Alex Weiss is a multi-instrumentalist, world traveler, music educator and storyteller who has been performing professionally since 1970. Alex’s versatility on trumpet, hand drums and recorders are enhanced by his knowledge and love of African & Latin music, as well as jazz, blues and American folk traditions.
Lively, educational performances with 3-piece ensemble that bridges African and contemporary Latin styles with Jazz. Up beat sambas, haunting Andean melodies, intricate West African rhythms and popular Cuban standards are some of the flavors Different Drum brings to the stage. Sabroso!
| Grade Levels | 3-12 |
|---|---|
| Maximums | 400 Students, 45-60 minutes; 4/day |
| Technical Requirements | Drinking water, electrical outlet |
| Total Fee | 1 performance - $804 / 2 performances (same school/same day) $1,320 |
| School Portion | 1 performance - $402 / 2 performances (same school/same day) $660 |
A musical journey through three continents and a few Islands with multi-instrumentalist Alex as he plays and guides the group to experience song by song the Journey from South Africa, through West Africa, to the Caribbean, South America and the U.S.A. Connecting the evolutionary patterns of the African Diaspora with current day music. Group participation and stories enhance this program.
| Grade Levels | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Maximums | 200 Students, 45-60 minutes, 4/day |
| Technical Requirements | Drinking water, electrical outlet |
| Total Fee | 1 performance - $606 / 2 performances (same school, same day) - $880 |
| School Portion | 1 performance - $303 / 2 performances (same school, same day) - $440 |
The USA is the birthplace of the blues. But, there is Delta Blues, Piedmont Blues, Chicago blues and more… Similarly this workshop will focus on the variety and evolution of rhythms & music of the African Diaspora from the 1500’s to present time - and we might get to play some blues too! Within the artists expertise you can select the regions of interest for the workshop.
| Grade Levels | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Maximums | 30 Students, 60 minutes, 4/day |
| Technical Requirements | Drinking water, electrical outlet |
| Total Fee | 1 workshop - $330 |
| School Portion | 1 workshop - $165 |
A multi cultural voyage from Africa to the Caribbean and through the Americas using music and storytelling. There is a special focus on indigenous cultures of these diverse regions. American folk music, blues and jazz also compliment this residency. Each session culminates with a hands-on orchestrated jam with instruments and rhythms derived from the selected culture. This is a highly daptive residency incorporating composition techniques, social studies, poetry, history, mathematical concepts and music. This residency can be enhanced with a Different Drum performance ncorporating what the students have learned and involving their participation.
| Grade Levels | K-12 |
|---|---|
| Maximums | 3 to 4 classes per day, 45-50 minutes |
| Total Fee | 4 day residency/3 classes per day - $1350 / 4 day residency/4 classes per day - $2,200 |
| School Portion | 4 day residency/3 classes per day - $450 / 4 day residency/4 classes per day - $734 |
Alex and the ensemble will take you on a fun journey tying together history, culture and music as the path leads from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas. Generally focusing on the rhythms and music of the African Diaspora but our presentation can include music of the Incas and the indigenous cultures of the Americas. Clap alongs and storytelling also goes along on the journey. This program is adaptable to specific school needs.
| Grade Levels | K-12 |
|---|---|
| Maximums | 40 minutes / One week access |
| Technical Requirements | YouTube |
| Total Fee | $770 |
| School Portion | $385 |