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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Quynn Johnson is a multi-award winning performing artist, choreographer, and author. As the 2014 recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Dance: Choreography, Quynn Johnson has performed tap dance on national and international stages including The Kennedy Center and International Festival de Cajon in Lima, Peru. Quynn is also the co-director of SOLE Defined, a percussive dance company.

Artist Statement

I believe arts education can be mind changing in the lives of youth. As a youth, arts education programs taught me to dream and imagine a world that could be shaped through movement. I learned how to creatively express myself and my ideas to communicate with others when my voice could not.

Testimonials

"The kids were so engaged and Quynn's enthusiasm is totally contagious!"-Ingrid, Third Grade Teacher, Beltsville Academy

"Our students and teachers were all up and tapping by the end of the program. Thoroughly engaging!" -Belle Grove Elementary

"Phenomenal!! The storyline and her energy captivated our students. Our students tapped to class following the assembly!" -Capitol Heights Elementary

"Quynn's performance was inspirational. She was able to incorporate a number of experiential activities for the students while blending personal narratives with her skilled dance routine. Highly recommend this artist for a wide variety of ages." - Program staff at The Country School in Maryland

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Quynn Johnson | Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist Quynn Johnson is a multi-award winning performing artist, choreographer, and author. As the 2014 recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Dance: Choreography, Quynn Johnson has performed tap dance on national and international stages including The Kennedy Center and International Festival de Cajon in Lima, Peru.

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Jamaal Collier-or "Mr. Root"-is a dedicated and versatile professional Hip Hop artist with more than a decade of experience facilitating workshops and live performances in the Mid-Atlantic region. By incorporating rapping, vocal percussion, and dynamic stage presence, Jamaal articulates his passionate appreciation for his artistry every time he teaches and performs. Jamaal was named the Mic-ology Spoken Word Slam Champion in 2007.

Testimonials

"Feedback from the teachers involved in the residency was ALL positive. They loved Mr. Root. They thought he was very cool, very child-centered, got the kids engaged, made learning fun. It was a true testament of how you can take learning and make it fun. He was able to get some of the most resistant kids engaged. They really enjoyed having him. They loved the humor! It drew the kids in. They enjoyed the freestyling. We were very surprised, it was Dimitrious' first day here and he came up and free-styled."

Ms. Hines, Principal of Villa Maria School

"It's wonderful to see my students in a different perspective. It opens up the opportunity to see kids in another way other than just as students, but as kids who can enjoy and appreciate that words come in different forms, including lyrical and poetic."

Ann-Marie, Teacher, Samuel Ogle Middle

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Jamaal Collier - Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist Jamaal Collier-or "Mr. Root"-is a dedicated and versatile professional Hip Hop artist with more than a decade of experience facilitating workshops and live performances in the Mid-Atlantic region. By incorporating rapping, vocal percussion, and dynamic stage presence, Jamaal articulates his passionate appreciation for his artistry every time he teaches and performs. Jamaal was named the Mic-ology Spoken Word Slam Champion in 2007.

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"Get Schooled with Mr. Root" Assembly Teacher Guide

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"Get Schooled with Mr. Root" Assembly Teacher Guide

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Valerie Branch graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. She has experience touring as a performing and teaching artist both nationally and internationally. Valerie has brought dance into schools throughout South Africa and St. George's, Grenada and has received an invitation from the Danish Embassy to participate in a Cultural Arts Program Exchange Visit to Denmark. As a Master Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts and a Teaching Artist Fellow with Young Audiences of Maryland, her mission is to bring dance to schools throughout the DMV area and beyond. She is a company member and Managing Director of Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company and is the Founder and Artistic Director of VB Dance Ensemble, a professional contemporary dance company focused on bringing social and cultural awareness and change through the power of dance into schools around the nation.

Artist Statement

I believe that dance has the power to transform, enhance, and open the mind to new and different possibilities. Integrating dance into the traditional classroom setting helps children gain confidence, increases their memory, assists with their social developmental skills, and helps them to think more creatively, critically, and outside of the box. For me, it is important to work in schools and with children, because I believe that children need as many positive role models and mentors as possible to support healthy development. I also believe that using dance as a tool for learning helps children to understand different logics and also to assist with independent thinking. Children become smarter because their brains are being targeted and challenged in a different way. As a dance teaching artist and educator, I believe in the importance of sharing the culture, knowledge, and history of dance with under-served youth to enhance growth and development within their communities, while empowering them to make strong independent choices now and
in their future.

