2008 BORN TO DRUM :  CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

 

AKIBA ONADA-SIKWOIA:

SWEAT LODGE

You will need to bring a cloth to sweat in and a towel.   You should also bring a tobacco, sage, or sweetgrass offering for the fire keeper and the water pourer.
 If you have high blood pressure or any medical problems, you will need to speak with Akiba before you decide to sweat.
 If you are having your moon time you can sweat but you should speak with Akiba first.

-- Limited spaces available.

 

EDWINA LEE TYLER:

BEGINNING CLASS:

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DRUM

         We will learn technique and getting a good sound on your drum.  We will also learn how to   hold your drum correctly.

 

INTERMEDIATE CLASS:

SPEAKING WITH YOUR DRUM

         Students will learn to feel the rhythms in their spirit and to speak with the sound of their drum.

 

ALL LEVELS:

LEARNING WHERE YOUR SPACE IS

         Learn how to play in the spaces that are open for you when you are jamming with a group of people.

 

LINDA TILLERY:

BEGINNING CLASS:

CONSTRUCTING A GROOVE

         Students will be taught how to combine and layer simple, rhythmic parts.  We will use pounding sticks, gonkogui (African Bell), tambourines, hand claps, foot stomps and other small instruments. Bring drums and hand percussion.

 

INTERMEDIATE CLASS:

SINGINÕ AND SWINGINÕ

         This class is for students who want to integrate voices and drums.  Can you sing a solo and play your conga or cajon simultaneously?  Students should have some singing and drumming experience.  Bring drums and hand percussion.

 

ADVANCED CLASS:

MORE SINGINÕ AND SWINGINÕ

         This class is for the experienced player and vocalist.  We will work on songs from various areas of the Americas and we will groove till we fall out!  Special emphasis will be placed on music from Gullah Sea Islands, Pentecostal Church Rhythms, etc.

         20 advanced students only. Bring drums and hand percussion.

 

VIRGINIA LOPEZ:

ALL LEVELS:

ORISHA SONGS: CANTOS DE GUERREROS

            Songs to the Orishas (Natural Powers) Elegua, Ogun, Ochosi.

            Voice only (no percussion needed)

 

ALL LEVELS:

SONGS/CANTOS A OCHUN – ÒYEYEOÓ

            Songs to the Yoruba Goddess of the rivers, love, sensuality, femininity           

            Bring Voices

 

VIRGINIA WILL BE LEADING THE ORGANIZED JAM SESSION SAT NIGHT!!!

 

JANET KOIKE:

TAIKO – ALL LEVELS

            This class will cover basic traditional skills and Taiko patterns.

 

TAIKO – ALL LEVELS

 

TAIKO –STRONG RHYTHMIC BACKGROUND REQUIRED

LIMIT OF 15 WOMEN FOR EACH CLASS

 

April Go Forth, PH.D. & Barbara Warren: ÔTHOZ WOMENZÕ

Workshops Repeat Aspects of Sitting at Drum, And Build Upon Learning Each Session.

- Space Limited to 15 Women.

ALL LEVELS:

A WOMANÕS PLACE AT THE DRUM

Introduction to the Native drum will address:

         ¥ protocol and respect [corn representing women, corn ties]

         ¥ issues around gender [type drum, male and female roles]

         ¥ not why but why not [messages about women at drum, knowing your reason]

         ¥ finding our voice [sharing what drew each to drum and workshop]

 

ALL LEVELS:                

A WOMANÕS VOICE

Respect and history of Native drum and powwow will cover:

         ¥ knowing your own heart [reflection of learning and reason to return]

         ¥ finding the right drum and circle [appropriate approach and fit]

         ¥ romanticism versus discipline [reason to sit, responsibility, service]

         ¥ the right song at the right time [know the categories, catching songs]

 

ALL LEVELS:

WOMEN SINGING AND SHARING

Songs presented in the two previous workshops will be reinforced:

         ¥ what these songs are about [interpretation and correct enunciation]

         ¥ developing individual confidence [questions and practice for technique]

         ¥ straight up kicking it [leads, honor beats, songs without drum, new song]

