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Available programs and Workshops
Trickster Stories from The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Africa and America.
This program is perfect for elementary age school age children, K to 6. Children are introduced to B'Rabby, the Bahamian trickster, Anansi the spider of West Africa, Ti Malice of Haiti and others. Derek uses music and lots of participation in this program to encourage children to get involved in storytelling.
Elementary school and up.
Stories of Immigration
In this program Derek talks about his immigration to America and tells stories of the immigrant experiences of others. He uses stories and songs to help students think about these issues. The material covered is dependent on the age of the audience. Stories range from "The Long March", looking at the Trail of Tears to stories of the Spanish Jews forced to leave Spain in 1492, to voluntary immigration of people looking for new lands.
Grades 3 through High School.
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Medieval Program
This program presents audience members with music and stories of Medieval time Tales from the Arabian Knights to Stories of King Arthur's court. Derek
accompanies his telling with medieval music that he sings and plays on
Spanish medieval bagpipe, Turkish long neck lute, medieval lute, psaltery and flute.
4th grade and up.
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Mirror of Race - Stories that deal with issues of Race and Ethnicity
This program uses stories both personal and from literature and folklore to encourage audiences to think about issues of race. For middle school audiences this program uses early photographic images - Daguerreotypes - to generate discussion. See http://mirrorofrace.org
Middle and High school
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Stories of Slavery and Freedom
This program tells the true stories of slaves in America as well as conjure tales, stories written to talk about the evils of slavery. These stories examine the human spirit from slavery to freedom. Derek uses
contemporary stories as well as songs in this presentation.Derek uses contemporary stories and songs as well in this presentation.
For 4th grade to High School.
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Myths and Legends
These two independent programs can be integrated into one program if required. Myths and Legends from a number of cultures are told accompanied by musical instruments. From early myths of the Mayas and Incas to Persephonie and Demeter this program is designed to bring these stories to life for students.
3rd grade and up.
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Music Program
This performance traces music from Medieval times to the present.
Derek, a professional musician and a graduate of Berklee College of Music presents a program using lute, guitar, flutes, medieval bagpipe and psaltery, among other instruments to introduce students to music and styles of various periods. Classical and flamenco guitar features prominently in this program.
3rd grade and up
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Stories and music for Adult audiences
This program is designed for adult audiences using stories, Caribbean songs and humor for a view into Island life in contrast to City life. Derek tells personal tale of his island experiences in stories filled with pathos and humor.
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Family programs
Come sit and listen to stories as Derek tells folktales, sings songs and encourages parents to tell each other stories. This program is highly participatory and fun for the whole family.
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Stories of Survival and the Environment
Derek tells folktales from Rain Forests around the world. These stories of animals and creatures help motivate audiences to think of the environment and our need to protect it.
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Reflecting Stories: How We Respond to AIDS.
This program is for an an adult audience and uses folktales and interwoven with contemporary narrative to help audiences reflect on this issue facing our communities today. The performance is followed by a discussion.
Middle to High School
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Workshops available for Teachers and students
Storytelling Tips and Techniques for the classroom
This workshop can be designed for either students or teachers. Derek shares
storytelling techniques to help aspiring storytellers improve their skills and
bring their stories to life.
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Personal Identity Quilt- Description
This workshop provides students and teachers with the tools to tell their
story, while learning to listen to the story of others. Time frame: one and a
half hours
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Tell me your story: Descripton
This workshop is designed to help participants tell personal stories through an oral history process.
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Telling stories from other cultures.
This workshop is designed for teachers and examines through hands on work
ways of dealing with issues that arise when telling multi-cultural stories.
Appropriate for grade school ages, middle and high school as well as adults.
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Making Curriculum Connections in the Arts with a focus on Storytelling.
Derek looks at ways of incorporating stories and storytelling in the curriculum for grade school children. Teachers learn ways of incorporating folk material as well as the personal story to enhance writing, reading, social science and other subjects.
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