Workshops - Drumz Austin

2012-01-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hi, folks! Just please know that I most highly recommend Mike as a wonderful teacher and an amazingly creative, experienced and stellar musician! You will LOVE the personal creative expansion that will take place as you deepen and broaden your experience of percussion and rhythmic expression through these new tools ( or the new use of your old tools!) Let me know if you want me to put your name on the list!
Peace and gratitude,
Sherry

RHYTHM MAKERS TAKE HEART.....

and please join multi-percussionist extraordinaire, MIKE MEADOWS, at DRUMZ , 3700 ½ Kerbey Lane , for a series of four all-level workshops taking place from 7pm-9pm four Monday nights in February starting on Feb.6th through Feb. 27,2012!
Each workshop will have it’s own percussive focus and Mike will share the knowledge and insight, skills and magic he has studied, developed, and perfected over the course of his lifetime! Don't miss this opportunity to expand and evolve as a rhythmic being as you learn from someone who has become a master of his art! Come for one or come for all! Please register in advance by emailing Sherry at: sdrumz@austin.rr.com or call Drumz at 512-453-9090. Workshops are $30 each for two hours of invaluable instruction and hands-on experience!

Monday Feb. 6 …Shekere/Shaker/Tambourine

This workshop will focus on both traditional and modern techniques that can be applied to any shaker and tambourine. Some of the shakers covered will include: shekere, caxixi,televi,egg shakers,and cylindrical shakers. You will also learn how to combine some of these shakers with each other to create grooves to support other musicians. There will be an overview of different styles of tambourines, from the half moon tambourine to pandeiro and kanjira! Learn how to spice up your tambourine playing and even use them with your feet! We will then combine the shakers and tambourines together to give you some unique tools that can be applied to any musical situation!

Monday Feb. 13…. The Cajon

This workshop covers both traditional and innovative techniques for Cajon. You will learn about the evolution of this instrument and a variety of applications. Techniques covered will include brush techniques,heel toe, slaps, pitch bends & muting with the heel, and even reverse bass drum pedal technique. Learn to create your own grooves and improve your timing with some of the concepts that will be covered in this workshop!

Monday Feb. 20th ….Frame Drum techniques & vocalization

We will cover the oft dreaded "split finger technique", how to develop it and it's application on a wide range of instruments. We'll also cover vocalizations that will improve your sense of time and give you more confidence with odd time signatures. These vocalization concepts will improve your playing and understanding of rhythm no matter what instrument you play!

Monday Feb. 27 Supporting an acoustic band/artist with a hand percussion setup.

Learn how to use your current instruments and techniques in unique ways to support any musical group or artist. Whatever instruments participants bring, we'll explore a variety of techniques to utilize them in a modern context! Learn how to build unique grooves with your djembe ( or other hand drum) by adding shakers and brushes into the mix! this workshop will help you unlock your own creativity and come up with your own style and set up as a drummer/percussionist!

COST: $30 per two hour workshop.Visit drumzaustin.com for details. Call 512-453-9090 to register or for more information or email: sdrumz@austin.rr.com

Visit: www drumzaustin.com

2012-01-17T14:28:00.001-08:00

Our new session at DRUMZ has been hugely popular and most classes are full to capacity! The Beginner Classes even have a waiting list this session! We have a couple of spaces available in the Beyond Beginner Class on Thursday evening and the 11:15am Beyond Beginner on Saturday morning! The children's class on Thursday afternoon at 4pm has two spaces open. What a great way to start off 2012! Please check our website again soon for the next session's schedule ( which will begin March 7th,2012). The Spring Session is always very packed so do call us early to get your name on the list for the class or classes of your choice! y If your space is reserved you can always pay the first night of class or pay in advance over the phone with a credit card or come by Drumz in person! I am also doing private lessons during the day and early evening so please call and set up an appointment for a private lesson if you are so inclined! You can really advance quickly with just a few private lessons! Private lessons are $17.50 per half hour or $35 per hour. Thank-you so much for your interest!

2011-12-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Beginner's Hand Drumming Workshop at DRUMZ on Friday evening, January 13th, at 7pm!

