Join nationally and internationally recognized instructors at the Errington War Memorial Hall for a series of adult world music workshops, Aug. 7-10.
The workshops kick off on August 7 from 4-5 p.m. with Kumbana Marimba player and viola university graduate, Fahlon Smith, offering an introductory marimba class. Participants will learn the history of marimba, simple rhythms and be able to play a few traditional African songs as an ensemble, by the end of the class. No musical experience is necessary.
Accomplished percussionist and composer, Robin Layne, will be presenting a Beginners West African Djembe Drumming workshop Aug. 8 from 4-5 p.m. Layne currently plays in the world music groups of Locarno, Mazacote, Tambura Rasa and the Robin Layne Band and has performed and studied percussion around the globe. Join Layne for an introduction to djembe and doundouns, history of the drums, and a traditional rhythm from Guinea.
No drumming experience is needed.
Aug. 9 from 4-5 p.m., Marco Castrucci will be teaching a class introducing the rhythms of Brazil, with a special focus on Samba Reggae rhythms from the North Eastern region of Bahia. This class is taught in an ensemble style, with introductions to Brazilian percussion instruments such as the Caixa (snare drum), Repique and Surdos (bass drums).
From 5:15-6:15 p.m. that same day, Chris Couto will introduce the group to new drum rhythms and traditional African songs in the Beyond Beginners West African Djembe Drumming class. Couto is a member of Kutapira, as well as playing percussion with the Vancouver bands Tanga, Mazacote, Mud Funk, Love You Miss You, and Coco Jafro. Participants must have some drumming experience to participate.
Aug. 10 from 4-5 p.m. welcomes back Sarah Van Borek, film studies instructor at Emily Carr University. Van Borek studied marimba and gumboot dance in South Africa and taught music and dance in village schools there. She is proud to share the stories and tradition of South African gumboot dance in this uplifting workshop. All you need to bring is enthusiasm and a pair of rubber boots. No dance experience is necessary.
All of these workshops are $20 each, with a discount if you attend more than one. Please contact Kim Longmuir at 250-248-8515 or kimlongmuir@telus.net or Kristine Stephenson at 250-927-3985 or stephenson@live.ca for more information and to register.
— Submitted by Kim Longmuir