West African Rhythms and Drums

This course is based on traditional rhythms from the different people of Ghana. We work in an ensemble with rhythms and the songs belonging to it and we also include some dancing. We will work with basic playing techniques on the special Ghana drums - both with our hands and with sticks. We will also use the djembe and rhythmic, musical and ensemble comprehension in general.

The course is divided in a beginner/continuation group and a continuation/advanced group. The drum ensembles can be Ewefolkets Gahu or Agbekor, for example, or Ga's
Kpanlogo, with bells, Calabash drums and a wide variety of other hand drums. The djembe classes will focus on technique and ensemble practice in the creation of new compositions.

Instructors are Emmanuel Gomado from Ghana and Kristina Aspeqvist from Stockholm. They both have their own technique to teach rhythmic comprehension and they use movements, dancing and coordination during their classes.

Emmanuel is a master drummer and also a top-level dancer, Ghana's master choreographer and researcher in West African dance & music tradition. Emmanuel represents the depth and width of true association with the culture. He tours around the world as a teacher and leader for his Odehe Dance Company and he also runs an international music and dance school in Ghana. He lives both in Germany and Ghana.

Kristina has played drums for 23 years and traveled and studied in West and East Africa. She represents a cultural bridge, grounded in five years of study at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. She is conductor of the female drum orchestra Ohemaa, she has played percussion instruments in several bands, and she also arranges drum and dance trips to Ghana every winter.

Both Emmanuel and Kristina have an uncontrolled passion for the magical world of rhythms. All participants need to have access to a djembe, conga, kpanlogo or similar. Drums can possibly be hired from the instructors. Let us know on your application form if you have drumming, dancing or other musical experience.

Fee 2 500 SEK

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For additional information:
kurser@falufolk.com