Drumming Classes
Drumming classes beginning in Wonthaggi for 10 weeks beginning Saturday 10th October 2009 at "Simply Blooming Flowers" Florist. Drumming 1pm to 2.30pm....Dance 3pm to 4.30pm. Level 1. Bookings are essential. Please email Foday and Mariama or ring Cheryl and Vaughn at the shop.
Drumming classes continue in Morwell. Level 4. This class consists of members from "Wulaba Drumming Ensemble". Morwell Neighbourhood house. Mon 5.30pm
Drumming continues in Newborough. Level 3. Band Room, Newborough Hall. Mon 7.30pm
Drumming continues in Traralgon. Level 3. CWA Hall. Tues 7pm
To begin classes in your area, we need a starting number of 10. We are able to supply drums for classes and we sell drums for those who would love a djembe of their own.
We teach cultural drumming whose roots are embedded in the richness of West African traditions
The rhythms originated in Mali Gambia , Senegal and Guinea . Our classes are structured, and range from Level 1 – Level 8. Certificates are presented at the end of each level as recognition of your competency. Drumming is an instrument that can be played quite easily. The drums are played by hand and rhythms are learnt by repeating a combination of 3 notes. There are no age, gender or social barriers to drumming and it is also accessible to people with disabilities.
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Djembe
The rhythms originated in Mali Gambia, Senegal and Guinea. Our classes are structured, and range from Level 1 – Level 8 (Please change Level 8 to Level 4). Certificates are presented at the end of each level as recognition of your competency. Drumming is an instrument that can be played quite easily. The drums are played by hand and rhythms are learnt by repeating a combination of 3 notes. There are no age, gender or social barriers to drumming and it is also accessible to people with disabilities.
Saurulba
One day the king of the Manding Empire called all his people to come to a celebration at his village. The people came from near and far as many tribes lived in peace and harmony under the guidance of the King and Elders. Many came from Guinea Bisseau and Senegal and many travelled from Mali. The King requested the griots to bring their instruments for the people to dance. After the feast the Fula sat under the mango tree and began to play. From a distance the Djola could hear the rhythm and new his bass would sound wonderful with the Fulas accompaniment, so with his drum he set off following the sound. As they played together the Mandinka who was excited by the music began to play the solos. The people were happy and soon the dust began to rise as the dancers took turns soloing in the middle of a big circle.
If you are interested in learning these challenging but exciting drums please send us an email and talk to Foday.
Saurulba consists of three drums representing three major tribes of West Africa. Fula – accompaniment – Kortirindingno, Djola – bass – Kortiriba and Mandinka – solo – Jilnjung. Some rhythms are played with stick and hand and some with both hands.
Rhythms include:
Kinara Djoulo Lamba Djoulo
Madiba Foula Djoulo
Mousouba djouolo Bouguarabou
Djanbadong Kassa
Kingo Ekonkone
Ferre Koumpo Djoulo
Bara woulo Sabar Wolof
Balanta Djoulo-Balafon Gnaka
Drumming is for everyone!!! There are levels given, 1-4
LEVEL 1 – designed for beginners to the more experienced.Focusing on the 3 sounds of the djembe –Slap – tone – bass, six rhythms (combinations of slap – tone – bass) are taught with 4 rhythm variations and the drumming “call” During classes the students practice the rhythms and using the “call” they learn to enter in and out of the rhythms, playing a variation and then entering back into the rhythm, continuing to play the melody.
A) Hand technique - the right sounds coming from the drum.
B) Confidence in moving between the left & right hand – balance.
C) Correct positioning & comfort with your drum is also encouraged.
LEVEL 2
- Students learn 8 accompaniment rhythms of “KOUKU”. During classes, students take turns in playing the different accompaniments and using the call and variations learnt in Level 1. The student leave the melody, play a variation and then enter back into the rhythm using the ““call”. Note: “call”- is the key into a rhythm, it informs the players of the tempo, speed and starting point of where you enter or leave a rhythm.
LEVEL 3
– technique – speed - accuracy & the following rhythms:
TREBA
– 6 accompaniment rhythm
– Mandinka initiation rhythm.
KAKILUMBA
– 5 accompaniment rhythms
– muskrat
– stilt walker
– messenger from the spirits of the dark forest to tell some secrets to the people for their protection.
YUNGKADI
– 5 Accompaniment rhythms
– multi purpose rhythm
–used to welcome - used in village celebrations, so when the hot dancing is over the elders can have a slow dance & enjoy their part of the celebrations.
DUN-DUNBA
– 6 accompaniment rhythms
– for men
– e.g. a long time ago in Manding history wrestlers were very popular with the people & the King. They would have been quite wealthy & had many wives. When the King sat down at a match, the drummers would play dun-dunba, the wrestlers & the young boys to the men would join in & dance showing the King & each other their acrobatic prowess & strength. The King would take the hand of the winner, acknowledge him to the people & give the winner a gift.
LEVEL 4
– Concert
– learning to talk with your drum and the following rhythms:
LUMBA
– 4 accompaniment
– Manding woman neck & hair dance. 
KOTOBA
– 4 accompaniment
– dance of the hunters
– celebrating a successful kill & a village feast.
WOLOSODON
–5 accompaniment
– demonstration dance from the old hunters
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All classes accompanied by DUN-DUN – bass Drums are for sale Drums are provided to students for use during classes by prior arrangement with Foday & Mariama For information on classes please email – wulabainternational@yahoo.com.au