Please join us for an introductory workshop where we will explore the magic of hand drumming, learn basic hand technique on the West African Djembe, learn the " Babatunde Drum Language" in the Yoruba language, and some rhythmic exercises to practice to help develop good pronunciation on your drum, some rhythm basics, a traditional West African rhythm and song, and an opportunity for an in-the-moment, improvisational, closing rhythm ala "drum circle" style to have the experience of participating in a facilitated drum circle. Lots of rhythmic instruments will be available for this closing piece! NO PREVIOUS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED! If you have a heart beat, you HAVE rhythm!
COST: $25 per person or $2o each if you bring a friend!
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Date: January 13, 2012

2011-04-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

day, April 24, 2011

RECONNECTING WITH EARTH, A NEW DRUMMING AND DIALOG SERIES AT DRUMZ begins Tuesday evening MAY 10th from 7-8:30pm! Join us for this exciting new series at DRUMZ for a six weeks discussion course created by the Northwest Earth Institute!

Some of the themes we will cover in our discussions are Nature and Spirit, The Universe Story, Ecopsychology. Our Course Guide Book includes provocative and informative readings, interviews, and articles by John Muir, Thomas Berry, Rachel Carsen, John Seed, Joanna Macy, Arne Naess, Brian Swimme, Starhawk, Wendell Berry, Bill Plotkin and many more!

These programs are designed to encourage discussions that clarify personal values and attitudes, consensus is not the goal, and the group should not seek to reach agreement at the expense of diversity of opinion. As in a drum circle, every unique and individual voice is important and valued in these discussions and everyone's participation is encouraged and supported and welcomed! Each participant will receive a course book and the the discussions each week are based on our readings from the course book. The book is filled with powerful and deeply moving writings by leading authors and guides including naturalists, scientists, theologians, philosophers, and psychologists.
The small group discussion experience provides a unique framework for exploring personal values, attitudes, and habits while addressing the relevant issues of our times. All of these programs will be participant-led series of discussions held over a six week period. We will be meeting for an hour and a half each week for lively and often deeply heartfelt, always meaningful, discussions based on the readings included in the discussion guide. Everyone is invited to bring their own personal experience and critical thinking to the process! Each week we will close with a 30 minute Drum Circle, our closing rhythm to solidify and empower our group intention for our Earth.

Over the past 16 years, over 130,000 people have participated in NWEI programs, exploring ways in which citizens can make a difference in their communities. This course, Reconnecting with Earth, will be the first of several six week discussion sessions at DRUMZ and I am very excited to move DRUMZ in the direction of being a community center for DRUMMING AND DIALOG pertaining to issues of global importance and creating an environment to help empower people to make a difference in their own lives and in the world.

COST: $15 for the Course Guide Booklet ( yours to keep)
$10 per evening for Drum Circle & the space ( all instruments provided or bring your own drum)
Dialog and course is FREE!
Total: $75 for Six Weeks

I am excited about this opportunity to bring these powerful and deeply inspiring courses to the Austin Community and I look forward to an expanded path for DRUMZ as a community center to promote change and participate in a conscious evolution on our wondrous planet Earth!

With peace and gratitude,

Sherry

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2011-03-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

THE DJEMBABES PLAY AT Ruta Maya ON FRIDAY NIGHT, April 1st! Join us for our show at 9pm, April First at Ruta Maya just off South Congress in South Austin for a FANTASTIC lineup of great bands with strong world beat influences! ATASH plays at 10pm, followed by IVORY GHOST at 11:30pm! This will be a night of DANCING and GROOVING to great music with great people! DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

THE DJEMBABES PLAY AT CENTRAL MARKET ON SATURDAY NIGHT ,MAY 7th, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and then a second set from 8pm-9pm on the decks at the north Central MArket (38th St. and N. Lamar Blvd.). This is one of our very FAVORITE Austin venues as it invites children, families, and folks of all ages and persuasions to gather together on the decks , under the stars, next to the lively play ground, surrounded by huge oak trees, to enjoy the songs and rhythms of West Africa as interpreted by Austin's favorite All Women's DrumSong Ensemble, THE DJEMBABES! Dancing is strongly encouraged and we usually have folks from 1 year to 80 up on their feet moving to the hypnotic and enticing rhythms of the drums! Join us if you can at this show in early May when the weather is usually PERFECT! Come be a part of the "VILLAGE" and enjoy the vibrations, the people, the food, the stars, the community , and the beautiful connection to Spirit we experience together!

