Learning on Parade with the School of HONK
Kevin Leppmann
School of HONK, a radically inclusive, non-profit community music school, aspires to engender the same feelings of joy, empowerment and connection that characterize HONK! festivals every Sunday afternoon. Facilitating this kind of participatory “ethical spectacle” requires an approach that contrasts with more conventional pedagogies but also offers unique opportunities and inspiration for beginners, novices, amateurs, and professionals alike. The school offers a mentor-based and ear-based approach to instruction, with a weekly parade or other public performance, programmed to find the sweet spot between ritual and pandemonium. The repertoire draws on dance music from all genres, arranged to include simple, repetitive riffs and grooves that are easy and fun to play. Along the way, mentors espouse the school’s values of mutual love and respect at the heart of ethical spectacle. The school has faced several challenges, including finding appropriate practice and performance venues, responding to noise complaints, resolving interpersonal conflicts, nurturing real diversity by providing a safe and supportive social space, and the occasional rainy day. But despite these challenges, the school has become a hometown favorite, supporting local activists as well as more broadly-based community-building.
Kevin Leppmann is executive director of the School of HONK and a founding member of Somerville’s annual HONK! Festival. A longtime musician and educator, he has performed in more than 500 parades, peace rallies, and other social justice actions, as well as dozens of street band festivals around the world.
Kevin Leppmann
School of HONK, a radically inclusive, non-profit community music school, aspires to engender the same feelings of joy, empowerment and connection that characterize HONK! festivals every Sunday afternoon. Facilitating this kind of participatory “ethical spectacle” requires an approach that contrasts with more conventional pedagogies but also offers unique opportunities and inspiration for beginners, novices, amateurs, and professionals alike. The school offers a mentor-based and ear-based approach to instruction, with a weekly parade or other public performance, programmed to find the sweet spot between ritual and pandemonium. The repertoire draws on dance music from all genres, arranged to include simple, repetitive riffs and grooves that are easy and fun to play. Along the way, mentors espouse the school’s values of mutual love and respect at the heart of ethical spectacle. The school has faced several challenges, including finding appropriate practice and performance venues, responding to noise complaints, resolving interpersonal conflicts, nurturing real diversity by providing a safe and supportive social space, and the occasional rainy day. But despite these challenges, the school has become a hometown favorite, supporting local activists as well as more broadly-based community-building.
Kevin Leppmann is executive director of the School of HONK and a founding member of Somerville’s annual HONK! Festival. A longtime musician and educator, he has performed in more than 500 parades, peace rallies, and other social justice actions, as well as dozens of street band festivals around the world.
Link 7.1: "The School of HONK! A Short Documentary by Patrick Johnson"
The School of Honk from Patrick Johnson on Vimeo.