The following groups are for students who are already studying marimba at Kutandara. If you are unsure which class is right for your child, please contact us! Please ensure you have read our COVID-19 guidelines before registering.
Mbizi (Zebra) Marimba with Amy Stewart McIntosh
Level 2
Ages 7-9 / Grades 2-4
Fridays 4-5 pm
Mvuu (Hippo) Marimba with Randy McIntosh
Level 2
Ages 9-12 / Grades 4-7
Fridays 4-5 pm
In our level 2 Zebra and Hippo classes, we are finding the main note chords (C major) and passing chords (D minor) on all the marimbas. We are learning about other chords on the marimba, too! We are learning about the relationship between basic patterns and harmony patterns in Zimbabwean-style marimba music, and are figuring out how to find one if we know the other. We are learning to play syncopated chords and basic running lines while stepping to the beat comfortably, and learning how to fit parts together that do not start on the same beat. Sometimes we even get to play the hosho!
Winter 2022
10 weeks
January 10-March 14
$275
Spring 2022
8 weeks
April 4-May 23
$225
End-of-Year Student Concert
Kid + Teen Groups
Saturday, May 28 from 10 am-12 noon
Shumba (Lion) Marimba with Randy McIntosh
Level 3
Ages 10-14 / Grades 4-8
Thursdays 4-5:30 pm
In our level 3 class, we are working on easily finding the G chord, C chord, and D chord on any marimba, and understanding the F#. Did you know that the F# is the difference between a D major and a D minor chord? We do! We are also learning shangara sticking patterns and learning to play them in sync with the group. We are getting better at fluidity on the higher instruments and strength and precision on the lower instruments. We are learning to play the hosho, and trying to move our bodies while we play and step to the beat. We are learning about syncopation, and how to play parts together that have different kinds of syncopation. We are becoming a team, and we are actively trying to play well together by listening to each other. It’s called “groove.” Did you know that? We are also learning how to remember more complex arrangements, and how to make up our own variations in the style with guidance from our teachers. Cool, huh?
Winter/Spring 2022
19 weeks
January 6-May 26*
$655
*No class March 20-April 2, 2022 for Spring Break
End-of-Year Student Concert
Kid + Teen Groups
Saturday, May 28 from 10 am-12 noon