Learn more about Maryland Wolf Trap early learning residencies.

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Valerie Branch - Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist Valerie Branch graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. She has experience touring as a performing and teaching artist both nationally and internationally. Valerie has brought dance into schools throughout South Africa and St.

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

The Valerie Branch Dance Ensemble has captivated students through dance from South Africa to Grenada. The ensemble introduces students to contemporary dance while exploring how to create and sustain relationships with peers, family, and communities. Students consider solutions to problems and how they can use their bodies to effectively communicate.

Valerie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. She has experience touring as a performing and teaching artist both nationally and internationally. She has taught as an independent artist and with different organizations such as WPAS. As a teaching artist, Valerie has brought dance into schools in South Africa and St. George's, Grenada and has received an invitation from the Danish Embassy to participate in a Cultural Arts Program Exchange Visit to Denmark. She is on the dance faculty at Greenbelt Community Center and New Hope Academy in Landover Hills, MD. Valerie is proud to be a Teaching and Performing Artist with Young Audiences of Maryland and Maryland Wolf Trap to bring dance to schools throughout the state.
Learn more about Maryland Wolf Trap early learning residencies.
Artist Statement

I believe that dance has the power to transform, enhance, and open the mind to new and different possibilities. Integrating dance into the traditional classroom setting helps children gain confidence, increases their memory, assists with their social developmental skills, and helps them to think more creatively, critically, and outside of the box. For me, it is important to work in the schools because I believe that children need as many positive role models and mentors as possible to support healthy development. I also believe that using dance as a tool for learning helps children to understand different logics and also to assist with independent thinking. Children become smarter because their brains are being targeted and challenged in a different way. As a dance teaching and performing artist, I believe in the importance of sharing the culture, knowledge and history of dance with under-served youth to enhance growth and development within their communities, while empowering them to make strong independent choices now and in their future.

Testimonials

"I believe that Ms. Valerie is an important catalyst for discovery and achievement. Children need to be able to think and explore with the creative side of their brains. It gives them a better understanding of their world. The arts make children more flexible, gives them the ability to learn new skills in a new and different way, and to be creative and innovative. Ms. Valerie helps to tap, shape, and create their potential."

Cherisse, Teacher, Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership School

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Valerie Branch Dance Ensemble - Young Audiences

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About this Artist The Valerie Branch Dance Ensemble has captivated students through dance from South Africa to Grenada. The ensemble introduces students to contemporary dance while exploring how to create and sustain relationships with peers, family, and communities. Students consider solutions to problems and how they can use their bodies to effectively communicate.

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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Blacktastic! A Free Children's Festival of Black History & Culture

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You're cordially invited to celebrate the pure joy of African American history and culture, featuring a host of Young Audiences of Maryland's amazing teaching artists. This one-day virtual marathon of enriching performances and workshops for children of all ages will spark joy and inspiration through cultural education and appreciation.

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"The People We Meet and the Friends We Keep" Teacher Guide

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"The People We Meet and the Friends We Keep" Teacher Guide

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"Exploring, Creating and Dancing with our Friends" Residency Teacher Guide

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"Exploring, Creating and Dancing with our Friends" Residency Teacher Guide

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Bomani is a seasoned performer and teacher and is currently Director of Poetry Events for the Busboys and Poets restaurants, a CBS Radio personality, and head audio-engineer for Urban-Intalek Studios. Bomani describes himself as a poet with a Hip Hop style.

Testimonials

"Bomani was OUTSTANDING, today! The kids loved him, the second graders all lined up to take his autograph!"

Claudia, PTA representative, Rolling Knolls Elementary

"Positive, Motivating, Challenging. Bomani gave students the power of language."

Jennifer, Teacher, Scholars K-8

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Bomani - Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist Bomani is a seasoned performer and teacher and is currently Director of Poetry Events for the Busboys and Poets restaurants, a CBS Radio personality, and head audio-engineer for Urban-Intalek Studios. Bomani describes himself as a poet with a Hip Hop style. Testimonials "Bomani was OUTSTANDING, today!

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"BARS Writing Process" Residency Teacher Guide

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"BARS Writing Process" Residency Teacher Guide

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Bomani Writing Process Residency VSG.pdf

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

The Ologundê ensemble celebrates the rich AfroBrazilian culture of Salvador, Bahia through a diverse repertoire of music, dance and martial arts. Comprised of Brazilians living in the United States and Brazil, Ologundê includes former members of world-renowned music and dance troupes and is under the direction of master percussionist Dendê. The ensemble has performed throughout the US since its formation in 2002 and toured Greece as part of the Cultural Olympiad, appearing at the Kalamata Dance Festival and the Athens Festival at the Acropolis. The company's educational programs have been featured at venues such as Lincoln Center, the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music and the Peabody Conservatory among many other esteemed institutions.

