Dynamic Musician and Educator
Artist Statement
Everyone is an artist. I’m lucky enough to articulate my studied techniques into this craft to gainfully help my community. I am merely a vessel that interprets my perspectives of life into art that is enjoyed by all who get to witness it. I do what I do because I LOVE it. It is necessary.
Biography
Mr. Root is a dynamic teaching artist and stage performer who utilizes theater, rap and vocal percussion. With over a decade of experience, he incorporates all aspects of his artistry in stage performances, residencies and workshops. He is lead vocalist for his Hip Hop band Black Root Underground as well as co-founder of live movement and music program for children from 0-6 years of age called Baby Beats! With Max and Root. Mr. Root performs regularly throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and articulates his passion and appreciation for his artistry every time he teaches and performs.
Programs
Jamaal ‘Mr. Root’ Collier provides a safe space for creating and learning vital academic concepts through 2 of the 5 Hip Hop Elements: Rapping and Beatboxing. By sharing his art form with participants, they gain a fun new way to integrate creative language, sounds and movement in their day to day class room activities and in daily life. In enrichment workshops, Mr. Root makes the undeniable connection between art and individual expression.
Testimonials
Mr. Root is so cool! He should be famous!
– Jimmy, 7/second grade, William Paca
My name is Kara Zimmerman and my husband, daughters, and I had the pleasure of hearing you perform this morning at WTMD. We were all equally blown away by the level of talent, good vibes, energy, and (of course!) education packed into your set; we walked away thinking “we need to have more Baby Beats in our life!”
– Kara Zimmerman, McDonough School (Baltimore County)/Director of Arts programs
There’s so much more I could say, but with Jamaal Collier you get much more than a talented teacher and creative artist, you get a human being with a commitment to the community. You get someone who will show up early and stay late. You get an individual that has changed lives through his art and work in the classroom and beyond. You get someone with a large, colorful vocabulary and depth of knowledge.
– Rosalind Cauthen, Head of Theatre Program, Baltimore School of the Arts