The Asante Children’s Theatre (ACT) proudly presents a new item to its catalog of Fee-for-Service products: The Kwanzaa Choir!

Background: Our goal is to educate, empower, and enlighten, program participants and audiences, by any means necessary. For that reason, ACT constantly seeks to improve the strategies it uses to reach young minds especially. We know that music, like so many other art forms, has an appeal that crosses generational lines, gender lines and cultural lines. We can also use it to reinforce Indiana’s Academic Standards by researching its various historical origins as well as the cultures that produced them. In tandem, the Kwanzaa principles [Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination);Ujima (collective work and responsibility) Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); Imani (faith)] are fundamental concepts that, if incorporated into daily living, will strengthen values and enrich families. Finally, in order to build resources for long-term sustainability, ACT must consistently develop products that the community will value and support.

Purpose: Therefore, the Kwanzaa Choir was developed as a way of blending an opportunity to explore the history and diversity of the music genre, revive the importance of the Kwanzaa principles, and earn operational revenue whenever the Choir performs. Our intent is comprehensive. First, by teaching and presenting an eclectic repertoire, we hope to stimulate music appreciation in our performers and the listeners. Secondly, we hope to inspire the listening audience such that they will want to explore the Kwanzaa principles on their own, and come to realize these values are fundamental to making life easier on the planet for everyone if they are applied daily. Last but not least, we hope to generate multi-purpose revenue so that the Choir, in due course, becomes self-supporting.

Description: The Choir debuted in 2005; our current music inventory consists of Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, country and western, reggae, and blues. We are of the opinion if our performers can develop a strong foundation of music from their heritage they will appreciate the diverse music styles the world has to offer.
The size of the Kwanzaa Choir is 7 to 30 members. The Choir is available for bookings year round. We can customize a performance to fit the program that is being presented. We are available to complement a program or serve as the centerpiece of an event.

Prices are negotiable and are contingent upon the program requested, i.e., number of members we use, length of time, level of musical accompaniment and travel. Our fees are used to provide tuition assistance to Academy members, pay a stipend to participating alumni, cover marketing expenses, purchase supplies, and uniforms.

For more information contact: Keesha Dixon, Executive Director, kdixon@asantechildrenstheatre.org; or call the office 317-638-7211 ext 228 or cell 317-652-3727.