Beat Boxin’ Department
The art of the human beat-box, breath control and rhythm with mouth and handmade sound effects.
The Beat Boxin’ Department will offer three classes:
Beat Boxin’ – Beginner
Students will learn the history of the Human Beatbox and acquire basic knowledge of what it takes to become a great beatboxer.
Beat Boxin’ – Intermediate
Students will begin to make quality recordings and create a sense of their own style, as well as learn a variety of additional techniques. This class will allow them to explore many possibilities within this art form. Students will also be guided through proper mic holding and breathing techniques, as well as how to produce multiple sounds at once.
Beat Boxin’ – Advanced
In this course, students refine and master their style and technique through single and multi-track recording. They will also be taught the major differences between recording and live performances. Students will be guided through the use of digital and analog processors that can manipulate and enhance sound recordings and live performances. Along with making live presentations, students will be given direction in pursuing artistic careers.
Workshop Specifics
- 8 Week Workshop
- 60 Minute Class
- Meets 3 times per week
- Most equipment is provided
- Open practice is subject to availability. Please see one of our staff members.
A short History & Description of Beat Boxin’
Beat Boxin’ was originally known as “The Human Beat Box.” The first drum machines invented were called “beatboxes”. The first Beat Boxers would try to imitate the sounds from these drum machines. The large tape deck radios were first called “Ghetto Blasters” and soon they also adopted the name “Beat Box”. Later, they became known as “Boom Boxes”. Beat Boxin’ is a rare and breath taking element of Hip Hop because of theincredible sounds a Beat Boxer can create or duplicate naturally simply with his/her mouth and hands. Doug E.Fresh, The Fat Boys, Click tha SupahLatin, Rahzell, ReadyRock C, Biz Markie, Emanon, Boxy D, Scratch, and Kenny Mohamed are some of the greatest Beat Boxers of all time.
A great Beat Boxer can duplicate sounds or beats identically or better. The most skilled Beat Boxers can create three or more different sounds simultaneously. This Hip Hop element was created when MC’s were gathered together on street corners freestyle rapping and a beat was needed. It was also created when DJ’s were mixing or scratching records and the audio failed. This gave someone the opportunity to replace the music with naturally made sounds to keep the show going. The Beat Boxer would be there when there was no music, no mic, and/or no electronic devices. The motion picture Police Academy popularized the many human made sound effects used by the Beat Boxer because it featured one officer played by actor/comedian Michael Winslow who made many sounds effects. Beat boxin’ is all about the air pressure from the diaphragm,the position of the tongue and lips, the position of the hands, expression on the inhale and/or exhale, and “Breath Control”. These all give dimension to the amazing expression of the skilled Beat Boxer who can leave audiences mesmerized and on lookers wondering “is that real?”
