CASE
STATEMENT
Baobab Tree is a non profit organization based in Ottawa, Canada with
roots reaching far and wide.
We believe the arts have the power to change lives - and the power to
change
the world in which we live. We are committed to offering programs that
feature arts performance, arts education, mentoring, community linking
and grass roots philanthropy.
We offer a "place" to gather for people of all races, all ages, all
professional backgrounds and all abilities.
Through workshops, performances, and social gatherings, Baobab Tree
has touched thousands of people in North America, Europe and Africa,
linking them through the magic of the vibrant music and dance of
Ghana.
Our Baobab Tree began in 1990...some highlights are:
1984-1990
KathyArmstrong and Rory Magill study with Abraham Adzenyah and
members of Nexus in Toronto, and perform with Flaming Dono Drum & Dance
Society.
1990
Armstrong travels to Ghana,first connection to Dagbamete and Ewe
drummer Kwasi Dunyo.
Armstrong begins to give school workshops in Canada and U.S.
1991
Magill travels to Ghana, connects with Dagomba drummer Abubakari
Lunnaa in Tamale.
Flaming Dono study & perform with Godwin Agbeli.
1992
Armstrong & Magill bring Kwasi Dunyo to Canada, funded by Canada
Council.
Dunyo returns to Canada each subsequent year, for work that ranges
throughout North America and beyond.
Armstrong begins work with many children's choirs in Canada and
USA.
1994
Armstrong and Magill move to Ottawa where they start public adult
classes & initiate the twinning of Chelsea, Quebec Elementary School with
Dagbamete School for cultural/economic exchange.
1995
Baobab Youth Performers founded (ages 12-18).
Akpokli Drum & Dance Society founded (adults).
Both groups study & perform with Kwasi Dunyo.
1997
Armstrong leads workshops in Europe and North America.
Armstrong studies in Ghana with Godwin Agbeli.
Akpokli & Baobab Youth begin fundraising for Dagbamete Health
Clinic.
1998
Members of Akpokli travel to Dagbamete, Ghana.
Baobab Youth visit Burnt Mills school in Maryland U.S.for exchange.
Kwasi Dunyo hired as faculty at University of Toronto.
Sogo African Rhythm Ensemble founded in Maryland, U.S.A. at Burnt
Mills School for children ages 8-12.
1999
Akpokli & Baobab Youth study and perform with Nii Tettey Tetteh.
2000
more members of Akpokli travel to Dagbamete
Baobab Youth host sister group Sogo from U.S.A.
Akpokli studies with Abubakari Lunnaa.
Kathy Armstrong & Baobab Youth begin outreach program at Bellevue
Community Centre, a joint project with the City of Ottawa.
Baobab Youth release first CD.
2001
Baobab Youth and Akpokli study and perform with Kwasi Dunyo.
BaobabYouth travel to Ghana and officially open West African Cultural
Exchange "Kathy Armstrong Lodge" in Dagbamete. Sogo artistic director
travels with Baobab for further studies.
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THE
FUTURE OF BAOBAB TREE
We need your support to continue the growth of our tree. Future plans
for BaobabTree include introducing classes for younger children,
continued workshops and study programs with Ghanaian masters, and the
establishment of a festival which would gather similar groups
together.
This year, your support of the Baobab Youth Performers tour to Ghana
will ensure that connections between BaobabTree members and the village
of Dagbamete will thrive in the years to come.
You will also be helping to ensure that the traditions of masters from
Ghana will continue to be passed to future generations of people
throughout the world.
Quite simply, your gift will help us in our goal of bringing together
community energy and global spirit.
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