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Errington to host world music camp this summer

The second annual Afro-Mumanzi World Music Summer Camp is set to take place this summer in Errington, from August 15-19.
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Afro-Mumanzi will hold their second World Music Summer Camp this summer with some West African dance and adult classes added to last year’s curriculum.

The second annual Afro-Mumanzi World Music Summer Camp is set to take place this summer in Errington, from August 15-19.

Afro-Mumanzi is a five member band made up of 16 to 23 year olds from Errington and Vancouver who play lively and rhythmic music with Zimbabwean-style marimbas, a drum kit, hand percussion, mbira (thumb piano) and a violin.

They are becoming increasingly well known around Vancouver Island and beyond and have recently been invited to play on the Canada Day Stage in front of the legislature in Victoria.

The World Music Camp was popular last year, with 29 children ages 9 to 18 learning to play the marimbas and hand drums. This year West African dance combined with drumming has been added as well as adult classes. No prior music experience is needed and kids last year reported having a fun and rewarding time. Youth classes go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, where children will learn both marimba and drumming/dance. Adult classes run from from 2:30-4 p.m with a choice of either marimba or drumming/dance.

On the final day participants will play an evening recital on the outdoor stage in the Errington Community Park, where a potluck picnic will take place. Afro-Mumanzi will perform at the potluck following the students.

Fees are $50 for both groups, that includes 15 hours of instruction for youth and five 90-minute sessions for adults. Space is limited to 30 youth and 30 adults. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Errington War Memorial Hall website at www.errgintonhall.bc.ca and mailed in with a cheque.

For more information contact Val Dare at 250-586-6583 or vgdare@gmail.com.