Global Music Education Program
Multi-Cultural Arts & Education * Children's World Music * Passport Journey * Assembly Programs * Residency Programs * Thearapeutic Teaching Artist * Creative Performing Arts in Education * Pre-School Music * Community Outreach * University/Colleges * Drumming-for-Wellness * Media/Technology * Emerging Arts
World Music Magic bridges the ancient and the future inspired by global rhythm, percussion instruments, folkloric songs and dances from places as far as Ghana, Cuba, Brazil and Zimbabwe. Traditional and creative music celebrates our "interconnectedness" and strengthens each individual’s sense of purpose.
Take a journey that explores traditional melodies and rhythms. World Music Magic combines community spirit, folklore and urban charisma. Gina Ferrera’s show features native West African Instruments like the gyil (traditional xylophone) and mbira (Shona thumb piano) creating wondrous sounds that stimulate imaginations.
World Music Magic is a unique program tailored to fit the needs of your school or organization, creating a curriculum that is stimulating for all ages and incorporates various performing art techniques, including movement, storytelling, dramatic play and a global theme for exploring music and polyrhythm from other cultures.
Artist Statement:
In the process of creating music, I try to invoke this connection to my students: "That traditional African music and all folkloric/cultural/spiritual music can act as a model symbolically serving the people of the community, reinforcing myth, history, and social values". What I find most inspiring about African music is the idea of “collective-awareness” or "individual-togetherness". Human beings long for connection, and our sense of usefulness derives from the feeling of connectedness. Music is an expression of this. When we feel connected to our purpose and to the environment around us, we are more useful to the community. My work enacts the model of traditional music making; each individual person (or each musical voice/drum/part) is connected to one another, to the overall music or polyrhythmic ensemble and its effectiveness to serve the community as a whole. I teach my students to draw connections between arts-integrated experiences and life experiences, developing communication skills, identifying with society and opening their awareness. I hope to share a forum for understanding other culture’s evolution and the importance of the present moment. I am committed to principles of love, compassion, justice and service to others. My goals are to engage the children to explore the transformative power of the arts, offer hope and awaken creativity. Together we build "an experience"... "a free space" for exploration. Students make their own connections between artistic endeavor and life principles, as we utilize music as a tool that reflects hope and leads each person to their own inner character development. I love to perform, teach and share music as a celebration of life. May we all be inspired and inspire for greatness and a life... "extraordinary"!
EX: Wissahickon Charter School- (Performance) with Shawn Hennessey (from Leana Song)
What schools are saying:
“Gina’s ability to share her knowledge and expertise with the students, her energy and love for her music, and her positive attitude all added together for a great week.” (Leon Enneking, Music Educator- Batesville Middle School, IN)
“Gina Ferrera takes us on a trip with the sound of the West African xylophone, called the gyil. She teaches the children about sound, rhythms and melodies. Gina knows how to play serene music as well as energetic melodies with the gyil. She is both a talented musician and a skilled teacher of the young child” (Take My Hand School)
" Your music, way with the kids, and passion for African drumming and culture was awesome and made your visit really meaningful for everyone!" (Jill Markovitz, Fairmount Art Center, Director)
“Gina is undoubtedly one of the most passionate and motivated people I have known. She is diligent in all she does, she is wonderful with people, especially children, and she has a charm and charisma that can light up a room”. (J. Hinson)
“I was continually impressed with Gina’s talent, enthusiasm and wealth of creativity that she brought to our children through her music program”. (B.L. Gambaro, The Community Schools of Nutley)
“Gina has the ability to appeal to children of all ages and work in a hands-on teaching style so we would see all the kids and parents totally engrossed in what she was doing”. (Jackie DeLombard, Beginnings Learning Center)
“Gina Ferrera has a strong enthusiasm and respect for the cultural aspect of the music and has been an excellent student and ensemble member. She has the potential to excel as a performer, educator and currently plays an integral role in the world music community here in Philadelphia”. (Dan Gorlin, Alokli West African Dance Ensemble)
What is the "gyil"?
The gyil (dʒile or dʒil) is a pentatonic xylophone from the northwest of Ghana. It is the primary musical instrument played by the Dagara, Lobi and Birifor people.
The gyil is usually played in pairs, accompanied by a calabash gourd drum called a kuor. It can also be played by one person with the drum and the stick part as accompaniment, or by a soloist. Gyil duets are the traditional music of Dagara funerals. It is made with 14-18 wooden keys of an African hardwood called liga attached to a wooden frame, below which hang calabash gourds. Spider web silk covers small holes in the gourds to produce a buzzing sound and antelope sinew and leather are used for the fastenings. The instrument is played with rubber-headed wooden mallets. The buzzing sound and the polyrhythmic nature of the traditional music are distinguishing characteristics of this balaphonic music. In its traditional setting, the gyil is used for everything in life; from weddings and funerals to dances and everyday recreation.
Ethnomusicology: is defined as the study of the social and cultural aspects of music and dance in local and global contexts. I have dedicated my life to this art form and to grasping the transformative power of music.
Footage capturing my arrival in one Birifor Village:
Tinson Yiri village...
Gina Ferrera &The Philadelphia Gyil Fusion Project | Myspace Video
