Sessions

• Djembe and Dunun classes for all levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced drum classes every day.
• High energy dance classes
• BIG communal Saturday night African Dinner (book early for this $10)
• All in Jams and spontaneous melodic infusions
• Serene Waikato location surrounded by lush rolling hills.

• Djembe and Dunun classes for all levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced drum classes every day.
• High energy dance classes with renowned dancer, Robert Koffie
• BIG communal Saturday night African Dinner (book early for this $10)
• All in Jams and spontaneous melodic infusions
• Serene Waikato location surrounded by lush rolling hills.

Your Teachers

Yaw: Born In Ghana Africa, Yaw has lived, breathed and studied African Drumming and music his whole life. He was a member or the Pan-African Orchestra for over 10 years and has performed all over the world in both traditional and fusion groups collaborating with people such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Francis Fuster, Andy Summers and Oren Marshall along the way. Before moving to New Zealand, Yaw has taught classes in London for almost 20 years, and now we are lucky to have him here, creating this exciting opportunity to study with a master of his craft.

Nathan: Nathan Bregmen has been playing drums for over 20 years, and has been studying African drumming for around 10 years. Captured by the ability of African drumming to build community and bring people together playing music in a short space of time, the African djembe has quickly become Nathan’s instrument of choice. His light-hearted but attentive teaching style has quickly made him a favourite with many students around the country.

Robert ‘Koffie’ Fugah: Koffie Fugah grew up in the village of Abor in the Volta Region of Ghana where traditional music and dance is part of daily life. He has taught and performed African drumming and dance for over 15 years both in Ghana and abroad. Koffie is now based in Dunedin and shares his passion and joy for African music all over NZ. Koffie’s high energy drum and dance classes will have you grooving and feeling good in a very short amount of time and are not to be missed.

Location

Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton
tel. (07) 843 6862

Comfortable bunk-style log cabins
Camp sites available if preferred
Big communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
Large performance hall with fireplace
Bonfire area  

Programme

Dates to be announced.

FRIDAY

5:00pm – 7:00pm – Arrive and settle in. Meet and greet.
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Introductions and all in workshop.
9:00pm onwards : Socialising and good ol’ fashion jamming – Plenty of melodic exploration so bring your Ngoni, Mbira etc

SATURDAY

10:00am – 12:30pm – Group breakaway sessions – Drumming
12:30pm – 2:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – 3:15pm – All in DunDun Workshop
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Group breakaway – Drumming
5:30pm – 6:30pm – African Dance
7:30pm – 7:30 pm – Communal African Style dinner prepared by Yaw.
8pm Onwards – A performance by community teachers, followed by an interactive percussion based dance party.

SUNDAY

9:30 – 11:15 – Break away groups – Drumming
11:15 – 12:15 – African dance
12:15 – 1:15 – Lunch
1:15 – 2:15 – Break away groups – Drumming
2:30 – 3:00 – Final group performance of rhythms we have learnt over the weekend.
3:00 – 5:00 – Pack up and depart.

Rates

Payable as cash on the weekend

Adult Rate…………………….…….… $270
Early Bird Rate……………………… $240 (early bird rate expires 29 Aug)

Drum Hire (booking required)…..$10
Communal African Dinner Sunday night …$10 (Must book in advance)
Optional Linen Hire $20

** Food not included except Saturday night communal dinner extra $10
**Accommodation included in ticket price

Please note Kids (up to 15 years) are very welcome to come along and participate. We simply ask that you cover the accommodation costs for them for the day/ nights they stay i.e. $40/ night (or day)

What should I bring?

-A drum if you have one, if not you can hire one for $10
-BYO food/drinks (Venue has a large commercial kitchen) *Except for Sunday night communal dinner if you choose to join us (please book in early)
-Shoes to dance in
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-Warm clothes

I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?

Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. It’s a great chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer and pick up tips and tricks from peers

What’s the address?
Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton

Bookings