         ¥ realizing your purpose [challenge to answer Òwhat are you doing at the drum?Ó]

 

SUE KAYE (SUKI):

BEGINNNING INTERMEDIATE LEVEL:

CONGOLESE STYLE DRUMMING

            We will explore contemporary rhythms which are a fusion of both sacred and social traditional       music of the Congo.  From the rain forest to the savannahs and beyond.  The influence of these styles is felt in many places in different kinds of music, ie Rumba, Bomba, Samba.  Come and enjoy playing together in a group. Bring a conga, ngoma,or  djembe.  Also – bells, shakers, stickl

 

ALL LEVELS

            CONGOLESE STYLE DRUMMING 

 

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

            As well as drumming, we will work on a bell song.

            BRING:  Congas, Djembes, Ashiko, Ngomas, bells, sticks, shakers. I will bring 2 or 3 extra drums for students.

 

MICHAELLE GOERLITZ:

BEGINNERS BATUCADA

Basic techniques and rhythms on Tamborim, Snare Drum, Surdo, Agogo Bell, Chocacho and Cuica.

BRING: Any instruments you have, esp. cuicas.  I have some instruments, but cannot provide cuicas.

 

ALL LEVELS:

NORTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN RHYTHMS AND RHYTHMS

            Basic techniques and rhythms on Zabumba, Triangle, Caxixi and Pandeiro

           

ADVANCED BATUCADA

            A little faster and a few more breaks

            BRING: Snare Drums, Surdos, Tamborims, Repiniques, Agogos, Chocacho, Cuica

 

ELIZABETH SAYRE:

BATA FOR BEGINNERS:

For all those who have wondered what Bata drumming is, but who have little or no experience. This class will introduce the instruments, thechnique, and one or two basic rhythms.  Bring Bata drums and/or maracas.

 

BATA ALL LEVELS:

This class assumes that you have some hand drum experience.  We will review Bata specific hand technique, as well as rhythms and songs according to the classÕs interests.  Class is appropriate for all levels of Bata students.  Advanced students can play Iya.  Bring Bata drums and maracas.                                                                                                                                                        

 

BATA INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED:

This class assumes that you have significant hand drum experience and some Bata drum experience.  According to studentsÕ interests/experience, we will study selected concepts and rhythms for more advanced players.  Bring Bata drums and maracas.  Selected songs may also be covered.  

                                                                                                              

NYDIA ÔLIBERTYÕ MATA:

ALL LEVELS [EMPHASIS ON BEGINNING]

SOUND AND TECHNIQUE

            Through the use of Afro-Caribbean Rhythms this workshop is designed to develop the ÒlisteningÓ  and proper technique necessary to produce quality sound on the Conga Drum. (Recommended for beginner, intermediate or the advanced drummer who is still grappling with their sound)

 

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

TRADITIONAL AFRO-CARIBBEAN DRUMMING

            Through the use of conga drums, clave, stick patterns and bell patterns, students will learn the individual parts to traditional and folkloric Afro-Caribbean drumming.

 

ALL LEVELS [EMPHASIS ON INTERMED/ADV]

THE LATIN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP

       Using conga drums, timbales, bongos, clave, cowbells, guiro and maracas  students will learn the relationship of the Latin Percussion family of instruments to each other, as they are played in contemporary Cuban dance music, which today we call ÒSalsaÓ.

            BRING: Conga drum, Bongos, Claves, Cowbells, Guiros and two timbale sticks. 

 

SUSU PAMPANIN:

ALL LEVELS

TECHNIQUE BASICS FOR  MIDDLE EASTERN PERCUSSION

            Instruments will include:  Dumbek (aka Darbuka), Deff (frame drum), Arabic Tambourine (Riqq) and finger cymbals.  Technique basics, and Rhythms used in Arabic music will be taught.

            Bring traditional instruments, some instuments available

 

ALL LEVELS

RHYTHMS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

            We will explore Egyptian Dance rhythms, and Arabic rhythms including some odd time signatures.  This class will  also include technique basics.

            All instruments welcome.

