School Drumming and African Dance
Are you looking for something innovative and fun to promote creativity, introduce cultural awareness and inspire a sense of community amongst students?
Do you have Multi-Cultural Events Days, Global Events Days, Theatre Projects, School Holiday Programs, School Open Days or run informal education programs?
Kids have an innate attraction to drums and rhythm and get a real opportunity
to express themselves through African Drumming classes.
Over the past several years I've facilitated hundreds of student workshops
at kindergartens, schools, after-care centres, festivals and private functions.
We cater for all ages, including babies, the mentally and physically challenged.
If preferred we can mix the workshop with a performance by our African drummers
and dancers too.
Aim
- Create a fun, non-intimidating environment, which inspires learning, group participation and is void of social barriers.
- Heighten multi-cultural awareness through the vibrant music and traditions of Africa.
Benefits
African drumming is fantastic for promoting listening skills and interaction, and teaches children the benefits of working as a team, risk taking and trusting one another. It stimulates coordination and creativity by motivating both halves of the brain to communicate with each other. Simultaneously, it encourages improvisation, concentration and relaxation. African Drumming also possesses powerful healing and stress relief properties.
Most importantly, playing in a group gives the children a sense of belonging and community. Each instrument played is an integral part of the whole. Instantly accessible rhythms give an immediate sense of achievement that builds confidence.
The Workshop
Primary and High School Levels
Students will learn:
- basic techniques, simple rhythms and traditional songs
- simple dance steps
- elements of history, global community and multi-cultural awareness
Toddler Workshops
A chance for parents and bubs to mingle with others and make a racket using lots of fun percussive instruments.
Cost
From $200 per 45 - 60minute session depending on total numbers and travel time from Melbourne.
Logistics
- Can cater for up to 1000 students (all you need to provide is a suitable area).
- Includes a minimum of two facilitators plus traditional African drums, bells, and shakers.
Venues
Normally, we travel to you, however, your students can come to our Cultural Centre in St Kilda and be inspired by and feel part of a genuine African environment.
Recent clients include:
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Testimonials
"Simon was professional, interacted well with his audience and showed a vibrant spirit. I would recommend Simon as a Drum Workshop facilitator for Community Centres and events, festivals and schools."
Rosemary Brown
Youth Services Officer, Hume City Council
“The students were captivated by the music. Each one was inspired to participate, promoting a wonderful sense of group cohesion. The experience remained with the students long after the session was over. I would highly African Drumming as a wonderful resource for schools to use.”
Mary Jane Clark
Anglican Girls School,
Essendon
"Simon Fraser facilitated drumming workshops and led a drumming parade as part of the Welcome Day, a performance project for refugee and newly arrived teenagers by Westside Circus in October this year. Simon led the group with a beautiful and dynamic energy that was able to engage and inspire an enthusiastic group of young people. The participants have said that the drumming was one of the project highlights for them and it was excellent for us to see all of the smiling faces responding so keenly to the workshops! Simon also ran workshops for the general public on the day of the performance and was an absolute pleasure to have involved in the project."
Naomi Steinborner
Westside Circus