Revels Kids is going on a journey to explore the music, arts, and traditions of Zimbabwe. Starting January 30, Revels Kids will be bringing Zimbabwe to the Upper Valley, and registration is now open.

Revels Kids, an after-school arts program, will offer classes once a week for eight weeks (with a break for school vacation). Kids who sign up for the program will learn songs and percussion, hear African folktales, and create artwork in the style of Zimbabwe.

During a cultural-exchange evening, community members are invited to come to a potluck dinner and participate in learning about this fascinating country. 

The program culminates with a final Sharing Day on March 26, a celebratory presentation of story, song, and movement at Crossroads Academy in Lyme, New Hampshire.

Classes will be offered at:

Grace Methodist Church, Bradford, VT (Mondays)

Marion Cross School, Norwich, VT (Wednesdays)

Crossroads Academy, Lyme, NH (Thursdays)

Unitarian Universalist Church, Montpelier, VT (Mondays)

Included in the tuition is participation in Immersion Day, a Saturday of workshops with guest artists and teachers, including Solomon Murungu, a well-respected Zimbabwean musician and tradition bearer. People of all ages are invited to register to attend Immersion Day on March 4 at Crossroads Academy in Lyme, New Hampshire.

Zimbabwe has a rich and sophisticated tradition of musical and artistic expression inspired by everyday experiences. Of course, daily life in a country with lions and elephants, majestic ruins, and the world’s largest waterfall is bound to be interesting.

Immerse yourself in the exciting rhythms and tunes of the Shona and Ndebele people from the days of Great Zimbabwe. Learn how villagers turn their houses into works of art, and try out your skills on an mbira, or thumb piano.

Helping guide the journey will be mbira player and ambassador of Shona culture Solomon Murungu, who was born and raised in the Makoni district in Eastern Zimbabwe, immigrating to the United States in 1973. Mr. Murungu’s work has expanded into an organization, Zambuko Projects Unlimited, and he has traveled throughout the region promoting cross-cultural exploration through presentations on mbira music and Shona culture.

 Learn more at revelsnorth.org/revels-kids.