BEAT Rockers
Beat Rockers is a beatboxing program for blind and visually impaired students at the Lavelle School for the Blind with Head Instructor Taylor McFerrin and Instructor Chesney Snow.
Teaching beatboxing to the blind and visually impaired population of students has brought on an entirely new definition of music programs. Rather than teaching students how to use and manipulate instruments, the Beat Rockers program immediately empowers these students in that the students are the instruments.
Music becomes an enabler, a facilitator; allowing and encouraging new forms of communication, socialization and self expression. In essence, music becomes language. A form of expression that continues to evolve with use and becomes an ability that is never forgotten.
UPCOMING EVENTS
06.20.12
Bi-Annual Fundraiser June 20th from 8pm to 1am at ARENA Nightclub, 135 W41st St (btwn 6th Ave & B'way). At the fundraiser, each program will feature a performance showcase where both instructors and students will display the skills that have been taught throughout the course of the year. In addition, special music guests have been invited to perform during the evening. A silent auction featuring work contributed by some of hip hop's most established photographers and designers will also be on display.
07.09.12
Hip Hop History Class from July 9, 2012 to August 3, 2012 at East Side Community High. BEAT instructor, MC WHY, will be paired with a history teacher to teach students about Hip Hop.
07.10.12
BEAT Instructors, Taylor, Ken Swift, Dhundee and James Kim are being flown out to Singapore by their government (Ministry of Education) in order to lecture and give workshops sharing the BEAT history, pedagogy and methodology.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
We’re so proud of these kids. Please help us continue this program!
July 16, 2011
The Lavelle School for the Blind Beat Rockers gave a final performance at school to show off their newly acquired skills in front of all their friends, teachers, and parents. They were accompanied by Beat Rockers instructors Taylor McFerrin, Adam Matta, Chesney Snow, and special guest performers Kenny Muhammad and Masai Electro. The kids blew…
Beat Rockers featured on Huffington Post!
February 21, 2011
The Huffington Post did a fantastic video piece on Beat Rockers! Big day at the Lavelle School last Friday… “A Beat Boxing Class for the Blind”, produced by Damiano Beltrami.
NY Daily News Article and Video on Beat Rockers
February 21, 2011
Great article and video about the kids covered by NY Daily News. Sounds like Scott, the school’s music teacher, has been practicing his kick, hi-hat, and snares…! “Bobby’s son Taylor McFerrin teaches beatboxing in Beat Rockers program at local school for the blind” Article by Daniel Beekman, Video by Rebecca Davis.
