This year I will be continuing to work through the Song Room to deliver my Rhythm and Drumming Program. I have a new primary school program in Penrith and I will be continuing to work through Ashfield Primary as part of my Artist in Residence (see below). In 2010 I was lucky enough to work at a primary school for a full school year. It was fantastic to see what a Drum Circle program can achieve over a longer period. I developed a performance troupe who did 4 performances during the year including a 600 seat theatre! They are AMAZING! Year 5/6s from the Middle East, Africa, Pacific Islanders, amongst young people from every continent on the planet. Many of them had existing cultural rhythm knowledge and once encouraged to share it, really took the project on : ) I am working hard to find support to keep this troupe together through their transition to high school. Ideas welcome : )

Here is an outline of the program I am continuing to develop.

Rhythm and Drumming : An introduction to World Drum Circles
A rhythm and drumming program which uses rhythm, movement, percussion, vocals and drums to explore the wonder of playing music in a group.

An engaging and fun introduction to World Beat Drumming. The program will explore how to communicate through rhythm using drums, bodies and voices. Inspired by the world drum traditions including from the Middle East, Africa, India and Latin America this program taps into a cross cultural meeting point fantastic for the diversity of contemporary Australia.

Click here for more details on this program and a small video snippet of the Primary School Troupe.