2011-02-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

BEGINNER DJUNDUN WORKSHOPS ! The first workshop for those folks interested in starting on the djundun path is Friday evening from 6:30pm-8pm on February 25th and the second workshop is Friday evening March 4th from 6:30-8pm. These workshops are $20 each and you may attend one or both! We will learn how to hold the sticks, basic sticking technique for djuns, some exercises to develop technique, and several djundun patterns with bell. The bass drums are powerful and essential to the West African drum ensemble and learning to play and recognize the melodies of the djuns is an important part of understanding and learning West African music. Please come and experience the beauty and the power of these amazing bass drums!
COST: $20

2011-02-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Beginner DjunDun Workshops Feb. 25th and March 4th! Two consecutive Friday evening Djundun workshops will take place at DRUMZ aimed at those of you starting out on these wonderful bass drums that accompany our West African music in ensemble! The djuns are the power behind the ensemble...and the metronome..the pulse that keeps it altogether! The beautiful melodies of the djuns are the bass line of the music and the relationship between the djembes and djunduns is critical to the precision required to play these traditional rhythms well! Learning to play the djuns is very empowering and helps provide a valuable key to understanding and experiencing this beautiful music from AFrica! Please join us if you have always been attracted to these powerful stick drums or even if you just want to increase your foundation in the music! We will explore some bell/stick patterns and how to hold the sticks, some practice exercises, and even a Japanese Taiko Drum piece that I learned along the way! These workshops were originally scheduled for Feb. 4th and Feb. 11th and have been moved to the new dates, Feb. 25th and March 4th. TIME:7pm-8:30pm Day: Friday, Feb. 25th and Friday, March 4th. You may register for one or both workshops but the content will be progressive so if you are planning to take only one, the one Feb. 25th would be the ideal one to take!

PLEASE CALL DRUMZ at 453-9090 to register or email Sherry at : sdrumz@austin.rr.com

2010-05-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

MOUSSA DIABATE will be teaching an ALL LEVEL HAND DRUMMING WORKSHOP AT DRUMZ on MAY 8th from 7:30pm-9pm! Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn from a gifted teacher from Guinea in West Africa. Moussa Diabate is a respected griot, the historians and story tellers in Africa, and has an extensive knowledge of the traditions, history, rhythms, songs, and dances of West Africa. We are honored to have Moussa teach us this music and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a warm , engaging and generous person with such a vast and deep understanding of this musical tradition, be so willing to share! I encourage everyone who is able to come to sign up for this evening of Hand Drumming MAGIC with Moussa! Please call 453-9090 or email me at: sdrumz@austin.rr.com, to sign up for this workshop as space is limited and this will be on a first come first serve basis. The workshop is only $25 for an hour and a half of teaching from a Master! MC/VISA accepted. Drumz is very centrally located at 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane.

2010-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Moussa Diabate, reknowned West African dancer and performer, will be in Austin this weekend and will offer an African Dance workshop for all levels on Saturday, May 8th, from 4-5:30pm! This class will be on a sliding scale, $15-$20 per student. Please join us for this amazing opportunity to dance with and learn from a true Master dancer/Choreographer, from the Motherland. Moussa performs and teaches in Dallas, where he currently resides, and also does extensive work with students through the Dallas Independent School District. This is a rare opportunity to study with a gifted master dancer from Guinea, West Africa. PLEASE JOIN US! Call Sherry at 453-9090 at DRUMZ for directions to the studio!

2009-11-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

DISCOVERING THE MAGIC! A beginner's introductory workshop at DRUMZ with teacher, Sherry Gingras, will take place from 4pm-6pm on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 6th, 2009 at 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane, in Austin. We will explore the the art of hand drumming, some history, the technique, some drumming rudiments, learn a song and a traditional West African-style rhythm, and also have an opportunity to create an in-the-moment closing rhythm with lots of percussive toys beyond just drums! The communication and listening skills we learn and employ when creating spontaneous music together are the same skills we can use to guide us to fuller, healthier relationships and experiences in our lives! If you have always felt a drummer lived inside just waiting for the right opportunity to come along to give voice to that musician inside, this could be it! Everyone is invited to attend! If you have a heartbeat, you HAVE rhythm! Rhythm is a very deep part of who we are as human beings and our need to find expression of rhythm with others is basic and important. In these workshops we learn ways to honor that need. No previous experience is necessary. Cost: $35. Drums and percussion instruments are provided for your use and are for sale. Please call to reserve your space! 512-453-9090. MC/VISA accepted by phone or you may pay the evening of the event.
I look forward to sharing a rhythm with you soon!
Sherry Gingras
Owner of DRUMZ

