Virtual Concert: Afoutayi Dance, Music and Arts Company
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Age Range: Elementary, Middle School; Grades K-8
Learning Objective: Students will learn from Afoutayi Dance, Music, and Arts Company about music and dance from the country of Haiti.
Total Video Time: 30:59
At a Glance: Virtual Concerts give students the opportunity to practice being an audience and experience a variety of music. A teacher or student will play the role of Concert Host narrating between each piece of music.
Teaching Tips: Use the provided Concert Host Script and included links to guide students through a series of videos recreating a concert. For younger learners, see our Concert Guide for ideas on how to customize the concert.
THE CONCERT
“Welcome to today’s virtual concert. First, meet Djenane Saint Juste (jay-NAHN sehn ZHOOST) the Artistic Director of Afoutayi (AH-foo-TAH-yee) Dance, Music and Arts Company. Afoutayi is a performing arts group that celebrates the history and culture of the country of Haiti.”
“Djenane explained that Afoutayi Dance Music and Arts Company shares culture, art, and music from the country of Haiti. Find Haiti on a map, or look at the image below to see where it is located. Do you remember what two languages are spoken in Haiti?”
“Remember in the first video, Djenane showed several instruments used in Haitian music. You will see some of those instruments in this next video. This piece is called Balanse Fofo (BAH-lahn-say FOH-foh). Do you remember from Djenane's introduction what ‘balanse’ means? Who is Fofo?”
“Storytelling is an important part of Haitian culture. In the next video, Djenane will tell you some words and dance moves that will help you understand the next musical performance.”
“Now it's time to watch the performance of Lasirèn ak Labalèn (lah-see-rehn ahk lah-bah-lehn). Before you watch, review those key words that Djenane taught in the last video. Try each motion/dance move as you say the words, in Creole:
Lasirèn (mermaid)
Labalèn (whale)
Chapo (hat)
Tonbe (to fall down)
Lanmè (the sea/ocean)
Get ready to join in with the dance moves at the very end.”
“Next, Djenane will show you a steady beat pattern you will use while you listen to the next piece of music. Get ready to clap and tap.”
“Now it is time to watch Afoutayi perform Zanm Telele (ZAHM TAY-lay-lay). See if you can follow the steady beat pattern that Djenane taught.”
“Music and dance are very connected in Haitian culture. Dance along to these two final performances by Afoutayi. Notice that the second piece begins with a call on the lambi (conch). Do you remember from the very first video, how people in Haiti use the lambi?”
“Finally, Djenane will review a few highlights and ideas from this virtual concert.”
“Thank you for attending today’s virtual concert. We hope you enjoyed listening to and learning from Djenane and Afoutayi, and we hope you’ll share what you learned with someone else today.”
EXTEND learning
Choose one or more of the following activities to extend learning.
See if you can retell the story of Lasirèn ak Labalèn to a friend or family member or draw a comic book version of the story. Does this story teach a lesson? If so, what do you think that lesson is?
Read this feature on the YourClassical MPR website about Djenane Saint Juste's book.
Learn more about Afoutayi on their website.
FULL CONCERT PLAYLIST
Related Lesson Plans
YourClassical is a public media organization and your support makes it possible.
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
