Spring Drum Retreat: October 1st – 3rd 2021
Our 2021 Spring Drum Retreat offers drum classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with a variety of awesome teachers!
Teachers
Boubacar Gaye
Mohamed Camara
Simon Fraser
Jacqui Dressens
Appiah Annan.
Drum
Learning in this environment will do wonders for your drumming: the djembe always repays the time you invest in it. A weekend of drumming will challenge you in terms of stamina and retention, as well as the content you tackle. You’ll actually notice the difference in your playing most after the event – the flow given by training muscle memory and the tuning of your ear to an immersion in the music will show the few days after.
Dance with Appiah & Jacqui!
Enjoy awesome dance session facilitated by Appiah Annan and Jacqui Dressens (with live drumming!). Whether you were born with rhythm or you have two left feet, our workshops are fun, educational and stimulating for participants of all ages, levels and backgrounds – no prior dance experience is necessary! Definitely for anyone who is looking for a fun way to keep fit as well as enjoy an invigorating cultural experience!
Testimonials
“Just wanted to say what a great weekend Crystal and I enjoyed. What a fantastic group of people. Across the board from Masters to Beginners we found everybody to be so pleasant. Also the teachers that I encountered were fantastic. Laura is so amazing at teaching and explaining clearly. We learnt so much from all including yourself. Once again thank you for all you did to make the weekend successful and amazing. Cheers.” – Cliff Strobel
It’s going to be a Choca Block schedule!
Stay tuned for a schedule announcement
Location
Set in a peaceful valley, we’ll be completely surrounded by the pristine Great Otway National Park. At 90 minutes out of Melbourne, it’s far enough to feel like a real getaway, but still an easy journey by car.
– Comfortable bunk-style log cabins
– Camp sites or campervan parking available if preferred (same rate as normal accommodation)
– Big communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
– Large performance hall with a fireplace
– Bonfire area
Sokil – 90 minutes from Melbourne
425 Breakfast Creek Road
Wensleydale
Melways Ref: 611 C10
Sokil
425 Breakfast Creek Road
Wensleydale
Melways Ref: 611 C10
http://www.sokil.com.au/location_map.html
From Melbourne (aprox 90 mins)
Take the M1 heading West
Bypassing Geelong, this becomes the A1 (Princes Hwy)
Turn Left onto Cape Otway Rd
Continue through Moriac and Modewarre
Turn left at Wensleydale Station Rd. Wurdiboluc Reservoir will be on your right
Continue approximately 7kms, until the road turns to gravel
At the intersection, follow the road straight into the Great Otway National Park (do not turn left here into Gum flats road)
Continue on the gravel road, past Alsop Track
Turn left onto Breakfast Creek Rd (do not turn right onto Hammonds Track)
Continue 3.5km into the valley
Sokil’s gate is on the left – just over the small bridge!
Rates
Payable in cash on the weekend
We can easily put together a discount for families or large groups – please call or email us for details. Non-drumming friends and family are very welcome
Tuition & Saturday Accommodation……$250/$220 (concession)
Friday Night Accommodation……………….. $40
Standard Day Rate……………………………….. $140/$120 (concession)
Non – Drummers weekend (includes Sat night).. $120/$110 (concession)
Non Accommodation full weekend (for people staying offsite) $210/$180 (concession)
Non – Drummers day……………………………. $40
Drum Hire (booking required)……………….. $10
What should I bring?
A drum if you have one – if not you can hire one for $10
A comfy drum stool if you are particular (Sokil has loads of plastic chairs which are also fine)
BYO food/drinks (Sokil has a large commercial kitchen with ovens, microwaves, glasses & cutlery etc)
Shoes to dance in
Sleeping bag / extra blanket (All beds have sheets and pillows with pillow cases supplied)
Warm clothes
Sun Hat
Accommodation
Can I bring a campervan or sleep in my tent? – Yes, you are welcome to do either and make use of all the amenities at Sokil. There are several great areas for camping and to park your vehicle. Pricing is the same for camping/campervan as it is if you are using a bed.
What kind of rooms/bed options are there? – All rooms are bunk bed style rooms. There are 8 rooms with 4 bunks (8 beds).
We can arrange private room for groups of 6 or more, and occasionally family groups (depending on Camp numbers)
We will generally allocate rooms to you all and keep men/ woman and families together.
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?
Sokil
425 Breakfast Creek Road
Wensleydale
Melways Ref: 611 C10
In an article written about African Drumming, Dr Dawn Joseph reached fascinating findings when she visited our spring drum retreat in 2019, while investigating the power of West African drumming.
This research explores why people came together to share music-making and practice at a drumming retreat, and what they experienced as a recreational group music activity.
Two overarching themes are explored: drumming for leisure and cultural connections.
Dr. Joseph argues that West African drumming as a “shared energy” experience has the power to positively impact participants’ lives, fostering cross-cultural understanding
Here are a few of our favourite points from the article:
African Drumming builds bridges and foster dialogue, allowing for a better understanding of the people, culture and music in Africa. African Drumming brings a positive effect to participants’ lives. There is a deep sense of belonging in the drumming community, being part of something intangible and ancient.Read the article
Bookings
Please book in early to ensure your spot!
Family and group rates are available – please ask us for more info
[email protected]
(03) 9525 3073
