• About The Progam

    Learn about our mission to build a conservatory-style music education program.

  • Defining Eko Ise

    What exactly is Eko Ise? Learn about the origins of this term and what it means for our program.

  • Program Details

    Learn about the program structure and how our Eko Ise students will work under their Olukos.

  • 2023 Classes

    Register for the Spring Break and/or Fall classes.

About Our Program

Our mission is to create and sustain a rigorous curriculum meant to create a new generation of Black artists with a deep understanding of the Heritage they are carrying on.

Our vision Is to create an understanding of the important history and influence of Black art.We do this through our conservatory-style arts education program tailored to and specifically for African American children ages 4 to 18. 

What Exactly Is Eko Ise?

Eko Ise translates from Yoruban as Performance Education. The link of the Yoruba language to this project was chosen specifically to emphasize that children will be learning artistic practice created from the African diaspora. Our root history. Here are the other titles that will be used and their translation.

1. Oluko (adj.) — Teacher

2. Obi (adj.) — Parent

3. Akeko (adj.) — Student

4. Onise (adj.) — Artist

Our Olukos

2023 Eko Ise Classes

African drum class 10-11 am
Snair, bass drum class 11-12 am
 
The 17-week semester begins on September 2 and continues through December 16, 2023. Classes are open to young people  5-16 years of age, of all levels of experience. At the end of the session, students will perform in the 2023 Kwanzaa festival on Tuesday, December 26.
 
No classes will be taught Saturday September 9 or Saurday November 25.
 
10% discount for students that participate in both classes. 
  • Djembe drums, drum sticks and drumming pads are provided.
  • Students receive a small snack after each class.
 
A limited number of scholarships are available for families earning less than $30,000 per year. Please send proof of income to director@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org. Scholarships are offered on a first come first served basis.

Teachers

Olukos will be committed to imparting their knowledge of art, in all its forms, to each Akeko. First and foremost will be the dissemination of Black art’s history and continued impact on the world today. 

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