Raafi Bell
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Music

7/25/2012

12 Comments

 
Picture

Students dancing to a drum beat

Picture

Cipher session during break

The idea of music being an international language has really come to life since We've arrived in Cape Town on Sunday. We have visited over 4 different schools within the past 3 days and have witnessed everything from learners dancing with cans and sticks and stumping with boots and hard hats, to students singing in a choir and playing musical instruments. The most powerful musical experience, however, has taken place at Kalksteinfontein Primary School here in Cape Town. Prior to arriving on campus, we were told that Afrikaans was the first language for the large majority of learners at Kalksteinfontein (English being their second language). This became evident soon after trying to engage learners in conversation during their break for free time on Tuesday. During the break, however, the communication barrier between the learners and I was suddenly removed once I learned that one of the students in class was beat boxing while doing his class work. I immediately began showing my beat boxing skills to the students. Within seconds, I was surrounded by about 20 learners (some listening in and others rapping). What was supposed to be a short 10 minute break, turned into 20 minutes. To my surprise (and fault) the teacher extended the break due to the student’s engagement with the spontaneous cipher session taking place in the back of the classroom. Within the last 2 days, there have been about 10 cipher sessions. Students have assigned me the role of designated beat maker and the learners, boys and girls, rap in Afrikaans! Though I do not understand their language, I feel myself connecting with these learners in a powerful way when I make beats with my mouth and they rap. To top things off, the lesson Felicia (a fellow SAI participant) and I introduced today, started off with everyone singing “Baby” by Justin Bieber. The learners knew all the words and spoke fluently as they sung.

12 Comments
Ieka
7/25/2012 02:30:12 pm

That's soooo cool!!! I didn't know you had skills like that pretty impressive. Nice to see you're connecting with the people there.

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RB
7/26/2012 03:32:15 am

=) Beat boxing has always been a past time for me. I do it often when accomplishing mundane tasks each day. I never thought this hobby would be used to excite learners. Praise God! I miss these kids already, today was our last day of teaching.

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CG
7/26/2012 08:52:38 am

Wow, this is so cool!!! I've definitely enjoyed this "window" into S. Africa. Hope you enjoy the final days of your trip!

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RB
7/27/2012 11:23:14 am

Thank you Courtney! Today will be our last day. Yesterday we went to Robin Island, today I plan to go to cape point. I fly back to America Sunday =)

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RB
7/27/2012 11:27:17 am

I pray I have a similar window when you travel abroad in the near future.

Ieka
7/26/2012 11:13:34 am

Cool how God is using your gifts like that...Maybe you can beat box for me when you get back. Well I'm sure you have lots of memories of those kids and they're gonna miss you too.

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RB
7/27/2012 11:25:29 am

Only if you agree to rap...

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Ieka
7/28/2012 05:13:06 am

Hahaaaaaa...okay its a deal but you can't laugh at me my rapping skills are basically nonexistent

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RB
7/30/2012 11:12:58 am

lol!

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Rashida and Grandma
7/29/2012 02:54:58 pm

Excuse me Beat box Master, how cold is it? We see everyone bundled in coats and scarves, and we're clearly burning up out here :)

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Beat box Master
7/30/2012 11:14:00 am

Cooler than California! Our summer is there winter.

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Jaquan
8/31/2012 12:48:45 pm

Yeah y
ou know i can rap right Mister Ralph e

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    Raafi Bell

    Middle School Science Teacher in San Bernardino, CA

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