THE AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Educational Workshops & Residencies with The Afro‑Semitic Experience

The Afro‑Semitic Experience brings together a collective of master educators, performers, culture‑bearers, and tradition‑keepers. Every member of the ensemble is an experienced teacher, and together they offer a breadth of musical and cultural knowledge that feels like bringing an entire university to your campus or community. As one student wrote, “I absolutely LOVED this show… Seeing people like you perform is what inspires me to not only become better at playing the clarinet, but to just have fun with music!”

Our workshops are hands‑on, joyful, deeply musical, and rooted in the belief that intercultural understanding grows through shared creative experience.

Program Overview

We offer workshops for:

• Middle school, high school, and college students
• Adult learners
• Choirs, bands, orchestras, and community ensembles
• Interdisciplinary classes (religious studies, sociology, history, cultural studies, etc.)
• Community centers, museums, and cultural organizations

Workshops can be offered as:

• Single‑session clinics
• Multi‑day residencies
• Weeklong immersive programs
• Customized combinations of ensemble rehearsals, lectures, masterclasses, and performances

Teen & Adult Vocal and Instrumental Workshops

Participants learn:

• How intercultural music is created
• How to infuse spirituality and intention into performance
• Improvisation techniques for singers and instrumentalists
• How to collaborate across traditions and musical languages

We can rehearse and perform with:

• Choirs
• Big bands and concert bands of any size
• Orchestras and mixed ensembles

Here’s an example of how this works: 
During a recent residency in Portland, Maine, middle school band students rehearsed with the group and then performed with us in concert. Their teacher reflected:
“This workshop benefited my students in many ways, both musically and as young humans… Seeing the melding of different backgrounds come together to share their talents as well as their community based platform is such an incredible message for our students.”

Here’s a 53 second video of us that highlights us working with those students in Portland and the culminating performance.

2. Unity in the Community

A Signature Intercultural Workshop for All Ages

Unity in the Community is the name we have given to most of our workshops since that goal is at the core of so much of what we do.  This workshop uses African, African‑American, and Jewish musical traditions to help participants understand themselves and one another. Through drumming, singing, storytelling, and ensemble work, students explore cooperation, belonging, cultural respect, and shared humanity.

Participants study:

• African and Jewish drumming patterns
• Jewish songs and modes
• African and African‑American spirituals and songs
• Techniques for performing in a multicultural ensemble

Learning outcomes include:

• Increased cultural awareness and empathy
• Confidence in improvisation and creative risk‑taking
• Understanding of rhythm, melody, and ensemble communication
• A sense of belonging and shared purpose

As one professor shared, “Interacting with The Afro‑Semitic Experience was the most magical thing that happened during our class time… the perfect opening for a discussion on race, ethnicity, identity, culture, and how those concepts are reflected and interpreted in music.”

3. Interdisciplinary Classroom Visits & Conversations

Bringing Music, Culture, Identity, and History into Academic Dialogue

Beyond music departments, The Afro‑Semitic Experience regularly visits classes in:

• Religious Studies
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• African American Studies
• Jewish Studies
• American Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Peace & Conflict Studies

In these classes, we speak with students about:

• How our music emerges from African‑American and Jewish traditions
• How intercultural collaboration shapes our artistic and personal identities
• What it means to work across racial, cultural, and religious lines
• How music can be a tool for community‑building, healing, and social justice
• The lived experience of navigating multiple identities in America

These conversations are candid and rooted in lived experience. They help students connect course concepts to real people, real histories, and real creative practice.

Faculty consistently tell us that these visits deepen classroom learning:

• “I look forward to the Afro‑Semitic Experience’s presentation every time… it highlights the intersection of culture, faith and music and truly provides Unity in the Community.” — Chris Yarnal, Religious Studies
• “The perfect opening for a discussion on race, ethnicity, identity, culture, and how those concepts are reflected and interpreted in music.” — Meredith Field, Sociology
• “Students were inspired by the music, the conversation, and what wasn’t told but played in music.” — Matias Homar, Music

These interdisciplinary visits are often the most memorable part of our residencies because they allow students to explore identity, culture, and community through both conversation and sound.

4. Individual Specializations & Masterclasses

Each member of the Afro-Semitic Experience brings expertise in their field. Workshops are always tailored to your program’s needs.

Will Bartlett — Woodwinds, Jazz Theory, Klezmer

• Saxophone masterclasses
• Jazz improvisation & arranging
• Klezmer clarinet interpretation

Warren Byrd — Piano, Composition, Gospel

• Jazz composition & theory
• Jazz piano
• Gospel arranging & vocal training
• Workshops such as Synthesis and Music as Spiritual Process

Dr. David Chevan — Jazz & Jewish Music, Rhythm Section Work

• Jazz and Klezmer rhythm section techniques
• Introducing classically trained musicians to improvisation
• Blending world traditions with jazz language
• Big band and large ensemble coaching

Teachings of Baba David Coleman — African Drumming & Culture

We continue to share the teachings of one of our founding members, the late Baba David Coleman, whose Drumming for Peace workshop includes drum making and Afro‑Cuban, Brazilian, Afro‑American, and West African styles.

Babafemi Alvin Carter, Jr. — Drum Set & Afro‑Caribbean Percussion

• Jazz, R&B, gospel, and blues drumming
• Afro‑Caribbean and West African percussion
• Innovative fusion of Afro‑Caribbean, West African, and Klezmer drum styles

Jocelyn Pleasant — Percussion, Jazz, West African Traditions

• Drum set & percussion across genres
• African diaspora rhythms
• Ensemble coaching
• Cultural context of rhythm traditions

5. Weeklong Immersive Programs

For schools, camps, and community arts organizations seeking a deeper experience, we offer customizable weeklong residencies that culminate in a public performance with the Afro‑Semitic Experience.

Students are grouped by skill level and interest, ensuring that beginners and advanced musicians alike are challenged and supported.

A sample daily schedule includes:

• Drumming
• Song & melody
• Ensemble rehearsal
• Improvisation
• Daily cultural workshop
• Evening concert or community activity

Testimonials

Our workshops consistently inspire students and faculty across disciplines:

• “You all were great… The drumming workshop was fun and informative… Jocelyn and Alvin took the time to explain the cultural origin of the instruments, regions, and attached meanings of the rhythms.” — Heidi Jensen, Alfred University
• “Their music was good for my soul and brought us together as a community.” — Student reflection
• “Music is amazing and their stories proved what we all have in common despite our different faiths, age and ethnicity.” — Student reflection

What Presenters Should Know

We provide:

• All musical materials (scores, charts, parts)
• Flexible workshop formats
• Programs suitable for all ages and skill levels
• Options for interdisciplinary collaboration

You provide:

• Space for drumming and ensemble work
• Basic backline needs (varies by program)
• A schedule that supports hands‑on learning

Customization

Every school, campus, and community is different. We tailor each residency to your goals—musical, cultural, educational, or community‑building.