 

ALL LEVELS  

RHYTHMS FOR JAM SESSION AND PLAYING FOR DANCERS

Using the instrument to create a groove that is both danceable and Playful.  We will review basic technique and learn rhythms  which work well in non-traditional jam sessions and are also fun to dance to.  Suggestions will be given on how to play for dancers.

All instruments welcome.

 

MABIBA BAEGNE:

BEGINNING DUNUN

            Students will learn technique and rhythm on the 3 Dununs

 

INTERMEDIATE DUNUN

            Students will be challenged to learn more complex technique and rhythm         

 

ALL LEVELS

DUNUNS:  SOUND AND TECHNIQUE

            Students will be learning the sound and technique of the 3 different Dununs.

 

JACKIE RAGO:

BEGINNING VENEZUELAN MARACAS:

This hands on workshop serves as an introduction to the Venezuelan Maraca playing from the plains of Venezuela.  The students will be introduced to the traditional 3/4 Tonada and Pasaje and 6/8 Joropo music in which the Maracas play the main role as a percussion instrument.  Techniques of improvisation with a high level of syncopation will be covered.

 

Prerequisite:  basic rhythmic skills.  No previous experience in this style is required.  Bring your own pair of maracas.  There will be a few extra pairs of maracas provided by the instructor.

 

      TAMBORERA:

This hands-on workshop is designed to introduce intermediate and advanced level percussion students to the ÒTamboraÓ music from the western state of Zulia, Venezuela.  Students will be exposed to authentic Venezuelan drums and percussion instruments such as Tambora, Furruco as well as hand percussion instruments such as the Maracas and Charrasca.

 

Prerequisite:  for intermediate to advanced-level percussionists.  No previous experience in this style is required.  Bring Congas, sticks and Maracas.

 

GAITA DE TAMBORA

This hands-on workshop is designed to introduce intermediate and advanced level percussion students to the ÒGaita de TamboraÓ music from the western state of Zulia, Venezuela.  Students will be exposed to authentic Venezuelan drums and percussion instruments such as Tamborito, and Tambora as well as hand percussion instruments such as the Maracas.

Prerequisite:  for intermediate to advanced-level percussionists.  No previous experience in this style is required.  Bring Congas, sticks and Maracas.

 

CAROLYN BRANDY:

ALL LEVELS

FUNDAMENTALS OF RHYTHM

         Learn where the time/pulse is – downbeats, upbeats, syncopation and 3 against 2.  This class will help you to understand, hear, groove and enjoy rhythm.  

 

BEGINNING CONGA

THE ART OF PLAYING THE CONGA DRUM

            Come and learn this beautiful instrument. We will be learning good technique, sound and simple rhythms.

 

INTERMEDIATE CONGA

AFRO-CUBAN CONGA DRUM ENSEMBLE

            BEMBE: We will learn this wonderful 6/8 rhythm with a few songs that the drums accompany.

            BRING:  Congas, sticks, bells, Chekeres.

 

AFIA WALKING TREE:

ALL LEVELS

SHEKERE OUR SOULS FREE

Empower soulful inner rhythms, and unleash your divine destiny.  Awaken together new ways to address who we REALLY are and WHY we are here.  Release old wounds of doubt, fear, separation, and judgment. Activate your Sound Powah through the shekere ~ access and move blockages and pain from our mind, body, spirit, and intellect – all levels welcome exactly where you are!  Honor and validate your voice in an orchestra of percussion, song, dance and personal stories.

 

DJEMBE FEVAHï  - INTERMEDIATE DJEMBE

Inspire your Drumming! Excel in your Djembe playing with drum body posturing, rhythm placement and djun djun accompaniments.  Fine-tune specific hand techniques, rolls, flams and ambidextrous playing. Revitalize and connect to your power of the Drum Amazon as we break through fears of mastering drumming and play from our most authentic selves surrounded by the safety and collective support of a womenÕs drum environment. Clarify the potential of your drum voice while activating your "Soulo" song within the circle. Explore the role of the Djembe within the context of the orchestra, the dance, and the djun djuns, as we play traditional rhythms from Guinea and contemporary rhythms by Afia Walking Tree.  Students will be encouraged to practice drumming technique for Dance Classes and develop endurance, focus, intensity, sensitivity, posturing, dynamics, speed and passionI will bring drumz for all my classes, including naked and beaded gourds for Chekere.

