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African Drumming Workshops with Lyndon at Starcross Primary school
Lyndon, who is a professional percussionist, ran two full days of workshops in school on Monday the 11th and Thursday 14th July. The Helen Foundation supported workshop, was facilitated by Daisi. The workshops were a fantastic opportunity to learn about the history of percussion and other cultures, listen to new and exotic instruments being performed, as well as the chance to compose and perform their own music.
The drumming workshops particularly focussed on African drums. The students were introduced to many different types of drums and were told of the evolution of drums. We were also told about the history of drumming rhythms and how in Africa, they play different specific rhythmic performances that represent special events such as weddings and many other cultural ceremonies.
Lyndon performed some musical pieces on several instruments for the students for them to listen to the various sounds and moods the instruments produced. The students thoroughly enjoyed listening to this musical performances and it really evoked their emotions and imagination. Priya, from year one said: “When Lyndon played the hand pan the music felt like I was in a forest meditating and blossom was falling all around me”.
The workshops also involved lots of fun interactive activities where the students performed body percussion pieces and used their bodies as instruments. The students also explored all the instruments and had the opportunity to use their creativity to compose and perform their very own rhythmic ensembles in small groups.
We would like to sincerely thank Lyndon, Daisi and the Helen Foundation for providing our school with this unique and valuable learning experience. All of the students and staff members thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and have taken something special away from them.
