Education
Celebrating the artist in every child through performing arts experiences
Beyond the Stage
The artists of Ordway's Education and Community Engagement programs
In schools, in communities, and online
From artist-led workshops to special classroom curricula to free online lessons, Ordway's Education and Community Engagement programs connect artists with you—wherever you are. Get to know the extraordinary artists who are sharing their work, and learn where else you can find them!
24-25 Beyond the Stage Artists
Babatunde Akinboboye
The genre we never knew we needed - Hip hopera.
A singer of diverse talents, Nigerian American Baritone, Babatunde Akinboboye is known for his enthralling stage presence. He has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, Opera San Jose, Opera Santa Barbara, Long Beach Opera, and Utah Opera.
As an advocate for the performance of art song and operatic works written by African, and African American composers, Mr. Akinboboye has headlined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards in Lagos, Nigeria performing a fusion of opera and traditional African music and has been a featured performer at both the National Association of Negro Musicians Annual Conference, as well as the African American Art Song Alliance Conference.
In December of 2018, Babatunde combined his love of classical opera and hip hop and created the new genre Hip Hopera in a viral video that gained over 10 million views and was featured on Time.com, Classic FM, MSN.com and more. His debut EP “Della Citta” is now available.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program
Babatunde Akinboboye Official Website
Chops Inc.
Helping school and community drumming groups access festivals and competitions
Leveraging a 30-year history in national drum corps and percussion communities, Chops partners with local schools and educational groups to make restorative efforts come to life within Minnesota's music education sphere. Chops works with professionals and organizations throughout Minnesota to identify, mentor, and uplift underserved music educators and education programs in the urban core. With a belief that music education and the performing arts are strong vehicles for improving lives, Chops aims to ensure all have equitable access to grow through music education. Chops offers evidence-based program development, professional mentorship, and resource management services to education communities in the Twin Cities.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program
Chops, Inc. Official Website
Grupo Bella
A unique Mexican folk experience.
Formed in the summer of 2011, Grupo Bella is a multi-faceted ensemble from the Los Angeles area. Grupo Bella is quickly becoming known for their excellent musicianship and diverse repertoire. With their use of traditional Mariachi instrumentation, they have their roots in the Mariachi genre, while also spanning the music of many different cultures, decades, and various Latin American and American styles.
Grupo Bella is passionate about student and community outreach having traveled extensively giving music workshops about the history and cultural significance of folk music from the different regions in Mexico and Latin America. It’s Grupo Bella’s hope this will keep the culture alive and inspire future generations to help the music continue to grow and thrive.
Teaching students through Ordway's artists in the schools program ORDWAY ARTISTS IN COMMUNITIES
Grupo Bella Official Website
The String Queens
A DYNAMIC TRIO THAT CREATES AUTHENTIC, SOULFUL AND ORCHESTRAL SOUNDS.
Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres.
TEACHING STUDENTS THROUGH ORDWAY’S ARTIST IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAMS
The String Queens Official Website
Beyond the Stage artist alumni
Artists in the Schools
Bring the performing arts to your classroom
School Performances
Unforgettable arts field trips with bus reimbursement for all
