Click on the following Workshop dates to register. Workshop descriptions below.

World Music Drumming – Level 1
For teachers, counselors, community recreation leaders, church musicians, and players who would like to learn the basics of African and Caribbean drumming, singing, and moving. This course is primarily based on the publication, World Music Drumming. Participants will learn how to implement and teach a course or an experience in World Music Drumming. The Level 1 class assumes no prior experience with drumming.

June 6-10 (Dallas-TX, Kansas City-KS), June 13-17 (Las Vegas-NV, Tampa-FL, Iowa City-IA), June 20-24 (Dearborn-MI, Oklahoma City-OK, Memphis-TN), June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI), July 11-15 (Leesburg-VA, Basking Ridge-NJ), July 18-22 (Boston-MA, St. Louis-MO, Middletown-PA), July 25-29 (Bellingham-WA), August 8-12 (Toronto, Ontario-Canada)

World Music Drumming – Curriculum Update
For teachers who have taken WMDrumming Level 1 and want to broaden their competence with the World Music Drumming curriculum. Participants learn fresh approaches to Ensembles 1-7 using newly created strategies and teaching materials. The course includes additional songs, recordings, movement, and related drum, xylophone and recorder ensembles from supplementary sources. Teachers micro-teach all seven ensembles. Participants will also expand their cultural background for the music studied.

June 6-10 (Kansas City-KS), June 13-17 (Las Vegas-NV, Tampa-FL), July 18-22 (Boston-MA, St. Louis-MO, Middletown-PA)

World Music Drumming – Level 2
For those who have taken Level 1 and wish to improve their musical skills and teaching effectiveness. Each day, Level 2 participants work with Sowah Mensah or Kofi Gbolonyo on Ghanaian drumming, singing, movement, Ghanaian flute, adenkum gourds, and gyil (xylophone). Will Schmid or other faculty teach ensembles, songs, recorders, xylophones, from WMD supplementary book/CDs. Josh Ryan concentrates on drum ensembles, leading, and songs in pieces such as gahu from Ghana and rumba from Cuba. Other faculty teach materials from other sources and cultures, movement, and reinforcement for the World Music Drumming curriculum.

June 13-17 (Iowa City-IA), June 20-24 (Oklahoma City-OK), June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI), July 11-15 (Leesburg-VA), July 25-29 (Bellingham-WA)

World Music Drumming – Level 3
For those who have taken Levels 1 and 2. Course content includes drumming, singing, and dancing from Ghana (Ga, Akan, Ewe peoples), gyil xylophone ensembles from Northern Ghana, Ghanaian flute playing, adenkum gourds, and Caribbean (Cuba, etc.) drumming, singing.    Level 3 is taught by Sowah Mensah and Josh Ryan.

June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI), July 11-15 (Leesburg-VA)

Drumming Up the Fun
This workshop is intended for early childhood and early elementary classroom and music educators. The workshop provides participants with ready-to-use drumming activities for preK-grade 2 and the skills and practice to create even more activities for your classroom. It explores a variety of World Music Drumming ensembles in their original versions, then modifies them for children ages 3-8 combining familiar songs and chants. The class also focuses on sound stories — a medium for introducing young children to playing techniques, improvisation skills, and respect for drums, world percussion, and other small percussion instruments.

June 13-17 (Las Vegas-NV), June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI)

Kids, Choir & Drums
This workshop is geared toward elementary- and middle-school teachers of vocal music, including music educators, church group leaders, and community group leaders. Individuals with all levels of music instruction are welcome and previous drumming experience isn’t necessary. Lynn Brinckmeyer teaches three of the four periods each day presenting strategies for singing (including reading through complimentary choral octavos), movement, and drumming. One period a day is taught by Will Schmid and other guest faculty (Wisconsin site only).

June 20-24 (Memphis-TN), June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI)

Walt Hampton Hot Marimba
This workshop is taught by Walt Hampton, famous for popularizing the vibrant Zimbabwean-style marimba playing found in his publications Hot Marimba! and Marimba Mojo!. Participants will experience first-hand the benefits and excitement of Zimbabwean-style marimba music in their classroom. You will learn playing and teaching techniques from this master teacher as you play, and also gain background information. Most of the arrangements studied are also playable on Orff-type xylophones.

July 25-29 (Bellingham-WA), June 26-July 1 (Oconomowoc-WI)