Workshops, Performances and Professional Development

Explore Joseph Dixon's art through workshops, performances, professional development and exhibitions.

Performances

African Rhythms and Spirituals

Joseph Dixon/JD Art Performance: Grades 1 – 5

Performance Description:This performance is inspired by two of the oldest forms of communication, the drum and the human voice. It explores the origin and history of African percussions and Spirituals from Americans of African descent. Students learn the roles of traditional African drums such as the popular Djembe, Ashiko, and Dun Dun drums. The drum's coded messages were used for communication, celebrations, healing rituals and rites of passage ceremonies. In this country, the drums coded messages led to slave revolts and escape attempts before they were banned or outlawed. The coded messages in the Spirituals that were sung, served as guides or roadmaps for those escaping enslavement by way of the Underground Railroad. Participants are entertained with songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Wade in the Water”, “Gospel Train” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd”.

History and Song of the Mardi Gras Indians

Joseph Dixon/JD Art Performance:

Grades 1 – 5

Performance Description: This interactive musical performance introduces students the history of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes of New Orleans. Students learn of musical instruments like the drums and tambourines that Indians use are engaged in sing-along and chants of traditional call and response patterns and phrases that are still significant in contemporary music, They learn of the duties of the Big Chief, Flag Boy and Spy Boy and the roles they play during their walk on Mardi Gras day and Saint Joseph’s Night while also experiencing opportunities to accompany the artist with music making while singing traditional songs, such as “Indian Red” and “Iko Iko”.

“LOVED Joseph & the History of Mardi Gras Indians!! He is a great talent! The kids really enjoyed it. Lots of opportunities to participate and watch friends on stage. Thanks so much!” = amy gray, owens elem

Let’s Play Together

Joseph Dixon/JD Art Performance: Grades 1 – 5

Performance Description: This uniquely inclusive performance is designed for audiences with both, children of special needs and children without. Using storytelling and music making, the show works to promote acceptance, respect and teamwork among all children. Participants learn of the three main parts of a story (character, setting, and plot) while exploring the history and similarities and differences of various percussion instruments, that includes Djembe drums. The show engages the students in a lesson that covers two elements of music, (timbre and dynamics) and ends with audience members invited to join in the live music-making community drum circle using instruments from various cultures and all appear very different. The challenge will be to use the unique strengths of each instrument to play a role in making drum circle music that sounds delightful to all.

Workshops and Residencies

Painting With Watercolor Pencils

Joseph Dixon/JD Art Workshop: Grades K – 5

Workshop Description: This fun, engaging hands-on workshop is designed to introduce students to the techniques and principles of painting with watercolor pencils. Through a series of structured lessons and exercises, students will learn how to effectively use watercolor pencils to create vibrant and dynamic paintings. Participants are introduced to an overview of materials and tools, explanation of watercolor pencil techniques and demonstration of basic strokes and blending methods. This workshop will broaden the participants understanding color theory basics, composition along with using simple shapes and forms. In the end, students will select a subject of their choice and apply the techniques learned throughout the course to create a final painting.

Music 4 Everyone

Joseph Dixon/JD Art Workshop: Grades K – 5

Music 4 Everyone, is an interventional music curriculum designed to support attention, motor and verbal development for special education students through music activities that emphasize active engagement while also providing professional development training for the classroom teachers and their assistants.

Why Active Engagement?

• The concept of student engagement has emerged as a way to understand and improve academic outcomes for students who were struggling with marginal or poor performance.

• Students who spend more time actively engaged at school tend to enjoy learning, work toward their goals, put forth effort and challenge themselves to succeed.

• High levels of engagement are associated with academic success: higher grades, lower school dropout, higher test scores, and even later success in the working world.

• Active engagement is associated with improved outcomes for students struggling with ADHD and autism.

Professional Development

“Inclusion in the Classroom”

Tools for Affective Engagement in an Inclusive Classroom

  • “Inclusion in the Classroom” is a professional development training for teaching artists, classroom teachers, care providers and families that introduces tools and strategies for incorporating the arts in classrooms and at home for individuals on the autism spectrum and other learning disabilities.

    Goals:

    1. Provide examples of best practices for the utilization of specific tools and techniques to use in special education and inclusive classrooms, along with strategies to use at home.

    2. Provide the vocabulary to better understand individuals with a learning disability.

    3. Provide opportunities for teachers to practice integrating these principles into their own curriculum/classroom

    Learning Objectives:

    Participants will be able to:

    1. Develop curriculums that align with state standards and developmental objectives

    2. Introduce and utilize Picture Exchange Communication (PEC) in the classroom.

    3. Introduce creative ways of engagement to enhance students' learning experience.

Joseph's workshops transform your understanding of art; his passion and expertise truly inspire creativity.

★★★★★

Contact Joseph Dixon Art

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