Juntos con la Bomba Classes
BombaYo regularly offers registration into a 3-month long course titled, "Juntos con la Bomba," where applicants are expected to learn and practice the fundamentals of Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance on a weekly basis. Participants must make a firm commitment to attend classes with the purpose of connecting to our roots to heal and inspire change in not only ourselves, but each other as well. Donations are accepted on a sliding scale between $10 to $20 per class (no walk-ins). No experience necessary!
Dr. Drum's Remedy: Los Robles De Casabe
Based on a true story that began in 2010. A project designed for residents of the Casabe Houses and NY community members to learn about Puerto Rican culture that derived from the African influence since the 16th century. The project was titled "Los Robles de Casabe" created by Melinda Gonzalez; Co-Founder of BombaYo. A collective agreement approved by the late Yolanda Sanchez, a "trailblazer in the field of social work. a major figure in East Harlem's Latino community, died at the age of 80 on June 11, 2014. Her passing ended the 4 year residency of "Los Robles de Casabe" hosted by Jose Ortiz aka Dr. Drum and BombaYo members. This short film documentary will be a historical stamp and signature of how Bomba transformed the lives of elderly people that otherwise would never have experienced.
Youth-Focused Projects
Dr. Drum's decades of experience, not only in the creative arts but as well as Afro-Boricua history, have been recognized by many educational institutions who have allowed BombaYo to share the importance of traditional music, oral history, and cultural recognition. In a world where history — particularly that of minority groups — systemically gets erased, censored and forgotten about, it is imperative that our youth understands the significance of knowing their history, and in turn, create their own history. By providing children and teenagers with drums, lessons, and other valuable resources, Dr. Drum creates an environment that is beginner-friendly and suitable for school curriculums.