Community Programmes
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Group percussion experiences can help
to fill the social void of many young people today. Percussion and
drumming in particular has been woven into the social context of
many societies throughout history. Playing in a group percussion
experience can offer a physically challenging, cognitively stimulating,
group experience which speaks to the social needs that youth in
our society are calling out for. Participants can discover a sense
of community, because they have to work together to accomplish a
common goal |
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One student commented:
“Drumming is a challenge. It has helped me with my patience.
I learned how to be determined and stick things out".
Group percussion is an activity that can cut through the tough
shell of many kids.
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What will they get out of it?
Participants can discover a sense of
community, because they have to work together to accomplish
a common goal. It helps with concentration and patience
and can improve self-esteem.
Playing percussion creates a lot of fun
and enjoyment. To spend a few hours learning to play unfamiliar
rhythms on instruments they may never even have seen before,
and then to produce a creditable performance is enormously
rewarding. People find they can usually produce an acceptable
sound on an instrument relatively quickly, without having
to put in hours of practice. This makes workshops accessible
to kids of all abilities.
Group percussion is therefore a very positive
activity for developing:
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personal skills. |
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self-esteem |
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sense of community |
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concentration |
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social skills |
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" ..... the Amplifier youth
music project has hired Percussion4u to direct a new Samba
and African drumming group for teenagers in Macclesfield
.....For project managers it’s always good to find people
who exceed your expectations, who willingly get involved in
planning and evaluation as well as delivering consistently
good workshops ....I’m happy to recommend Percussion4U "
Martin Milner, Programme Manager,
Amplifier Youth Music Programme for Cheshire. |
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What will they be doing?
Most people can learn by listening, so the participants do not
need to have any previous experience of playing an instrument or
the ability to read music. Workshops include:
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an explanation of the basics |
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learning patterns for each instrument |
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playing both in sections and together as a whole group |
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learning visual and whistle cues for starting and stopping |
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learning 'breaks' - the introduction of a different pattern,
or a section playing on its own |
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learning two or three different rhythms |
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How long does a programme last?
A programme can be a single workshop experience or can be a series
ofworkshops or events
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a few hours
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one or two days
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