West African Drumming

Djembé drumming from Senegal

Course Details

This dynamic workshop is an introduction to the energetic style of West African drumming. It has proven to be very popular as Inspire-works provides 30 Djembé drums to ensure 100% participation for each student.

The Djembé drum originates from West Africa, in particular Senegal, The Gambia and Mali, and has become Africa's most popular drum due to its sonorous tonal qualities, hypnotic pulsating sound and the relative simplicity of its playing technique.

In this workshop, every participant will play a Djembé for the full duration of the session and will learn a flamboyant traditional Senegalese piece of music that is an excellent practical introduction to African music. The piece is learnt aurally, as practiced in Senegal, and creates opportunities for participants to improvise solos, respond to aural cues and develop their ensemble playing.

This workshop is adapted to be suitable for students from Foundation Stage up to Key Stage Five.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

  • learn a traditional West African piece of music using Djembés
  • enhance rhythmic and improvisational skills
  • develop listening skills
  • develop ability to work in an ensemble
  • develop confidence through performing to the school or parents (performance optional depending on preference of school or group)

Relationship to the National Curriculum

  • Key Stage 1
    Music: 1b & 1c
  • Key Stage 2 Music: 1b & 1c, 2a, 4d, 5e
  • Key Stage 3 Music: 1b & 1c, 2a, 4d, 5e

For a detailed look at these descriptions, please visit the National Curriculum on-line at www.nc.uk.net. This workshop also helps to fulfil and enhance many aspects of the criteria of Key Stage Four and Five specifications.

Space requirements

A large classroom or hall with enough space for 30 chairs in a semi-circle. A TV and DVD player will also be required.

Length of Sessions

Maximum 30 participants per group.
Key Stage 1: 30-45 minutes per session.
Key Stage 2: 1 hour per session.
Key Stage 3: 1 hour per session.
Key Stages 4 & 5: ½ day/ full day - please contact us for more details.

Cost

£240 Full Day (Max 5 hours)
£160 Half Day (Max 3 hours)

Mileage

Mileage is charged at 40p per mile outside a 15-mile radius of the facilitator's base. We use www.multimap.co.uk to assist our mileage calculations.