Program / Event Details

Step into the vibrant world of marching band culture in this high-energy class that blends dance and drumming across a powerful cultural journey. Beginning with the dynamic rhythms and movements of Brazilian Samba schools, students explore how percussion and dance come together in celebration and community.

From there, the class travels to New Orleans to experience the spirit of Second Line traditions—where music, movement, and parade culture create joyful, expressive performance. Students then explore the precision, style, and showmanship of HBCU marching bands, known for their bold rhythms and electrifying choreography, before connecting to Baltimore’s own neighborhood band traditions.

Participants can choose to focus on dance, drumming, or both, building coordination, musicality, endurance, and performance skills. Along the way, they gain cultural and historical insight into how these traditions connect across the African diaspora.

This class fosters confidence, teamwork, and creative expression while celebrating the power of rhythm and movement to bring communities together.