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Ologundê | Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist The Ologundê ensemble celebrates the rich AfroBrazilian culture of Salvador, Bahia through a diverse repertoire of music, dance and martial arts. Comprised of Brazilians living in the United States and Brazil, Ologundê includes former members of world-renowned music and dance troupes and is under the direction of master percussionist Dendê.

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Femi Lawal or Femi the DriFish has been a professional spoken word artist and slam poet for more than 10 years. Best known as one half of the spoken word/Hip Hop-influenced duo, THE 5th L, Femi uses his artistry to encourage his listeners to discover their own unique voices and identities in his writings, performances, and teachings. The Drifish also partners with University of Maryland's Violence Prevention Program, using his words to address matters such as violence and bullying in our communities.

Artist Statement

Femi the DriFish enjoys the ability to construct speech creatively with a performance, in such a manner that it strikes the emotions of those watching and listening in various ways.

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Femi the DriFish - Young Audiences Arts For Learning

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About this Artist Femi Lawal or Femi the DriFish has been a professional spoken word artist and slam poet for more than 10 years. Best known as one half of the spoken word/Hip Hop-influenced duo, THE 5th L, Femi uses his artistry to encourage his listeners to discover their own unique voices and identities in his writings, performances, and teachings.

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"Write On, Then Say Word!" Assembly Teacher Guide

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"Write On, Then Say Word!" Assembly Teacher Guide

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Debra Mims has been an actress for over thirty years and was an arts producer at PBS for fourteen years. With additional training in dance, she received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. She has performed at the Georgetown Theatre Company, the Children's Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Detroit-Windsor Dance Company. Debra is the 2010 Individual Artist Award winner for solo performance from Maryland State Arts Council. She also won this award previously in 2004 and 2008.

Testimonials

"Debra is such a powerful storyteller. Her beautiful voice and her interaction with the audience was superb! One of the parents attending the show said they would enjoy listening to her read from the phone book. Debra Mims is so expressive. You can tell she loves storytelling and children!"

Worchester Preparatory School

"She was very enthusiastic and got the children involved in her storytelling."

Krista, Harford Hills Elementary

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Debra Mims - Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist Debra Mims has been an actress for over thirty years and was an arts producer at PBS for fourteen years. With additional training in dance, she received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan.

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"My Grandmother Told Me" Assembly Teacher Guide

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"My Grandmother Told Me" Assembly Teacher Guide

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Young Audiences Arts For Learning, Maryland

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About this Artist

Brandon "Peace" Albright founded Illstyle and Peace Productions in 2002. Their affiliations and performing credits include Crew Scanner Boyz, Will Smith, and LL Cool J. Illstyle and Peace Productions is a multicultural, mixed-gender dance company whose work focuses on the movement and spirit of Hip Hop. The company delivers a positive message of individual expression to worldwide audiences young and old.

Testimonials

"I just returned from the wonderful performance of Illstyle and Peace at Poolesville High and I wanted to immediately give my kudos on a fantastic performance and program at our school. The performers were outstanding and did a great job of captivating typically jaded and hard to please teenagers (who usually think anything to do with cultural arts must be "lame"). I would highly recommend this group to anyone interested in an assembly."

Beth, PTA, Poolesville High

"They were fantastic. Our 8th graders were hanging on every word and watching every move!"

Kelly, Music teacher, Arbutus Middle

"Illstyle and Peace Productions presented a fantastic "History of Hip-Hop" performance at our ES. They were engaging and high energy. Very educational and the students were mesmerized. Performers made full use of the room's space. The talent of the 5 five performers was truly exceptional, and you can tell they really enjoy presenting in schools. Fantastic message about being positive. Would highly recommend."

Laytonsville Elementary

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Illstyle and Peace Productions - Young Audiences

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About this Artist Brandon "Peace" Albright founded Illstyle and Peace Productions in 2002. Their affiliations and performing credits include Crew Scanner Boyz, Will Smith, and LL Cool J. Illstyle and Peace Productions is a multicultural, mixed-gender dance company whose work focuses on the movement and spirit of Hip Hop.

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"The History of Hip Hop" Assembly Teacher Guide

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"The History of Hip Hop" Assembly Teacher Guide

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