On March 10, 2021 (10:15am – 11:15am), the 7th grader will have the opportunity to virtually attend a presentation by Corey DePina.

From its origins in Latin, African, funk, and soul music, hip hop has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. But did you know that it all started in one neighborhood in the South Bronx? Corey DePina will take students through the early history of hip hop and its four elements – MC-ing, DJ-ing, break dancing and graffiti – to inspire them with the possibilities of creating something positive out of nothing. This workshop features storytelling, rap performance, free-styling demonstration and activities that bring groups together to improvise beats verse or movement, adding in their own style and spin.

Corey DePina is a skilled rapper and workshop leader who hosts Boston’s largest and longest running all age open one mic event: Critical Breakdown. His work as a facilitator for local and national non-profits and community centers has earned him numerous awards, including: the 2008 Good Neighbor Award from East Boston’s NOAH, the 2008 Community Leadership Award from Jamaica Plain’s Hyde Square Task Force, the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the 2014 Best Initiative, Best Youth Worker of the Year. Corey is also the director of programs for ZUMIX.

This session will be presented to Bigelow’s 7th grade students.

This CAS program is sponsored by the Bigelow PTO thanks to your contributions!