Children are welcome to begin learning marimba in our group classes when they turn 6 or have completed kindergarten. Beginning youth students are grouped by age to insure peer-to-peer contact and age-appropriate skill development. Children start in either Twiza/Giraffe (approx. ages 6-8/grades 1-3) or Nzou/Elephant (approx. ages 9-12/ grades 4-7).
Twiza (Giraffe) Marimba with Amy Stewart McIntosh
Level 1 | Ages 6-8 | Grades 1-3 | Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm
2019 Early Fall Session | 8 weeks | Aug 27-Oct 15 | $141
2019 Late Fall Session | 8 weeks | Oct 22-Dec 17 | $141
No classes BVSD Fall Break Nov 25-29, 2019
In the Giraffe class, we are getting introduced to the marimbas. We are learning the names of the marimbas, their relationship to each other, and the names of the notes on each one. We can even play our main note (C major) chords! We are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly.
In our opening circle, we are exploring the beat and duple beat, and learning to clap rhythms and step to the beat. When we play marimba songs together, we are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group. We even know the lead soprano’s role in the ensemble and can respond to its calls. That’s pretty amazing!
(This class is designed for 6-8 year old students who have had one year or less of marimba instruction.)
Nzou (Elephant) Marimba with Randy McIntosh
Level 1 | Ages 9-12 | Grades 4-7 | Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm
2019 Early Fall Session | 8 weeks | Aug 27-Oct 15 | $141
2019 Late Fall Session | 8 weeks | Oct 22-Dec 17 | $141
No classes BVSD Fall Break Nov 25-29, 2019
In the Elephant class, we are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly. We are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group.
We are starting to be able to execute basic arrangements with the concepts of layering in, layering out, call and response introductions and endings, breaks, and ending signals. We are learning how to play our parts strongly so that we can listen to other parts in the ensemble, and play through mistakes rather than stopping and starting over. We are getting good!
(This class is designed for 9-12 year old students who have had less than a full year of marimba instruction.)
Introductory Classes for Adults + Teens
We believe that rhythm and music are an inherent part of human nature and that each of us has an ability to uncover this nature. We believe that YOU have musical ability and ARE a musical person. We are committed to giving you an opportunity to experience music and its many uplifting, joyous, and healing qualities–no matter your age or previous experience.
We offer classes for all ages and levels of ability. In general, adult students start in our introductory classes and progress with their class through our skill and song levels. At various points in this process, there will be opportunities for additional growth; as ability and experience grow in each student, so do the opportunities.
Play Marimba! with Amy Stewart McIntosh
Introductory Adults + Teens | Wednesday 5:45-7:15 pm
2019 Early Fall Session | 8 weeks | Aug 28-Oct 16 | $212
2019 Late Fall Session | 8 weeks | Oct 23-Dec 18 | $212
No classes BVSD Fall Break Nov 25-29, 2019
Come play Zimbabwean marimba! Learn music in a safe and supportive setting where you’ll become part of a team whose success depends upon listening and cooperation. You’ll be playing a song or two by the end of the session and, most importantly, you’ll contribute to the success of the group. Everyone gets to play and succeed at Kutandara!
AfroCuban Drumming with Scott Parker Mast
Introductory Adults + Teens | Monday 7:30-9:00 pm
Fall Session | 14 weeks | Sept 9-Dec 16 | $385
No classes BVSD Fall Break Nov 25-29, 2019
In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. We will begin with a brief discussion and practice of making the 3 basic sounds of the drum: slap, tone, and bass. Then we will jump right into playing traditional conga rhythms of Cuba. Most of what is taught will be drawn from the lineage of Los Munequitos de Matanzas. Scott received permission to teach this repertoire from elder Jesus Alfonso (RIP), while studying with him in Cuba in 2010. We will learn first and second accompaniments, as well as breaks and bell/clave patterns, and some root lead parts. The cultural context will also be discussed.
Rhythms of Zimbabwe (Drumming) with Scott Parker Mast
Introductory Adults + Teens | Wednesday 6-7:30 pm
Fall Session | 16 weeks | Aug 28-Dec 18 | $440
No classes BVSD Fall Break Nov 25-29, 2019
In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. We will begin with a brief discussion and practice of making the 3 basic sounds of the drum: slap, tone, and bass. Then we will jump right into playing traditional rhythms of Zimbabwe, as learned at Chris Berry’s Blue Tribe School, as well as in Zimbabwe. We will learn first and second accompaniments, as well as breaks and bell patterns, and some root lead parts. The cultural context will also be discussed.
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