Sonic Storytelling: Intro to Beatboxing

Discover how rhythm, voice, and imagination come together in this high-energy introduction to beatboxing. In Sonic Storytelling: Intro to Beatboxing, participants learn the building blocks of vocal percussion—how to mix, layer, and create a wide range of sounds using the human voice.

Through a dynamic mix of demonstration, guided practice, and experimentation, you’ll explore:

· The core techniques of beatboxing and vocal percussion

· How to mix, layer, and modify sounds to build rhythm and musical texture

· The science of sound—how vibrations, pitch, and resonance work in the body

· Ways beatboxing can enhance storytelling, mood, and creative expression

Whether you're a music lover, creative adventurer, or curious beginner, this immersive workshop offers a lively introduction to the expressive and scientific wonders of sound.

Course Date and Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026; 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (8-14 years old) and 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. (15 and up)

If you are a Pavek Museum member, watch your email for your member discount code, or email nina@pavekmuseum.org.

About the instructors:

Currently receiving attention for his new album, “TRANSFORMATION TO TERRELL X,” TERRELL X (A.K.A. Carnage The Executioner) began his musical journey in 1984 at age 10. Since then, he has spent the last 30 years professionally making music, delivering motivational speeches, performing as a one-man band, traveling the world, and educating people of all ages from various socio-economic backgrounds.

Twenty years of teaching human beatboxing/vocal percussion, songwriting, and composing short stage plays have helped Terrell build an impressive artistic résumé that extends to Europe and Southeast Asia.

Terrell has said he can best be described as an Improvisational Jazz Human Beat Boxer and Rhythmic Storyteller. He is a self-contained instrument, a natural curator, and a collaborator. The Minneapolis Star Tribune once claimed that “Carnage’s mouth might be the best drummer in town,” referring to his human beatboxing techniques.

ROB SLEAZER brings unmatched passion to STEM learning environments. For example, while his friends were setting up lemonade stands to earn money, Rob was hosting a math day camp with an active-learning curriculum, assessments, and a trained assistant (his brother). Later, Rob became a teaching assistant at Oklahoma State University for several courses in the Department of Electrical Engineering during his undergraduate and master’s studies. While earning his Ph.D. in Microelectronics-Photonics at the University of Arkansas, Rob brought his enthusiasm for STEM into 6th- and 7th-grade classrooms as a fellow in the National Science Foundation’s GK-12 program.

In 2014, Rob joined the faculty of the Twin Cities Engineering program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He quickly adapted to facilitating learning in TCE’s novel project-based structure. In his faculty role, he has been recognized as a Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, awarded a Faculty Academic Advising Certificate of Merit from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, and honored with the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Outstanding Service Award.

It’s difficult to classify Minneapolis-based artist DJ PIECEMEAL as simply a “DJ.” Although his style is rooted in Hip-Hop, his Nerd Culture influences make him a refreshing addition to any live show. DJ Piecemeal pairs genre-bending mixing with tasteful visual antics, enabling him to stand out and blur creative boundaries.

Piecemeal is respected for his theme-driven live sets—tailored to fit any occasion. He’s the perfect event opener, in-between-acts spinner, and closer. From livestreams to live performances, this song-mashup technician and impromptu track supplier creates memorable, in-the-moment soundscapes and fun times for listeners and spectators.