Click play to view a video clip of the UI Homecoming Parade peformance!
Hard Copy: View from media CD "parade2" (wmv).

Pictured above is the 5/6 LEAP Drumming Ensemble during the University of Iowa Homecoming Parade.  This was a collaborative project with staff in the building including LEAP staff, media staff, and administration.  Community involvement also made this educational opportunity possible by donations from Danes Dairy and West Music Company.  Additional collaborations with staff and community include a LEAP performance with the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mark Twain Steel Band performances with the Sycamore Mall and the Old Capital Town Center.

Student learning has been enhanced through public performance of curriculum studied, public representation of Mark Twain, and students’ recognition of support from the building, and community.

The LEAP Drum Ensembles contribute to building and district goals by providing literature and cultural connections through music instruction.  Specific building and district goals include increased reading comprehension and multi cultural studies required by Multi Cultural Gender Fair.  Students seen above are performing music that is traditionally included in a version of  "Anansi: The Drumming Spider", from Sierra Leone.  Students read the story during LEAP classes and music was learned in an authentic approach with drum patterns very similar to drum patterns from field recordings (drum patterns were adjusted slightly to tailor the music to the students ability).