Bettersworth Lecture at the Piney Woods School

Workshop on African Music 2/9.

Charles Wsir Johnson visits Ward-Stewart Elementary

Performance of African music on 2/18 was supported by the Robert B. Holland Music for All Fund. Wsir performs in the tradtion of the griot; the West African storyteller/musician. His program included stories, songs, and an arsenal of traditional folk instruments. Wsir also visited the African-American Music class taught by Dr. Damm and performed a concert in the Colvard Union sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

Celebration of African Heritage

In recognition of Black History Month at Ward-Stewart Elementary. The program included story telling, traditional dance pieces from Ghana, and Shona marimba music from Zimbabwe. The concert featured the 6th grade percussion class, 4th and 5th grade general music classes, MSU students enrolled in MU 3123, and several invited culture-bearers.

Robert Damm recieves Ward-Stewart Artistic Contributor of the Year Award

International Fiesta

Starkville Percussion Ensemble (featuring students from Henderson and Ladies of SAI) performed Brazilian and African music.

Jesse Robinson jams with Ward-Stewart students

Blues guitarist Jesse Robinson and his band performed at Ward-Stewart Elementary on 3/14. The students were actively involved in the performance, singing a blues song they had composed. Several of the students played guitar with Mr. Robinson's band. The program was supported by the Robert B. Holland Music for All fund.

Susie Marshall Blues Band performs at Churchill Elementary

The Whole School Arts Festival on 4/25 featured local blues musicians and provided an opportuinty for West point students to play harmonica, drums, guitar, or sing with professional blues musicians. The blues concert/workshop was arranged by Susie Marshall, music specialist at Churchill Elementary.

Day of the Arts at Sudduth Kindergarten

Kindergarten students in Starkville attended eleven stations for "hands-on" art activities on 5/6. Robert Damm presented percussion instruments in the activity room and also lead the students in American Indian dances.

Music workshop for Mexican children

Dr. Damm presented a workshop in the MSU Music Methods Center for children enrolled in Cindy Neely's English Language Learner Class on 6/21. The students played a variety of musical instruments.

Tsunami Projekt benefit CD

Damm's "Udu Dances" composition was included on The Tsunami Projekt benefit CD. 100% of the money from sales ($10,000) was donated to tsunami victims. Other artists contributing to the project included Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard, Tears for Fears) and Rick Wakeman (Yes). .