THE VOICES OF MANY PROJECT with Nadia Bashalani
The workshop explores the tradition of children’s music through songwriting, performance and production. Inspired by a variety of narratives some deem too difficult for children to grasp, teachers, parents and children can further explore them through the music and songs that are created. My workshops are flexible and adjust to the ages of the students. As a primary activity, I compose and create songs with the students drawing inspiration from their own experiences in relation to social justice themes. For younger students, the narratives found in picture books written and illustrated by BIPOC artists or featuring BIPOC protagonists are also a source of songwriting inspiration and discussion in the workshops. For early childhood education, I focus on songs’ melody and rhythm while exploring social justice themes through picture books and original music. The Voices of Many Project will produce children’s songs to seamlessly include key social justice issues and contribute to creating generations of empathetic, inclusive and inquisitive human beings.
Themes: The workshop provides an opportunity for discussion about belonging in Quebec as a member of the BIPOC community and as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Materials: pencil, paper, audio recording device like a smart phone
Grade Levels: Kindergarden, Elementary cycle 1, 2, 3
Artist Profile: Nadia Bashalani
Email: nadbash1980@gmail.com
Phone: 514-588-2087