Join us for a fun and inclusive West African Drumming Workshop that connects you to community and drumming- No prior experience necessary! Facilitated by the incredible Djultz Jade Chambers— see below for her ted and more info talk!
THE REVILLAGING PROJECT
182 Browns Road, Boneo, Vic 3939
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The West-African Djembe and associated drum ensemble tradition first emerged from the Mandé people of the Malian empire. The Djembe drum is inseparable from the traditional bass drums, the Dunduns, as well as the bells and percussion instruments that constitute the ensemble. Together, the frequencies of sound and intricate design of the rhythms and their shapes around one another function to bring forward vibrational images with profound depth and meaning.
Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
Classes during the WinterSeries will be fortnightly. During each class we will explore the drum as a tuning instrument to the natural processes of movement and rhythm occurring both within and without the body. We will practice exercises that will orient you to the Djembe and Dunun instruments, as well as to your personal relationship with rhythm and how this can be developed and contribute to community music-making. We will also explore more advanced musical concepts relating to the development of solo technique and direct responsiveness to inflections within the music. All activities and exercises will support our learning a complete ensemble piece together over four sessions.
Classes are suitable for drummers of all levels of experience, including absolute beginners. The brightest result will come from attending all sessions (and affords you a 10% discount), though casual attendance is most welcome. Young ones from the age of twelve upwards are welcome. Drums will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own.
ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR
Djulz leads life in devotion to music of the African diaspora, and to the world view that underlies its many forms. Her love of traditional West African drum ensemble music has over the course of twenty years taken her all around the world, including lengthy periods of absolute immersion into the indigenous cultures of West and South East Africa.
She blends her personal dedication to learning the techniques and structures of African percussion instruments with a long-cultivated propensity towards esoteric philosophy in her delivery of unique educational and healing experiences that offer both musical instruction and keys to unlocking a deeper experience of life through pursuing the path of the drum.
She values her international and local community of artists and visionaries and every opportunity that arises to co-create. Particular mention extends to collaboration experiences with Chris Berry, Elliott Orr, Anaru Tumasen, Burkina Azza, Mamadou Koita and Tirikoti Arts.
Learn more about Djultz and African Drumming here at her TEDx Talk
Djultz and Friends recent drum immersion at The Revillaging Project
