is www.SonicBids.com/Andalus
