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Kind words
“Darden's ability to work with groups of students and produce a class composition is nothing short of a miracle. The students have excellent rapport with Darden and truly enjoy their time working with him. His gift to inspire the kids continues long after he is gone.”
“Yo dude, that rocked!”
“Darden -- thank you so much. It was an amazing day and the kids were really pumped. It was an amazing process to observe. We hope you will return and that you can do programs at the other schools in town. Your program is wonderful and we look forward to having you back. Thanks a mill.”
“Darden draws pure joy from the children as they laugh, sing, write and compose. I had a great time just watching everyone have fun creating and allowing their imagination soar.”
How it works
Darden goes into the classroom and talks with the students about his work, how he started as a musician and writer, how it became his job. He introduces inspiration as key in the artistic process, discusses where it comes from, and plays a few original songs to demonstrate how inspiration becomes art.
Darden's main themes include:
• Everyone is an artist at something. Everyone is creative.
• Art surrounds us, from the clothes we wear, the car we ride in, to the music we listen to and the buildings we live in. There’s no escaping it!
• The Big Three -- attention, intention, & the love of doing something. If you have those ingredients, you’re making art.
Darden takes them through a process to help them realize the things they love to do (what they do when the don’t have to do anything!) and talks to them about the ability to make themselves happy by doing these things every day. Then, as a way to show that we are all capable of doing things beyond what we’ve told ourselves we’re able to do, he leads the students, as a group, in writing a song. Every student is encouraged to contribute, be it a word, a few lines or a theme for the song. Darden acts as a guide and editor, keeping the song on basic course, but letting the students be the authors. The song is then recorded in the classroom and a cd copy of the song is left with the teacher.
Specifics for Be An Artist Sessions
• Darden can do up to four sessions per day
• It is best if all the sessions in one school are in one room
• Each session can hold up to 50 students. Usually this is two classes put together
• In each session, a teacher or volunteer is needed to help type the lyrics as the song is being written
• Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes
• A break of ten minutes between sessions is helpful
• 30 minutes of set up time is needed at the beginning of the day
• The sessions work best in a classroom, with the students sitting on the floor. No gyms or large open spaces.