African drumming


A great opportunity to experience new rhythms and timbres using traditional African drums - a wonderful multi-cultural experience.

 

 

African Drumming Workshops:
Your day will begin with an introduction to African drumming for the whole school. This takes 10-15 minutes, where our musician will talk to the children about the drums as well as play and sing.

 

For the rest of the day, workshops for each class are run, lasting 30 - 40 minutes each. 10 children play the drums at a time, while the others play untuned percussion instruments or sing along. These activities are swapped around so that every child experiences each one.

 

Nursery (30 minutes) and Reception (35 minutes) workshops focus on beat competency, playing in time. Y1 (35 minutes) and Y2 (40 minutes) develop keeping a steady beat into performing simple rhythms. KS2 (minimum 40 minutes) work on more complex rhythms

 

Limbo dancing


Itara has been dancing and performing since the age of 4 in her homeland of Barbados. She began with 'The Westbury Cultural Group', a community based project that toured the island with much acclaim, working her way to principal dancer. Since living in the U.K. she has taken her skills into schools, giving children of all ages an excellent experience in the art of limbo dance.

An excellent opportunity for children to learn this unique and fascinating talent. With a colourful performance in assembly, the day then is flexible to fit your timetable, with each workshop lasting a minimum of 40 minutes each.

 

 

Afro Caribbean Dance:
These dance workshops are designed to pass on the Afro Caribbean Folk Dances, which builds an idea of the culture of the islands.
Workshop times: Classes of no more then 30 at a time. Nursery & KS1 suggested 30-45 minute sessions, KS2 1 hour classes - we will fit as many as is possible into your timetable. Great for all ages. After teaching all the classes we can select a few pupils from each group to take part in a small performance at the end of the day if time allows.
South African
Story Telling:
An amazing experience presented by a traditionally dressed storyteller with African instruments. Children learn different rhythms to clap along with the drumming and take part in the story with age-old hand gestures.

The day starts with a short African story in assembly where children learn different rhythms. Each workshop lasts between 20 - 40 minutes and is flexible to fit your timetable. Our storyteller tells a traditional African story and plays the mbira while the children make hand gestures.

Melody and mood:
Explore melodic instruments such as strings and keyboards, focusing on rhythm, tempo, dynamics and pitch, to perform contrasting mood pieces.
With a maximum of 15 children for 45 minutes. Children work on simple compositions to produce pieces of contrasting moods.


Midlands only

All of our workshops are delivered in a very positive way with equal opportunities for all children whatever their needs. Not only do children enjoy the workshops but they also develop their hand-eye co-ordination, confidence, self-esteem and their knowledge of other cultures. The workshops link to Music, P.E. and P.S.H.E. curriculums.

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