One World Drumming

Roger from One World Drum 

We have started the school year with a BANG - literally!  One World Drumming will be working Grade 2 and 3 classes from September 11-15^th , exploring the sounds and culture of West Africa.  

On the first day, students were invited to consider the implications of an "oral tradition".  How would you exchange information, or learn, or share stories without reading and writing?   We learned that music plays an important role in these communities, and that there is a rich tradition of song, dance and instruments.

A Tar, a drum from North Africa.

First, we listened to an Elephant song on a finger drum called a Tar from North Africa.  We noticed that the frame of the drum used only a little wood, and deduced that it must be made in a desert where trees are scarce.  As well, the desert people were traditionally nomadic, constantly traveling in search of food and water, so these drums were also very light-weight for easy transport.  

A Djembe, a drum from
West Africa.

Then the students examined and played the Djembes in front of them, made with a lot of wood and very heavy.  These drums are from the rain forests of West Africa where wood is plentiful and communities can settle in one place.  We sure can learn a lot about a community by examining the drums they play!

NOTE:

On Friday, September 15^th, parents and caregivers are invited to join us for a sharing of the student’s work from the week.  Families are encouraged to attend the class that their child(ren) is in.  The schedule for the day is:

Time	Grade	Teacher
9:10	3	Ms. Libbey
9:30	3	Mr. Duggan
9:50	3	Ms. Bennett
10:10	3	Ms. Rutland
10:30	3	Ms. Sticksl
10:50	3	Ms. Craig
11:10	2	Ms. Devereux
11:30	2	Ms. Vogan
11:50	2	Ms. McDonald
12:10	2	Mr. Sandburg
12:30	2	Ms. Lagrana

We are very grateful to the Royal Oak School Council and the Parent Fundraising Committee who provided the funding for this residency.  We know that our students are in for an exciting week of drumming and music instruction!