EXPLORING
Everything is a drum
Polyrhythms
REGION: Africa
We learn that a 3 beat phrase and a 4 beat phrase happening at the same time makes you want to dance.
Clave
REGION: The Caribbean
This is the “key” — we count the 3-2, and the 2-3.
Taiko Drumming
REGION: East and Southeast Asia
Japanese Taiko drums are some of the world’s most powerful — and most fun.”
Additive Rhythms
REGION: Eastern Europe
We count out complicated Bulgarian rhythms using the uncomplicated names of fruit.
Samba Drumming
REGION: Latin America
We become a Samba bateria, imaginary surdo drums and all.
Tahitian Rhythms
REGION: Oceania and the Pacific
We pound out powerful Tahitian rhythms on our drums.
Konnakol
REGION: South and Central Asia
We try our hand (almost literally) at Carnatic rhythmic counting.
Hip Hop
REGION: U.S. and Canada
In class we do our best hip hop dancing.
Maqsum
REGION: West Asia and the Middle East
We doum and tek along to the widely known Maqsum.
Flamenco
REGION: Western Europe
Our Flamenco palo takes us, in rhythmic clapping, to the “New World” and back.