Moon & Stars Foundation/Kutandara

Building Community Through Music

Helping heal the world through the joy of music
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • patreon
  • flickr
  • zoom
  • Classes
    • Get Started
      • Marimba for Kids
      • Marimba for Adults/Teens
      • Drumming for Adults/Teens
    • Ongoing Groups
      • Youth Groups
      • Teen Groups
      • Adult Groups
    • School Programs
    • Unique Marimba Team-Building Sessions
    • Custom Workshops
    • Student Handbook
    • Calendar
  • Concerts
    • Concert Series
    • Book a Band
      • Kutandara
      • Teens Bands
  • Support
  • About Us
    • Our Mission & History
      • Our Board of Directors
      • Our Staff
    • Our Instruments
    • Our Music
      • Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
      • Virtual Ensemble Videos
    • Our Awards
    • FAQs
    • Projects
      • Music & Culture Tour of Zimbabwe
      • Go Solar with Kutandara
    • Shop
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Connect
  • 0 items
You are here: Home / School Programs

School Programs

Our school-based program introduces school children to an important genre of world music, while focusing on group music skills and community music-making.

In 2001, our directors helped Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) write several grants to purchase a set of marimbas and start a school-based marimba program. Classes are still active at New Vista High School and Horizons K-8 in Boulder.

We have a traveling set of marimbas and mbira that can be made available for your program, made possible by the generosity of our 2016 Moon & Stars Fundraiser donors.

Aaron Edrington, BVSD Foothill Elementary School music teacher, says it best in this short 2:00-minute video about his experience of having Kutandara’s Zimbabwean music program in his classroom.

Assemblies
A school-wide assembly is an excellent opportunity to introduce your students to the music and culture of Zimbabwe. We can provide educational, interactive, 45-60 minute presentations for K-8 students. Presentations include an introduction to Zimbabwean instruments, songs, and culture; a history of Zimbabwean-style marimba music; and many examples of traditional and contemporary songs.

school assembly at Boulder Country Day BCD

Hands-On Classroom Demonstrations
We are available to bring our instruments right into your classroom! In this intimate setting, we introduce the music and culture of Zimbabwe to your students with ample opportunity for questions, demonstrations, and hands-on learning. Presentations can be 30-90 minutes and include an introduction to Zimbabwean instruments, songs, and culture; the history of Zimbabwean-style marimba music; and many examples of traditional and contemporary songs.

Kutandara teaching at local schools

Intensive Workshops
Workshops allow a smaller group of students (8-15 in each workshop group) to work more closely with our staff.

In music workshops, students experience an introduction to marimbas including proper playing technique and ensemble skills. Working together with the Music teacher, we place special emphasis on learning music aurally (without the use of written music). By the completion of the workshop, each workshop group will have learned a marimba piece.

In songs & games workshops, students sing, run, jump, and play…just like children in Zimbabwe do! Working together with the PE teacher, we place special emphasis and physicality and athleticism. By the completion of the workshop, each workshop group will have played several active, Zimbabwean children’s games and compared them to their western counterparts.

In culture & craft workshops, students learn simple Zimbabwean greetings and experiment with materials and crafting techniques found in southern Africa. Working together with the Art teacher, we place special emphasis on recycled materials. By the completion of the workshop, students will have mastered simple greetings and have a completed African craft to take home.

Contact us for available dates and rates! Please ensure you have read our COVID-19 guidelines before submitting your form.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Phone Number (required)

    Your Email (required)

    School Name

    Your Budget

    Type of Presentation

    Preferred Dates

    Additional Information

    We will email you a proposal.
    Tatenda! (Thank you!)


    Daily Schedule

    Land Acknowledgment

    We at Kutandara acknowledge with respect (as non-Native people) that the land on which we stand, live, learn, teach, and perform is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples. We also recognize the 48 contemporary tribal nations that are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado.We honor Elders past, present, and future, and those who have … Read More

    CONTACT US

    5401 Western Avenue, Suite B
    Boulder, Colorado 80301
    (303) 443-2969

    [email protected]

    Classes

    We have something for everyone! We offer ongoing marimba, drumming, and mbira classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as custom one-time music … Read More

    Concerts

    We've always got something coming up! From our professional performance group Kutandara, to our teen band Tanaka and Mhodzi, to our youth and adult … Read More

    Collaborations

    We collaborate with individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations at every opportunity to bring special projects to our community and beyond. This … Read More

    Moon & Stars is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization registered with the State of Colorado, FEIN 82–1129217.

    Copyright © 2025 Moon & Stars Foundation. All rights reserved
    5401 Western Avenue, Suite B, Boulder, Colorado 80301
    (303) 443-2969   [email protected]
    About Us   Contact Us   Donate