 

DJEMBE FEVAHï  ADVANCED DJEMBE

Same description as the Intermediate Djembe, but more challenging.

 

ADWOA ANTOINETTE KUDOTO:

ALL LEVELS

DRUMS, DANCE AND MUSIC FROM GHANA

         Adwoa and her daughter are coming to camp from Ghana.  Adwoa is a master drummer and her daughter is a dancer.  More detailed description of her classes is coming.

 

BASIC SKILLS DRUM CLASSES:

This year we are focusing on our very beginning students- our Newbies.  The Basic Skills classes will give the Newbies focused attention to the basic technique and sounds that can be achieved on the drums.  Often times the beginning classes that our faculty offer move more quickly than the Newbies can handle – also beginning students with some experience express a desire for those classes to move a little faster.  With our Basic Skills classes we hope to give our Newbie drummers time to move slowly and deliberately in order to have the best experience possible.

 

LALI MEJêA

Basic Skills for Beginners - Afro-Venezuelan 
This 90-minute class will focus on developing some basic hand-technique skills to be applied to the Afro-Venezuelan style of drumming. We will cover fundamental strokes such as the "open tone", "slaps" and "open slaps", as well as some rhythmic variations that may prove useful within this particular style of music. The students will be able to play on traditional instruments such as the "Cumaco" drum (bass, kick drum), the "Clarines" (high pitch drums) and "Laures" (sticks). Additionally, we will learn 2 traditional styles of Afro-Venezuelan music as a working platform for developing our hand technique. Students are welcome to bring instruments such as congas, djembes, sticks or maracas. 

SHAWN NEALY

Basic Skills for Beginners – West African

 

SUE LUNDQUIST

Basic Skills for Beginners – Conga, Djembe, Carribean

 

RANA HALPERN

Basic Skills for Beginners – Conga, Stick Control for drum kit

 

Special Guest Lecture

Amanda Vincent Villepasteur

 

Playing with Power: Degendering Drums and Drumming
Amanda Villepastour will be talking about her own journey with the bata drum and the varying gender obstacles she has encountered in different parts of the world in the course of her research. Putting the Bata drum in the wider context of how musical instruments throughout the world are often claimed and controlled by one gender, Amanda will summarize the many areas which are gendered in Bata drumming, including the spirit inside the drum, the Bata drum vessels and their components and the drummers themselves. Touching on trans-Atlantic issues of initiation and spirit possession, Amanda examines gender exclusion arguments around the Bata from a trans-Atlantic perspective.

 

DANCE CLASSES: MOVE YOUR BODY!!!

TERRIANNE GUTIERREZ – MID EASTERN BELLY DANCE

This Ancient form of artistic movement has been practiced for thousands of years. What we know as "Belly Dance"is a sensual and beautiful dance using  movements that evoke the  strength of female energy and womanhood.

Percussion accompaniment by Susu Pampanin

 

AVA SQUARE-LEVIAS – WEST AFRICAN DANCE

This basic West African dance class will enliven your spirit, energize your body, and stimulate your mind! Come celebrate the connection between dancer, drummer,  song, and Spirit. I will teach the dances Lamba and Manjani. They represent the griot (historian and storyteller), and celebration of life.  Starting with a gentle warm-up we will move into flowing movement in preparation for a vigorous, well-paced workout!  Come prepared to open joyously to Spirit in a safe place to move body, mind, and soul!

LIVE DRUMS!

 

LEILANI BIRELY – HAWAIIAN DANCE

Hawaiian Dance-Hula-Prayer in Motion
Learn the basic steps of the Sacred Hula in a safe and encouraging environment. This is a wonderful way to open your body up to new energies and to release old blockages. We will also incorporate ole/chanting into our time together as we learn about the protocol of Hula as sacred prayer movement. Please bring an offering from nature to the altar for Laka, Hawaiian Goddess of Hula and the Forest. No previous dance experience needed and you will receive what you need whether you are a novice or experienced. Please bring a pareo/sarong if you have one.