More than 3,000 students will visit Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre for a percussion demonstration by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra this week. The Tuesday and Wednesday performances of 'Feel the Beat' mix classical music and hip-hop.
Just before the performance, as hundreds of 1st-through-3rd graders sit in Eastman Theatre, backstage Shodekeh demonstrates his craft. Beatbox turns his vocal cords into a virtual drum set.
This art form is one Shodekeh says young people connect with. He hopes watching this performance will excite their creativity.
"[It's about] relying on just what you have and being curious with that with our bodies, not just as tools of pragmatic functionality, but something that can be used at a high level in an expressive manner."
Michael Butterman, RPO Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach, says the kids in the attendance will learn-- whether it's classical or hip-hop-- music has common elements.
"We're talking about the continuity of rhythm in music and that fundamental role that pulse and rhythm plays. And talking about percussion instruments, but also about how you don't really need any specialized instruments. You can create that same kind of rhythm and pulse just by clapping hands or just with your vocal cords."
Each year, RPO reaches more than 13 thousand children in 9 counties with concerts like these.