Brief Description of Workshops


• All workshops can be offered either as a demonstration only or as a participatory workshop in which participants learn to play the drums and the various rhythm patterns.

“Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drum Set”

This workshop demonstrates and teaches common Afro-Cuban rhythms (such as songo, Yoruba, rumba, Mozambique, Arara) as they are traditionally played on conga, cajon, or bata. These same patterns are then transferred to drum set to be incorporated into jazz or fusion styles. The importance and placement of clave in all of the patterns is explained. Interdependence exercises that incorporate the clave are also taught.

 

“Rumba & Other Popular Afro-Cuban Rhythms”

This workshop introduces the participants to popular Rumba styles such as yambu, guaguanco, and columbia. Students learn how these patterns are used in Cuba as well as the popular music of other countries today. The significance of each drum part is explained while the patterns, along with the clave, are demonstrated on conga and cajon. The participants will also learn how to blend these rhythms with contemporary jazz.

 

“Bantu Culture & Rhythms”

This workshop introduces the participants to the Bantu culture from Central Africa (Congo, Angola) and the rhythms of makuta, palo, and yuca. The rhythms are broken down, demonstrated, and taught for each individual rhythm. They are then put back to together as played in the Congo cycle on conga and cowbell.