BRAZILIAN, HIP-HOP and BLUES DRUMMING (grades 3-12)

The drumming from North and South Americas has its roots in Africa, Europe and Native America. This residency will focus on traditional music mostly from Brazil and the U.S.A. with an emphasis on the roots shared by American cultures. Students will learn rhythms from Brazil on traditional and recycled instruments. Arrangements of traditional styles from Brazil like Samba, Maracatu, Caboclinho and Afoxé will be learned as instrumental pieces or sometimes accompanied with song and/or dance.

We will then take a look at our own culture. Hip-hop was born here in New York City and is our young people’s music of today. We will learn a hip-hop drumming arrangement accompanied by dance and songs that are composed by the students.

Mostly unknown, there is a style of Blues Fife and Drum Music from the hill country of Mississippi that is still played today. We will learn these rhythms and sing some tradition blues music.

This music is high energy and rich in poly-rhythms which is a blast for any student who likes to bang on a drum! These rich poly-rhythms are fun to play but require a level of skill in complex rhythm making, listening as an ensemble, following directions, memorization, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, team building and self-discipline. Because these rhythms have their roots in African, European and Native cultures, we can draw many historical and cultural connection with each percussion piece or song we study.

This residency will end with a fun final performance displaying one musical arrangement per class. The residency will ultimately empower the students to have pride in the music from their own roots and have a broader knowledge of drumming and music from the Americas.