2007-02-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

March 4th, Sunday afternoon from 4-6pm at DRUMZ
Beginner's Worshop
" Discovering the Magic of Hand drumming!" with Sherry Gingras.
This is an introductory workshop for those folks interested in finding out what this amazing hand drum experience is all about...and in time to hone your skills before Eyore's Birthday party and the city's largest drum circle!
We will learn on West African djembes and we will experience the joy of group music making . Hand technique will be covered, as well as some rhythm basics, a West African rhythm and song, and a closing circle where we will create a wonderful in-the-moment- musical piece together! Cost: $30 for two hours. Please call in advance to register. 453-9090 . MC/VISA accepted/ may be paid over the phone.Call to reserve you spot! Bring your family! Bring your friends! Spread the joy of community music making in our community!

2007-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Master Dancer and drummer , Moussa Diabate, from Guinea, West Arica will be in Austin on Feb. 3rd for a series of West African Hand Drumming workshops and African dance class! Moussa is a member of the Diabate family in West Africa. The Diabates are griots who tell the story of their people and preserve their history orallyand an intricate knowledge of the arts and music is required. Moussa has been teaching in the United States for many years after extensive travel around the world as a member of the Guinea Ballet. Moussa also lived in NYC for a number of years where he also taught as well as performed and choreographed. Moussa is a WONDERFUL teacher of both drum and dance and we welcome Moussa back again to Austin!
SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS:

SATURDAY MORNING FEb. 3, 2007
West African Drumming for all levels- 10am-noon cost $30
West African Drumming for Intermediate- 2pm-4pm cost $30
West African Dance Class-4:30-5:30pm cost $15
West African Drumming for Advanced students $30 (*please inquire if you are interested in this master class)

Call Sherry at DRUMZ to register for these workshops. Limited space available so please sign up early! MC/VISA accepted

2006-10-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Didgeridoo Workshop for Beginners to Advanced Players

My name is Eliot Stone, and didgeridoo is a very intense, passionate part of
my life. It is an instrument that has taught me many things about music, life
and myself. I have played with many of the worlds best non aboriginal players
and developed my style playing clubs and street corners in Amsterdam. I
believe that it is not only and instrument but an instructional tool as well.
In my 3 part workshop series, I plan on catering each workshop to a different
skill level. I have split the series up into 3 sequential Saturdays with each
Saturday representing a different skill level. This does not mean that someone
from a particular skill group cannot attend all three, as I plan on teaching
these workshops simply as a means to give you the skills to develop playing
techniques over time. Someone who attends the beginner workshop is encouraged
to attend all three just for the exposure to all the playing techniques that
are possible to learn. The workshops are all two hours in length and cost is $30 per workshop. My schedule for the workshops is as follows:

Saturday, October 14th @ Drumz on Kerbey Lane 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.-
Basic Didgeridoo playing techniques. In this lesson we will cover the basic
drone, tounge movements and their relation to harmonics and beat structures,
cheek rhythms, vocalizations and circular breathing. These techniques are what
I would consider to be the most basic movements in didgeridoo play and will
build a strong foundation for development over time. To attend this lesson,
you do not have to own a didgeridoo. I will provide instruments that you can
use and will also be for sale.

Saturday, October 21st @ Drumz on Kerbey Lane 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.-
Intermidiate Didgeridoo Playing techniques. In this lesson we will discuss
smoothing out circular breathing, intensifying harmonics, learning different
styles of circular breathing, and the development of diaphram beats. This
lesson will also discuss small amounts of percussion theory and time
signatures. We will also discuss the creation of melody through the didgeridoo
using vocalization. For this lesson, I would strongly recommend that you own a
didgeridoo because at this level of play, being able to practice regularly is
so key to being able to move forward and develop your own playing style.

Saturday, October 28th @ Drumz on Kerbey Lane 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m.-
Advanced Didgeridoo PLaying Techniques. In this lesson we will culminate all
the techniques learned in the previous lessons in order to develope not only
full songs, but also in order to discuss the development of your own personal
style. We will discuss traditional yolngu style tounge movements, european
style rhythms, and modern developments in didgeridoo play. We will listen to
many different recordings of different players such as mark atkins, si, 3ple-D
and many recordings of yolngu aborigional players. This lesson will guide you
in finding your own voice through the didge and guide you on your way to
personal and musical development.

