Milton Randall Drumming Workshop

African/Brazilian Drumming Workshop
(Maximum per class: 150 students)

This workshop provides a unique study of popular music genres using a combination of African and Brazilian (which has deep roots in West African music) dance, drum, song, and communication. Students explore the influences of African drumming with our modern popular music and culture of the last century. As Milton studied in a remote undeveloped village in Ghana West Africa, he realized drumming was not only used in music but was a spoken language and a great communication tool. The call and response patterns of many genres such as blues, samba, and country swing music (via blues) can trace its roots to the linguistic nature of African drumming. Learning music as a language is a main component to Milton's presentation. To learn the drum language and grooves each student will have an authentic African drum. A major emphasis involves offering a positive, comfortable, fun and enjoyable learning environment.

Educational Goals

Students will achieve the following learning objectives:

1. listening skills
2. fundamental drum patterns
3. rhythmic skills
4. engage in multiple intelligences
5. use a variety of learning styles
6. communication skills
7. group and individual self-expression
8. social dynamics when participating in a large group
9. cooperative learning
10. gain a deeper understanding about the relationship between
    African culture and North American culture

Format
(One day in length with suggested schedule)

9:00 a.m.

The target-performance group arrives, usually Grade 5 or higher, though the workshop performance has been done with students as young as Grade one. A brief explanation and demonstration of how drums can communicate is followed by learning call and response drumming (conversational patterns). Each pattern is associated with a spoken English phrase so students can put meaning to patterns. This is followed by rhythmic patterns from west Africa which lays the foundation for dancers. Students learn three or four Brazilian call and responses (again associated with English phrases) interspersed with an African drumming pattern. Then, students learn three or four African or Brazilian dance patterns associated with each call and response. Students review the short arrangement until scheduled time has ended.

After a break, Milton teaches various age groups of children in 30 minute segments. Grade K-2 students learn a shorter call and response sequence and play drumming games (i.e, simple math answers to questions). If students are able, they play an African dance groove pattern and learn a conga line as a dance. Throughout the day, as the age groups get older, more rhythmic material is presented. After lunch, the performing group returns to learns more material for the performance assembly.

2:00 p.m.

A school assembly is organized where students run a 20 minute performance for the school. The final dance involves an invigorating conga line where teachers and students participate. Milton gives the drum signal for dancers to return to the drums while students and teachers return to their seats chanting 1,2, go sit down. If time allows, there is a short question and answer period.

While this is a suggested schedule, there have been a variety of formats including a non-performance oriented program that works well with high school. The program is flexible to suit a particular school's needs. On occasion, Milton has taught high school jazz programs to add drum breaks and/dance patterns to stage band arrangements. Milton has easy African choir music that can be worked into the presentation as well.

Multiple day workshops

By popular request, multiple day workshops, which allow for a broader understanding of the material has been developed.

Materials

Schools need to supply chairs or benches for students to sit in while drumming. A large enough room for the workshop is important. All drums and additional materials are supplied by Milton Randall. A group (of students) is requested to help set-up and tear down the gym at the beginning and end of the workshop.

Cost (CAD)
2009/2010 Fees

$620.00 +GST in Lower Mainland, $645.00 +GST in Fraser Valley
$740.00 +GST to a maximum of $825.00 +GST to the other areas in BC