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! Scroll down for more session-specific information…
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!
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 Kunaka or Takapenga
• travel opportunities through our Music & Culture Tour of Zimbabwe
• cultural exchange experiences through our Visiting Artist Program
• and so much more!
Twiza (Giraffe)/ Mbizi (Zebra) Marimba with Amy Stewart McIntosh
Levels 1 + 2
Ages 6-8 / Grades 1-3
Fridays 4-5 pm
SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW
In this class, we are getting introduced to the marimbas. We are learning the names of the marimbas, their relationship to each other, and the names of the notes on each one. We can even play our main note (C major) chords! We are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly.
In our opening circle, we are exploring the beat and duple beat, and learning to clap rhythms and step to the beat. When we play marimba songs together, we are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group. We even know the lead soprano’s role in the ensemble and can respond to its calls. That’s pretty amazing!
(This class is designed for 6-8 year old students who have had one year or less of marimba instruction.)
2023 Winter Session | $200
10-week session January 13-March 17, 2023 | SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE
2023 Spring Session | $240
8-week session April 7-May 26, 2023 | SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Nzou (Elephant)/Mvuu (Hippo) Marimba with Randy McIntosh
Levels 1 + 2
Ages 9-12 / Grades 4-7
Fridays 4-5 pm
SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW
In this class, we are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly. We are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group.
We are starting to be able to execute basic arrangements with the concepts of layering in, layering out, call and response introductions and endings, breaks, and ending signals. We are learning how to play our parts strongly so that we can listen to other parts in the ensemble, and play through mistakes rather than stopping and starting over. We are getting good!
(This class is designed for 9-12 year old students who have had less than two full years of marimba instruction.)
2023 Winter Session | $200
10-week session January 13-March 17, 2023 | SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE
2023 Spring Session | $240
8-week session April 7-May 26, 2023 | SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Or maybe those 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!