Thank you very much for considering taking my workshop and I hope to see you
there,
Eliot Stone

2006-06-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Beginniner's Discovering the Magic Workshop Spring 2007 !
CREATE! EXPRESS! COMMUNICATE! CONNECT!
Sunday afternoon from 4pm-6pm on Feb. 25th, at DRUMZ, 3700 Kerbey Lane, we will have a hand drumming workshop for those folks just embarking on the "Drummer's Path", as well as those novices already on the path but with a limited amount of experience or class time under their belts! If you have curiosity about this "drum thing" spreading like wildfire around the country (and the world!)and want to learn a little more about what's happenin', or if you have always found yourself thumping out rhythm on everything within your reach, or if you have always known their was a musician hidden somewhere inside you who has just never been encouraged to show up and be counted, THIS is the workshop for you! Hand drumming is a very economical, accessible,and joyful path to the discovery and unfolding of your creative potential, increased energy, vitality,and overall health, balance, passion,relaxation, de-stressing,and self-discovery! Just to name a few! Learn to make music together in a community of supportive and compassionate people and feel your spirit soar!If you have a heartbeat, you HAVE rhythm! Rhythm is a part of our human core and though it may not have been nurtured in your life, it never abandons you and it is ALWAYS there for re-awakening! Drumming is a very powerful and positive way to connect to our own hearts and spirits while connecting and honoring the hearts of all those in our circle and in our world! Come learn the language and vocabulary of the drum, hand technique and some fun exercises to develop it, a West African rhythm and song, as well as our own spontaneous in-the-moment music piece we create together!Enjoy the FUN of learning the fundamentals of hand drumming with teacher, Sherry Gingras,at DRUMZ! Drums will be provided or bring your own. COST:$30. MC/VISA Accepted. Please register in advance by calling 453-9090 or email Sherry at :sdrumz@austin.rr.com.

2006-06-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Beginner's Discovering the Magic Summer I

July 23rd from 4-6pm at DRUMZ, 3700 Kerbey Lane. This will be a two hour introductory workshop for those folks who are curious about this amazing " drum thing" happenin' all over the world and just embarking on the drummer's path and those novices who want to strengthen and expand their foundation! No previous musical experience necessary! Bring your dancing hands and an open heart and come learn the basics of hand drumming, including how to choose a drum, tuning a hand drum, drum circvle ettiquette, improvisation, and a West African traditional rhythm and song and all the parts ( bell, shekere,djembe and djundun!) These classes are really a FUN way to learn the fun-damentals of hand drumming, Austin-style! Cost: $20.
Please call Sherry at 453-9090 to register or email her at :sdrumz@austin.rr.com. MC/VISA accepted. Please call soon to reserve your space as these Intro workshops generally fill up. DRUMS ARE PROVIDED OR BRING YOUR OWN!

2006-03-22T06:12:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BEGINNER'S WORKSHOP with instructor Sherry Gingras at Unity Church in Wimberley, Texas from 2pm-4pm Sunday, June 11th! Please contact Sherry at DRUMZ ( 512-453-9090) or stop by DRUMZ at 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane for more info about this hill country workshop entitled " DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF DRUMMING-An Introduction" Workshop happening on SUNDAY, June 11th at the Unity Church in Wimberley! This will be a 2 hour (4-6pm) Sunday afternoon workshop atthe Unity Church. Workshop Cost: $20
This is an ideal beginner's workshop and will enable you to learn about the fundamentals of hand drumming and learn a fun West African rhythm pattern and song, and help you decide whether or not you would want to go further into the exploration of hand drumming and take one of Sherry's six weeks hand drum sessions! If you have always wanted to join in with percussion at drum circles or parties but felt hesitant for lack of understanding and knowledge about the instruments, this is a perfect workshop to attend and get your feet wet in a safe, supportive, and fun instructional circle! Come meet some other beginner drummers and learn about rhythm, hand technique, drum circle ettiquette and how to select a good quality hand drum perfect for you! DRUMS ARE PROVIDED!Please call to register in advance at 453-9090. Email:sdrumz@austin.rr.comMC/VISA accepted.