Kim Beggs, along with one or two other musicians, would present and facilitate the workshops. Each station would be set up in a different area of a large room, such as the gym. Presentations would be made to the class and then students would break into three smaller groups to experience each of the workshop stations headed up by one of the three musicians.
Benefit of three stations: If a student becomes more interested in a certain station, they can spend more time at that station. Three, two, or only one of the stations can be set up and facilitated; depending on the focus of the class and the desires of the teacher.
Songwriting Station: Songwriting with Kim Beggs involves participation in group co-writing exercises with the class that lead to one or two finished songs. Students take pride in being a creative part of a finished audio product. If time allows, students can receive rich one-on-one time with Kim to begin, hone, and finish their songs. Young writers would have assistance in finding and nurturing their own writing voice and values.
Performance Station: Plugged-in and Unplugged: Performance with Kim Beggs involves introducing students to the sound system and includes powered and acoustic instruments and microphone/amplified vocals. Students will learn the difference between a plugged and unplugged performance and find the balance between vocals and instruments so the song can be heard and appreciated. Even students with little music experience will have valuable learning with the sound system and get used to hearing themselves coming through the speakers.
Instrument Zoo Station: Experiential and Hands-On involves a carload of various instruments (i.e. mandolin, banjo, guitar, dobro, ukulele, bass) made available to students for exploration of sounds, textures and feelings when they are played. It will give the young experimenter insight into what kind of instrument they would enjoy playing if they were to have an instrument at home. Each instrument would be presented/demonstrated for the class, and then students will handle each one by themselves.
Grade Suitability | K-12 |
Maximum Class Size | 25 |
Time Required | 1-2 sessions (1.5 hrs each) plus prep time. If the workshop is set up in one location at the school, multiple classes can visit throughout the day reducing set up time |
Material Required | Artist will bring: All paper and pens, one laptop, dictionary, thesaurus, sound system, instruments. Schools to provide: Long folding tables for instrument petting zoo display, tables for writing exercises, chairs for students, access to power for sound system, access to school mac computers in order to demonstrate how useful they can be in the creative process, writing, dictionary, thesaurus, recording etc. |
Material Cost | Small rental fee for the sound system, discuss with Artist / Small maintenance fee for instruments, discuss with Artist |
Language of Instruction | English, Basic French |
Communities | All |
Special Notes | Songs that are written by the class, and not finished during the workshop, will be completed later by Kim Beggs. All finished songs will then be recorded on Garageband by Kim and burned to CD so that teachers receive a copy for their records, for listening, revisiting and appreciating with the students. Lyrics and chords will also be provided so songs may be learned and further honed if desired. Schools will receive a digital book of all the work done during the workshop. These books can be printed by the school and distributed to the students. |
Kim Beggs is always pumped about sharing knowledge about polymer clay with students. She first started with polymer clay when she was 12 and has been obsessed ever since. She has taught polymer clay at schools throughout the Yukon, as well as to professional artists. One of Kim’s favourite parts of teaching polymer clay is the look on a student’s face when they realize that they created something beautiful and she can see through the sparkles in their eyes that they are already planning their next polymer clay adventure.
Kim Beggs also enjoys facilitating singing/songwriting workshops for children, youth, and adults in the Yukon and beyond, within programs including Artist in the Schools, Yukon Women in Music, Keno City Music, Art and Literature Workshop, FAMI in Alberta as well as in one-on-one mentorship sessions. Kim has recorded and commercially released 6 solo albums as well as 2 albums with her old-time duo (the Blue Warblers). She has eleven music award nominations and has toured all over North America, the UK, and Europe. Kim loves to empower people of all ages to use their brain in creative ways. The significance of words, music, and art provides students with many possibilities for sharing (and collaborating) in their room, within their communities, and around the world in a positive way.
Consider bringing Kim Beggs to your community for a week or two. She can do a combination of workshops including polymer clay and songwriting/singing with your classes. Contact Kim to discuss.