In this session, faculty and students involved in the JMUke project will: (a) review relevant research literature related to informal and participatory learning as well as the intersection of maker culture and music learning; (b) facilitate a truncated JMUke session in which participants build and play ukuleles; and (c) facilitate a discussion exploring possibilities for integrating participatory and/or community-based experiences into music courses (and other arts-based courses). Throughout, presenters will discuss elements of experience design and social impact related to JMUke project (drawing on data generated at actual JMUke events hosted by students).
At JMU and in the surrounding community, most opportunities for individuals to experience music are presentational in nature. While these may be meaningful experiences for some, the prevalence of presentational music may limit music-making opportunities for community members. Recent research indicates that existing presentational music groups engage only 10-20% of K-12 students nationally, and just 5% of American adults identify as participants in community presentational music making. JMUke, a project funded by a JMU Faculty Senate Mini-Grant, attempts to address this problem by engaging undergraduate music students through using technologies and pedagogical techniques heretofore underrepresented in their pre-service teacher education. Students participating in this project build ukuleles and plan participatory music making/learning events at various locations in the community, addressing various populations (e.g., children, adults, families).
This next-level, interactive, immersive, music and movement experience is inspired by the the old and the new…fusing together long-held beliefs and practices around sound, vibration, instrumentation, visualization and movement/mindful practices combined with modern, state-of-the-art technology to deliver a more robust, immersive, powerful experience. This session is designed to offer a peak, transformative experience by bringing together and connecting individuals in a safe, non-judgemental setting, and giving them the best sounds, digital visual elements and guided movement practice that interact seamlessly to create a powerful, sensory experience to deepen your practice and connection to yourself and each other.
Art has always been a catalyst of social change and revolution, but how can art be used to create lasting impact in our communities, especially in this political climate?
In this workshop, participants will experience the Activate Framework, a structure for engaging youth, educators and community organizations. This process of participatory artmaking will respond to critical social and political issues, aimed at creating lasting change in their communities. Led by digital natives, we will use media examples from the Trump administration as prompts to develop artistic campaigns, in a manner accessible to all.
Make and program musical instruments! No experience needed. After watching a demonstration, participants will become rhythmic conductors, producing sample works that explore the versatility of physical computing for the sake of utilizing technology in the context of the humanities. Using compatible program interfaces, participants will be exposed to fun and collaborative approaches to harnessing their passion for sound art while acknowledging coding as a 21 century literacy skill set.
