Primary (Ages 7 - 11)

Hi Neighbour! Salam Neighbour!

Bonjour! Shalom! Hola! Konnichiwa! Salam! Calling all kids to look inside themselves for the hidden treasures and talents they can share with the world! Regardless of our languages and cultures, the rhythm of creation surrounds us and binds us. Through interactive dialogue, drumming and Dawud Wharnsby's engaging songs, students explore the world's natural rhythms (from the rotation of the Earth to the beating of our hearts), while also being encouraged to reflect upon their own individuality and role as a "neighbour" in the global village. Major themes include: celebration of uniqueness, tolerance & acceptance of differences, assessing inner strengths and weaknesses, social awareness, promotion of community activism and preservation of ecology.  (50 minutes + Resource Package)

The Rhythm Of Surrender

Aimed specifically at faith-based audiences in private school settings, The Rhythm Of Surrender is a non-political, non-dogmatic, "God centered" approach to helping children understand faith, scripture and their world in a whole new way. Building upon the concepts of Dawud's "Hi Neighbour! Salam Neighbour!" presentation, students are encouraged to celebrate and openly discuss not only the humanitarian aspects of tolerance and social concern, but also how their awareness of God relates to their daily lives. The Rhythm of Surrender program is non-denominational, however, portions of the program do reference the Torah, Bible, Qur'an and other scriptures. Some songs and terminology within the program can be altered to suit specific needs and beliefs of schools, with the program easily adaptable not only to audiences with an Abrahamic foundation, but also those aligned with Unitarian Universalist principals or those of Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh traditions. Major themes include: celebration of uniqueness, tolerance & acceptance of differences, importance of trying our best, assessing inner strengths and weaknesses, importance of charity, social awareness, promotion of community activism, preservation of ecology. (50 minutes + Resource Package)

Junior (Ages 9 - 12)

The Power Of Song

A wonderful supplementary workshop to Dawud's more "musical" programs, The Power Of Song walks middle school students through unique writing experiments*, helping them build their own poems, songs, raps and stories - but more importantly: helping them build their confidence and self-esteem. A course with no "right" or "wrong" answers, Wharnsby helps even the most tentative students dig deep into their imagination to unleash feelings, emotions and creativity in ways they might have never attempted to try before. Grammar and spelling teachers can enjoy a cup of coffee in the staff room during this session, as Dawud challenges young writers to look at "writing" in a whole new way. The Power Of Song is more about self discovery, self esteem and understanding our responsibilities to our world, than it is about "rhyming", "meter" and "metaphor" - but don't be surprised if, at the session's end, you find your students eager to record their own album of original songs - using music as a tool for social change. Major themes include: overcoming learning disabilities, acceptance of differences, celebration of uniqueness, historic look at music as a tool for social change, assessing inner strengths and weaknesses. (50 minutes)

*(This hands-on workshop requires the accessibility of chart paper, markers, loose-leaf paper & pencils for students. Workshop size is limited to 30 students in a classroom, library or out-door setting.)

~ Click here to read poetry written by students of Dawud's songwriting workshops!

Young Adults (Ages 12 - 18)

Out Seeing The Fields

Dawud offers up an intimate performance of his socially conscious, acoustic music to young adults, while also discussing the background to his songs and granting listeners the opportunity to ask questions throughout the performance. Major themes include: dealing with peer pressure, assessing inner strengths and weaknesses, awareness of social concerns (violence towards women, domestic abuse, environmental issues), music and art as tools for social change, battling depression. (Session includes a mix of songs from several of Dawud's popular folk-music recordings.) (50 minutes + Resource Package)

The Power Of Song

Dawud's Power Of Song workshop (listed above) adapted for high school age students. (This hands-on workshop requires the accessibility of chart paper, markers, loose-leaf paper & pencils for students. Workshop size is limited to 30 students in a classroom, library or out-door setting.) (50 minutes)