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Drumming, Rhythm and Movement D, Semester 1 .5 Arts

Focus Skills: Working creatively and collaboratively

Drums belong to the oldest instruments created by mankind. Drums can talk in many ways, making music for the body, mind and soul. Beginning with the vital rhythm of the heart, we will explore rhythmic patterns and hand-drumming techniques of different cultures and traditions, moving from simple patterns to complex polyrhythms. Rhythmic patterns and combinations are math made audible and can be notated in many different ways. The focal point of most sessions will be the drumming circle, in which students practice drumming skills, respect and discipline to create unity through music. We will work on different drumming styles including African hand-drumming, Latin-American, Arabian and Stomp drumming. Students will be encouraged to participate in an outside drum circle (there is a good one in Reston) and, for movement, any dance workshops that are held in school.

During the first quarter, the class will be meeting in room 206. We will concentrate on drum theory, learning to read rhythmic patterns and stick-drumming techniques. We’ll explore the roll of percussion in different styles of music. When the weather is nice, we’ll spend some time outside each day with our bucket drums. We’ll begin a hands-on group research project about international styles of drumming. As part of this project, we’ll take a field trip to the House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, Maryland.

During the 2nd quarter, we’ll move to the theater, where we can make more noise and work on drum-circle playing. We’ll concentrate on large hand-drums, focusing on African and Latin-American styles. We’ll also explore body percussion, rhythmic stomps, rhythmic movement and dance elements. During the course of the semester, each student will also make some types of idiophones and drums to use and keep. The ensemble is expected to perform for High School Coffee House on Nov 2. Our class goal is to enjoy the world of drumming and become a tight hand-drumming ensemble!

Class Dynamics and Spirit of the Classroom:

• It is the student’s job to continue working on improving his/her rhythmic skills and practicing drum patterns. As a rule, this is your only homework!

• Drumming is a collaborative process. Each student brings different talents, skill, experience and drumming perspectives to the class. It will be expected that students respect and listen to each other, contribute new perspectives, open their ears to unfamiliar rhythmic patterns, styles and skills, and give their best effort toward each session. A good session is a satisfying group experience. We learn more from doing than talking. When it’s hot, no one wants to stop!

• Remember our Motto! D = Discipline, R= Respect and Rhythm, U= Unity, M = Music

• Individual assessments will be scheduled with each student for the following areas: hand-drumming patterns, stick-drumming exercises, reading and playing rhythmic patterns.

• You will have several possible portfolio projects during the semester. Your finished drum is a creative piece of hand work. You might take pictures of your drum in various stages of completion and show yourself playing the drum. This project exemplifies the essential skills of working creatively and persisting to achieve quality.
You might also include pictures and a recording of one of our performances as an example of our focus skills, working creatively and collaboratively.

• If you are frustrated in any way, please talk to me after class, during lunch or during my office hours (E module). You can also reach me per e-mail.

Rhythm and drumming theory will include:

• Names of drums and idiophones used in class
• Basic vocabulary and concepts of drumming
• Non-traditional methods of notating rhythms and patterns
• Western Classical rhythmic notation

By the end of the semester, each student should be able to demonstrate the ability to play the patterns we have worked on together, keep the beat, lead patterns, follow the leader and contribute original drumming ideas.

Grading criteria: Points:

Class participation and D.R.U.M. ensemble spirit 200
Drumming skill checks 200
Rhythm worksheets and quizzes 100
Making idiophones and membranophones 200
World Music drumming project (1st Q) 200
Contribution to required ensemble performance 100

Each student will research and present the drumming music of a specific country or culture that he/she has chosen. Each student will teach the class for 10-15 minutes, answering the following questions.

Presentations will begin on Thursday, March 15, with one or two students each period until we finish the quarter.


1) What is the role or importance of drum music in that culture?

2) What kinds of drums and other percussion instruments are traditional and/or typical?

3) How many music and/or video clips can you find that show drumming in that culture? You should present at least three!

4) How would you define/describe the "sound" of that drumming culture?

5) What are the typical rhythmic patterns? Find one pattern that you can learn and teach it to the class.