Maybe you saw us performing at a local festival or maybe your friend is raving about how their kid LOVES marimba. However you found us, we’re glad you’re here!
We work with kids starting at age 6 (or after kindergarten). We sort kids into peer groups according to age and experience and make music accessible to ALL kids. We sing, clap, stomp, and play marimba!
- Students learn marimba and how to play together as a group, but more importantly how to be a good teammate, and how to be a great community member.
- Each session, we revisit concepts over and over through time; together with our students, we deepen our knowledge and experience through this spiral learning.
- Once or twice each year, students have the opportunity to bring a friend during our Bring-a-Friend week and learn the #songoftheseason during our One Song, Once Community campaign.
- On the rare occasion, classes are invited to perform at our concert series concerts, but all student groups are invited to play at our annual Spring Student Festival in May.
I love playing marimba at Kutandara. I like teaching my mom, dad, and all of my friends marimba parts, too. Next to biking, marimba is my favorite thing. I hope to be part of a band soon!
Noah S, age 10
Every introductory kids’ class includes friendship-building games, rhythm challenges, and teamwork opportunities. Older students mentor younger students with the guidance of our adult instructors as a way of giving back and paying it forward. Classes include instructor-facilitated “free time” on the marimbas, warm-up exercises, games and songs, cultural context and real-life stories of the place and people from which our music comes, remembering songs and parts from previous weeks, and learning new songs and parts to add to our growing body of knowledge.
Our 3 African American children were born far away from Zimbabwe, but when I see them play, they don’t seem to be counting or thinking; they are just letting the music sink into them. This is a deep gift, one that will hopefully add to their pride in who they are. We are truly grateful.
Susan R, mother
By the end of a session, kids are playing songs together with introductions, breaks, features, and endings. Children start in either Twiza/Giraffe (approx. ages 6-8 / grades 1-3) or Nzou/Elephant (approx. ages 9-12 / grades 4-7). Check out our upcoming classes, then SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE!
Where can participating in classes at Kutandara lead?
• lasting friendships
• increased self-confidence
• improved grades and focus at school
• ownership in being part of something bigger than yourself
• possible membership in our teen performance bands
• travel opportunities through our Music & Culture Tour of Zimbabwe
• cultural exchange experiences through our Visiting Artist Program
• and so much more!
Maybe our class days and times don’t work for your family or group? No problem! We also offer custom workshops and learning pods!
Custom Learning Pods with Amy Stewart McIntosh and Randy McIntosh
Weekday and weekend times available
Up to 8 students
Ages 6-8 or 9-12 (mixed ages also possible)
$225 per 90-minute session @ Kutandara
$375 per 90-minute session @ your location in Boulder County
Feel free to email us about your group of young learners, or fill out our custom workshop form!
