Community Drum Classes in the Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
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The West-African Djembe and associated drum ensemble tradition first emerged from the Mandé people of the Malian empire. The Djembe drum is inseparable from the traditional bass drums, the Dunduns, as well as the bells and percussion instruments that constitute the ensemble. Together, the frequencies of sound and intricate design of the rhythms and their shapes around one another function to bring forward vibrational images with profound depth and meaning. Check out the below TEDx presentation for a deeper dive!
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Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
No previous drumming experience is required to attend classes in either of our locations. Drums are provided, or you can bring your own. These classes are suitable for drummers of all levels, and all ages 15 and above. Classes are presented monthly in Belgrave and as a full course each school term in Boneo, and focus on developing a single arrangement. They are also open for casual attendance if you cannot commit to the complete course. Bookings are essential. Please follow the links below.
Workshops are available on request for communities Victoria-wide. Contact us to organise something in your area.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
No previous drumming experience is required to attend classes in either of our locations. Drums are provided, or you can bring your own. These classes are suitable for drummers of all levels, and all ages 15 and above. Classes are presented monthly in Belgrave and as a full course each school term in Boneo, and focus on developing a single arrangement. They are also open for casual attendance if you cannot commit to the complete course. Bookings are essential. Please follow the links below.
Workshops are available on request for communities Victoria-wide. Contact us to organise something in your area.
REGISTER FOR A CLASS
BONEO
The Revillaging Project
Fortnightly on Sunday evenings during the school term 6-8pm
Next class series is fortnightly from July 28th-September 22nd
The Revillaging Project
Fortnightly on Sunday evenings during the school term 6-8pm
Next class series is fortnightly from July 28th-September 22nd
Community Drum and Dance Retreats
We regularly team up with performing and teaching artists world-wide to deliver meaningful, family friendly immersions into the deep arts of the African diaspora. Enjoy this montage of our latest weekend retreat with USA-based artist Chris Berry, and keep in touch via our newsletter for details of upcoming immersions!