Introduction

West Ridge Peace Project Proposal

Introduction

Up to 34 peace camp students approximate ages of 6-24 will receive instruction in music, visual arts, dance, theatre, dance, and social media to produce a robust campaign and performance promoting peace in our community and in Chicago.  A diverse and underserved population will be identified to attend this camp for 30 weekdays from July 13-August 23.  These 34 students will also engage additional audiences through live performance of original songs, plays, and music as well as on video on social media channels including Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.

Each daily camp will be 4 hours long and include a nutritious lunch and a snack.  Each class will be 40 minutes long with 10 minute breaks and a 50 minute lunch/recess. Safe, enriching, and innovative activities are planned to develop talent and to empower a population of disconnected youth not limited to West Ridge. All children are welcome. Consistent attendance is encouraged and will be criteria for acceptance into this unique program.

The components of each period includes:

All activities will be focused on engaging a larger audience in peaceful, non-violent education and practice. The performances will be inspiring to all ages, races, and religions.

Music

·      History of peace/protest music sing-a-long

·      Songwriting

·      Vocal, guitar, keyboard, percussion instruction

Poetry

·      Spoken word

·      Rhythm and rhyme (Rap)

·       

Visual Art

·      Peace poster creation

·      Theatre/video set creation

·      Art work produced will become part of a permanent gallery on our website and will travel to Chicago Public Libraries and festivals throughout the summer as well as part of a Chicago Artists Month project

Dance and Movement

·      Dance and movement for theatre and video

·      Yoga and meditation on Peace

Theatre

·      Theatre games

·      Script creation based on conflict resolution themes

·      “Street theatre” designed to engage public and daily, weekly, and culminating events

·      Puppet Theatre

Social Media

·      Web design documenting our project

·      Facebook creation

·      Daily Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc posts promoting Peace in our communities

Highly qualified and experience Music House instructors specializing in music, dance, art, theatre, and social media will engage students in student centered activities to take leadership at our camp. Students will be encouraged to take peaceful initiatives at home and everywhere they go. All classes will be age appropriate.

Subjects addressed include:

·      Self acceptance

·      Acceptance of others

·      Conflict resolution

·      Finding balance

·      Positive contributions to the community

·      Decreasing violence in our communities and lives

Partners may include Chicago Police Department C.A.P.S. Program, local stakeholders, and business community

Stipends of $200.00 will be paid to up to 6 camp “counselors” age 15+

Music House resources include:

·      12 electric guitars

·      16 electronic keyboards

·      3 drum sets, miscellaneous percussion

·      Dance floor

·      Stage

·      P.A. System, Microphones

·      Video cameras

·      Community sponsors/stake holders

·      And much, much more!

This project and budget is for summer 2016 only. However, peace as an initiative is ongoing project. September 22 is designated at “World Peace Day”. Chicago Artists Month is October 1-November 15. I intend to engage these students times ten for local events during these days.

Committed to Peace Through Arts,

Richard Trumbo,                                                                     June 30, 2016

Director

Music House, Academy of Music and Dance