This program offered by: Woshishijee- New Beginnings with Alex Addy & Michael Akoto
RESIDENCY GOALS
To use drumming techniques from the various cultures of Ghana, West Africa to explore the social, cultural and historical roles of music and rhythm.

To work cooperatively with others, using effective modes of communication, drumming both as soloists and ensemble members.

That by using different techniques, students can make different sounds with the drum, and they can change the impact their playing has by changing the sounds they make.
To practice consistently, even through frustration, leads to improvement and builds rigorous work habits.

WORK WITH STUDENTS
This residency provides an introduction to the hand drumming of Ghana, West Africa. Students learn the five hand techniques and work on striking the drum correctly. Students will sit in a circle and play the drums, sing and learn simple movements. They learn to use the techniques to create patterns and rhythms and play in an ensemble format.

Students learn different drum patterns and have opportunities to perform for their peers as soloists in addition to being part of the ensemble.

Students also learn to sing and dance traditional Ghanaian music in addition to the drumming techniques.

Each session includes a discussion of different aspects of life in Ghana: What are the schools like? What is family life like? What kind of houses do people live in? What was it like to come to this country as a teenager?