news

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Creativity, Rhythm & Words

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One of the most important concepts for all our students here is creativity. How can you apply what you have learned in new and unexpected ways?

Spoken word and poetry is a prime example of another mode of performance (with words, rather than instruments) that has rhythmic complexity that might not seem immediately apparent. This is readily evident in metered poetry forms (i.e. a haiku is three lines comprised of 5 syllables, then 7 syllables, then 5 syllables. 5-7-5.)

It is my belief that each person has a natural cadence to their speech, regardless of how quickly or slowly they are talking. Cadence is defined as:

the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words. See Dictionary.com

In developing a few performance pieces in this style I have become more attuned to the cadence of people’s speaking. Last week, I was invited to the Kennett Library to demonstrate this at their monthly poetry reading. It was a fun experience applying percussion and creativity to a completely different mode of performance.

Rhythm truly is all around us, you just have to listen closely.

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RIP, Taylor Hawkins (1972 - 2022)

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Earlier this week Taylor Hawkins passed away unexpectedly only hours before the Foo Fighters’ scheduled appearance in Bogota, Colombia. Tributes came pouring in from all over the music world, and every major news outlet has reported on his passing. He was at the top of his game, playing arena concerts in one of the biggest rock bands on earth.

This is yet another reminder for us to pursue our goals and dreams and not procrastinate or waste time on things that distract us from our calling. Life is incredibly short. Artists are remembered not only for how they interacted with people, but by the body of work they left behind.

Great songs and great art live forever.

-BT

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Djembe Master Class Notes

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Last night an enthusiastic group gathered here at the studio to learn from djembe master Pape Demba Samb. We spent a fun and energetic 90 minutes together communicating through drumming.

It really is something you have to experience live, and whatever you may have heard on a recording, hearing the sound of all those hand crafted Senegalese instruments played in a group really is an incredible experience.

Pape teaches individual lessons here at the studio. Please email me for more details.

We are planning on running another master class in April. Please join our email list by texting GROOVEKSQ to 66866 on your smartphone to stay up to date with the studio’s events.

Djembe Master Class Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I don’t have an instrument, can I still participate?

A: YES!  We will have drums available here - and they are all hand made by Paco’s family in Senegal and are just incredible drums. There is a rental fee of $10 for the instrument but trust me it is worth it. The rental fee for current high school students is included in their ticket.

Q2: I am a beginner, would this class be for me?

A: The studio’s educational philosophy is that our doors are open to ANYONE who wants to learn.

Q3: Is there a discount code for high school students who want to attend?

Yes- for current high school students, use the discount code STUDENT when you purchase your seat.  The link to reserve your seat at this event is here. As of now we have 6 seats left. 

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New Faculty Spotlight: Introducing Pape "Paco" Samb

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Pape Demba "Paco" Samb comes from a family that have been griots in his native Senegal for hundreds of years. As a griot, Paco is one of the keepers of the ancestral history, stories, and music of his Wolof peoples. As a master hand drummer, Paco not only plays the instruments but he and his brothers build several types of drums as well. He performs both contemporary and traditional Senegalese music, as well as reggae, rap, funk, jazz, pop and a variety of other styles. Paco heads his own drum ensemble called Super Ngewel and released his first album in 2014.

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Calling All Friends of Groove: Our Year End Fundraising Campaign

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This last year, the studio provided free after school programming to middle school students in collaboration with After the Bell and also produced a live performance event at no cost to the students. In order to expand the studio’s low-cost or no-cost programming for middle and high school students in 2022, please consider making a tax deductible donation to the studio.

Are you a Friend of Groove? Consider making a tax-deductible donation though our Fractured Atlas site, and check out the thank you gifts!

$50 - an acknowledgement on social media and a listing on our website on the Friends of Groove page;

$100 - everything above plus a new hand drawn logo tee;

$250 - everything above plus a groovePAD;

$1000 - everything above plus a 90 minute private house concert by Bryan’s jazz trio at a mutually agreed time.

Click to Donate