VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

T. Mychael Rambo is well known as an actor and vocalist receiving high marks for his contributions as a residency artist/educator and affiliate professor/recruitment coordinator at the University of Minnesota in the School of Theatre Arts and Dance, a motivational speaker, community
organizer and a committed community volunteer. In 2006 he received the University of Minnesota Century Council Community Award, recognizing affiliate faculty for their efforts to engage community through artistic collaboration. Other honors and accomplishments include the 2006 Young Audiences Artist of the Year Award, the 2001 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Fellowship and the 1999 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Theatre Artists.

Workshop Description
This workshop will focus on the nonviolent approach of Martin Luther King, Jr. and African American protest movements. From the forceful and beautiful spirituals created by enslaved Africans to the powerful words and songs of the Civil Rights movement, students will explore the importance of group singing as a nonviolent tactic. The workshop will culminate with the students writing their own song of nonviolence and recording it to a CD for the class.

To Prepare Your Students

• Do the activity "Violence or Nonviolence" on page 81 of the WITNESS Teacher's Guide
• Read about Dr. King's "Six Points of Nonviolence" on page 34 of the Teacher's Guide