4 minute read
World Percussion in Education
Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields were right! We know how important music is to society and our cultural wellbeing, and that music is a statutory part of the National Curriculum in primary and secondary schools throughout the UK. It is proven that musical education and performance participation raises the cross-curricular attainment of all students, increasing their self-confidence, creativity, mathematical and motor skills, and affording them a great sense of achievement.
Classroom musical activities promote teamwork and independent learning, as well as forging social aspects which are significant and often instigate lifelong friendships.
In my experience, one of the simplest and most rewarding classroom schemes of work is the practical teaching of ‘World Percussion Music’. I can assure you that the students will progress and develop new skills and understanding. All activities and tasks are all-inclusive, and are a guaranteed to enhance a ‘learning-to-learn’ environment as pupils investigate the musical options and opportunities these instruments offer. Tasks will naturally introduce pupils to key words such as timbre, tone, texture, syncopation and rhythm to name but a few, but will also raise excellent conversations and understanding of geographical cultures and ecological manufacturing techniques.
Hand a selection of instruments out to small groups, display a few simple questions, and before you know it, your lesson is in full, fully-engaged, enthusiastic flow.
Following this, you can start performing simple rhythms on each and develop the building of textures and tonal contrast. The pupils can listen to World Music and understand how the instruments they have in their hand blend, perform and enhance the music, be it West African Djembe, Caribbean Mambo or Latin American Salsa.
Even the most non-compliant pupil can be nurtured, through group performances and improvised percussive solos. Follow this achievement with great praise and reward, and eureka! Who knows, you may have just sown the seeds for the next Airto Moreira, Steve Gadd or Mamady Keita.
When we think about lessons involving classroom percussion, we immediately think of an exasperated teacher losing patience and quickly reaching for the paracetamol! The lesson could quickly descend into semi-organised bedlam with an array of noisy interludes. There is a fine line between a Djembe and a detention!
However, with the right organisation, innovative activities, and some excellent and inexpensive percussion equipment, the pupils will be engrossed and enthused. Plus, the teacher will be content and headache free!
SUPPORTING THE CLASSROOM
Part of the A-Star percussion range from Normans Musical Instruments
Here at Normans Musical Instruments we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of excellent, suitable and affordable classroom percussion. We are highly regarded for our most popular and exclusive A-Star Percussion range, where the variety, quality and price has received great reviews. From Sensory Packs for the youngest of children, large 30-piece Percussion Packs for larger class sizes, to the vast array of hand-carved traditional Djembe’s and the wonderful new Multicultural Baskets for our focus on World Music. We have something for everyone and whatever you need, we can provide the instruments you in any musical scheme of work you wish to deliver.
Our latest addition is the superb A-Star Multicultural Basket range, either as a 15-player or 30-player set, where you will find a plethora of authentic, traditional percussion instruments from around the globe. Handmade and decorated using age-old techniques, not only will the unique timbres and rhythmic opportunities energise your students, but the cultural background and use of natural materials in their production will trigger geographical discussions, and comparisons to modern percussion instruments.
These baskets are the fruition of many years development. Each instrument included has been carefully sourced and produced, requiring various performance techniques to provide different tones and effects.
The basket contains Claves, Seed Pods, Kalimba, Caxixi Shakers, Beaded Shakers, Wooden Flute, Tik-Tok, Djembe, Clapper, Drums, Chimes, and more!
Fun, sensory, professional and affordable, and all stored neatly in their own natural bamboo reed basket. Many of these instruments can also be purchased individually to enhance your current percussion section.
When it comes to classroom percussion, there is an eternity of bangs, hits, tones, slaps, scrapes, rattles, pings, pongs, whirrs, and jingles etc. that can be sourced! The developmental focus on these packs was sound quality and affordability. These are not toys, but a carefully thought-out selection of great sounding, reliable percussion instruments.
Djembes available from Normans Musical Instruments
For over a decade now, the accessible Djembe has been the mainstay of classroom African Music provision.
There is nothing better than getting your class in a big circle to teach them the principals of African Drumming. Rhythms, Call & Response, Imitation, Improvisation. Yes, it will result in reddened hands, but it will also result in a great all-involved and learning lesson! The A-Star Djembe range is without doubt, one of the best investments a thriving musical school can make. Each drum is hand made using high-quality solid wood, natural tension rope and natural heads giving a superb sound. Traditionally decorated, these drums come in sizes ranging from 5” up to the grand ‘master drummer’ 10” model. For even better value, we offer complete sets of 4, 6, 10, 15 or 20 player Djembe Class Packs.
To summarise, classroom practical music performance is vital for child development and attainment, plus educational variety. And don’t ever forget, it is also enjoyable, inclusive, & rewarding! With current government and education organisations assessing the increase in child mental health issues and school-related stress, practical music activities can be an important part of the remedy. By integrating cultural and geographical elements of World Music means pupils will enthusiastically get involved, experiment, and learn new skills alongside performance practises.
