LOVE MUSIC INITIATIVE FUNDRAISER

The Love Music Initiative Fundraiser Friday June 4th and Saturday June 5th 

WHO WE ARE:
The Love Music Initiative is a multi-disciplinary and alternative arts based education program that focuses on literacy, numeracy and life skills by using music as a backdrop for learning (DJing, Drum, Dance and Spoken Word). The program is focused on battling anti black racism and supporting Black and other marginalized youth and giving them unique and dynamic learning experiences.  The Love Music Initiative is a fee for service program and an approved TDSB vendor that offers a wide range of workshops for small or large groups.

We aim to build cultural competency and empower by using 4 main pillars;

Self-awareness, self-esteem self-identity and self-regulation

WHY:
Due to the pandemic our ability to teach in person has been impossible to do due to social distancing  and limited class sizes. In order fur us to continue with our programming we have to thrive in the virtual space which requires each student to be able to have their own DJ kit and drum (we typically use Djembe drums which are from West Africa) 

We provide a safe space where youth can come unpack their issues, have fun and be enriched through music and work on their leadership abilities

This project is one that is close to me for several reasons as it has provided an outlet for many youth who fall through the cracks in traditional settings and gives them a chance to regain confidence, feel included and more importantly they have a safe space where they can share their stories. 

WHAT WE DO:
The Drum to DJ program is a hands-on music program that explores the influence of African and Afro-Caribbean/Latinx drumming traditions and focusing on the based on the migration of sound over various eras. Participants explore the origins of the basic beat patterns and the different types of drum sounds still relevant in today’s music and showcase how music is part of a global family.

We build these strong connections from the drum and link it to the art form of DJing and as it relates to turntablism. The youth in the program get an in depth view and understanding of the art, culture, early history of drum and DJ mixing techniques that will allow them to better understand both art forms.

Contact:

Creative Lead 
Benjamin de Graaf 
[email redacted]
www.lovemusicinitaitve.com 
647.438.5395