Zimfest recognizes the growing popularity of Zimbabwean-style marimbas in schools, and takes seriously the need to educate teachers about the instruments and the culture. We are offering continuing education clock hours for Washington State classroom teachers again at this year’s festival. If you attend all meetings and concerts, and take a workshop during every session of Zimfest 2015, you could earn up to 36 clock hours!
Workshops for Teachers
Every workshop session includes at least one workshop designed specifically for the classroom teacher. All are taught by experienced educators and/or culture bearers. Feel free to sign up for any other workshop on the Zimfest schedule: in addition to lots of workshops to increase your marimba repertoire, offerings include songs and choral pieces appropriate for school marimba groups and choirs; workshops on Zimbabwean children’s games, drumming, and dancing; and cultural presentations.
Onsite Registration
If you want to sign up for continuing education clock hours, stop by the registration desk at the festival. You will need to sign the clock hour list and pick up your paperwork, an information packet on how to get clock hours from the Washington Music Educators Association. It is the participant’s responsibility to mail in the registration packet to the address provided. Non-Washington State educators may also collect a packet to acquire a signature for continuing education credit, but you should get the clock hours pre-approved by your school district.
Note to Teachers Bringing Student Groups
Visiting groups of children are welcome at Zimfest! If you are a classroom teacher, or summer school or camp leader wanting instruction in Zimbabwean music or dance and a fun time for your class, bring them to the festival to enjoy the music and marketplace and take a workshop or two.
We are now offering a Teacher Membership ($60) that allows a waiver on registration fees ($12 each) for groups of up to 20, ages K-12. The Teacher Membership is intended to encourage newcomers to the festival, so at least 50% of your group should be first-time Zimfest attendees to qualify for the registration fee waiver; specific workshop fees will still apply. Contact for assistance.
Festival staff can also help with group enrollments and setting up private workshop sessions.
