Rhythm and Shakes

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Monday, 01 December 2008

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Introduction

Rhythm & Shakes provides self development and expression workshops through rhythm throughout schools in Ireland. Our aim is for young people to discover the world of percussion and the fun of playing in and being part of a group. In our workshops we incorporate the core elements of the music curriculum for primary schools. These include listening, responding, composition and performance. All drums and percussion instruments are provided.

Course Layout - School Programme

Workshops will begin with clapping games and exercises to motivate the children. This is a practical and playful way to become familiar with the rhythms.

These rhythms, among others, will later be developed on African drums (djembes and dun duns) also integrating rhythmic patterns on other instruments such as cowbells, woodblocks, shakers, etc.

Another aspect of the course is to encourage the children to bring in their own materials (e.g. rice in a pringles tin) to make instruments, which will enforce the point that music can be made from anything.

At the end of the course we hope to have a short concert with the children, which will be open for both teachers and parents to attend (optional). This will give the children a goal to work towards and will allow them to experience performance at an early age.

Back At School 2006/2007

Starting back on Monday September 18th 2006.

A six week self development and expression course through rhythm in three 40 minute sessions, two hours per school, played on African drums and various percussive instruments.

Year 1 Course

The emphasis for the year 1 Course is on rhythm. We begin with teaching basic music theory which develops onto clapping exercises and using our body as a percussive instrument. We then introduce African drums. Beginning with simple rhythms we work towards a performance where we use percussion instruments and more intricate rhythms.

Year 2 Course

The emphasis for the Year 2 Course is on rhythm and melody. For those who have successfully completed our six week course, we will be increasing our number of polyrhythms on djembe's, boogeraboo's and djuns djuns. We also introduce the 8 note scale on mini-xylophones where we combine melodic ideas with more complicated rhythms.

Secondary Schools

This year we want to expand our course for post-primary students. In the past we have worked with 12-18 year olds and feel there is great interest in this particular aspect of music. This involves a one day workshop. We explore various rhythms using different types of African drums and percussion instruments.

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