2014/06/30

Upcoming Latin Drumming and Marimba Workshops with Robin Layne

On July 6th at the Royston Community Hall, well-known percussionist and marimba master Robin Layne returns to the Comox Valley to offer workshops to both beginner rhythm enthusiasts and more experienced drummers.
"I am looking forward to returning to the Comox Valley for another round of drum workshops and am especially excited to bring some marimbas along to share with workshop participants.  The marimba is one of my favourite instruments to play because it combines rhythm and melody and the sound  makes everyone feel happy!" Robin recently stated. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to experience this joyful sound while learning music from Africa and Latin America on this beautiful instrument. As well, there will be hand-drumming workshops for those new to drumming and for more advanced students.
In the Introduction to Latin Drumming workshop from 1:30 - 2:30 pm (designed for those who are newer to playing hand drums or complete beginners), participants will learn how to improve their drum sound, increase their independence and speed and get an introduction to Latin rhythms such as marcha from Cuba and samba-reggae from Brazil. From 2:45 - 3:45 pm, participants in the Marimba Workshop will learn how to play a scale and an arpeggio on the marimba while practicing a song in the tradition of Zimbabwean marimba music. "One of the greatest things about playing the marimba is that there is a part for everyone, and playing in a group is extremely fun!", says Robin. Space in this workshop is limited to 6 participants. 
And finally, from 4 - 5 pm in the Intermediate/Advanced Latin Drumming Workshop, designed for people who have experience playing drums and making music, the focus will be on the traditions of Rumba music from Cuba and working as an ensemble to learn how to put all the pieces together. Describing this workshop in more detail, Robin states: "The rumba will often have 6-10 drummers and singers and 3-4 dancers in a group. We will cover guanguanco, which has three interlocking drum parts, clave, shekere, and cascara. Participants will learn solo phrases, a break into and out of the rhythm and how to have conversations between the drums." Time permitting, Robin will also teach a simple choro and a dance step that accompanies the rumba. 
Robin believes that music and drumming are about building community and  always loves coming to Comox because of the wonderful, strong rhythm community to be found here. Come out and take a workshop or two and join in on the  potluck and drum jam for all participants planned the end of the day (5:30 - 7:00pm). Individual workshops are $25, any two for $40 and pre-registration is necessary. FMI on Robin Layne, please visit www.robinlayne.ca and FMI on these exciting upcoming workshops and to pre-register call Monica, local African drumming instructor and drum circle facilitator, at 250.338.1444 or emaildrumdeva@gmail.com

No comments:

Post a Comment