What's this?
This is one of the signature activities of the Natural Musicians course.
Everyone has a name.
Everyone has syllables in their name and can make a rhythmic pattern with them.
So everyone can join in.
Even the youngest.
Depending on the age, we will need to approach it slightly differently.
Have a look at the video and then come back to the rest of this description for a few tips, ... (or read on now if you like)
When working with younger children we build up to the layering name rhythms onto the pulse;
Everyone has a name.
Everyone has syllables in their name and can make a rhythmic pattern with them.
So everyone can join in.
Even the youngest.
Depending on the age, we will need to approach it slightly differently.
Have a look at the video and then come back to the rest of this description for a few tips, ... (or read on now if you like)
When working with younger children we build up to the layering name rhythms onto the pulse;
- firstly by getting them individually to use two sticks to beat out name patterns on the ground or logs etc
- they can then work in pairs or friendship groups to teach each other their name patterns
- we then have a go in a circle to teach each other our name patterns.
- with younger children or larger groups I will still not try the layering of name rhythms into the pulse just yet, but start by making up a simple pattern and then getting the participants to copy it, adding their sound to the whole one at a time until everyone is copying.
- I might not do all this on one session, but break it up, and repeat earlier steps over a few weeks
- when they are used to doing this then we can try doing the name drumming circle
- you don't have to use your names... it could be anything... names of tree, flowers, creatures... (common or scientific names...scientific names are fun to work with)
Theres a few ways you can end the drumming circle for example... by stepping in and dramatically use a flourish to cut the music....asking people to stop playing their sound one my one, by stepping in and slowly reducing the volume... or bringing it to a crescendo first and then finishing...
I hope you have a lot of fun!