Introduction to Drums & Percussion (8-week series)
April 28 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Students will learn, create, and play while discovering the basic fundamental principals of drums and percussion in a group setting. Play drums and make a practice pad to take home! This is an 8-class series that will consist of two projects, materials included in class cost. All students are encouraged to register.
- Lesson 1, Project 1: Hand out sticks and make a practice pad. Learn several rudimentary rhythms. Each student will glue the pad on a block of wood and be able to take this home and practice the beats we learn in class.
- Lesson 2: Intro to drums and percussion, history of drums and drumming. Introduce history and timeline. Brief overview of instruments and styles. Practice at least two rhythms on both practice pads and on real drums with the group each lesson.
- Lesson 3: Introduce hand drums and snare drums to the class. Recap on history and different styles. Practice rhythms.
- Lesson 4: Guest hand drummer(s) will demonstrate different rhythms and styles to the class and hold a group lesson with practice pads and drums. Practice rhythms
- Lesson 5: Guest snare/ kit drummer will demonstrate different rhythms and styles focusing on snare skills, demonstrating rolls and paradiddles as well as some drum kit showmanship. Practice rhythms
- Lesson 6, Project 2: Make a rattle/ shaker out of paper towel tube segments, beans/ rice, and craft paper. Then a guest percussionist will demonstrate rattles, shakers, bells and other percussion instruments with a group lesson to follow. Practice rhythms.
- Lesson 7: Documentary style video giving a broad overview of percussion and drumming from around the world. Videos show both the music, history and the cultures performing, giving context to what we are hearing. Practice rhythms.
- Lesson 8: Host a drum event/ picnic for the guest drummers and percussionists as well as students and their guests to participate in. This can be an hour long performance or something similar demonstrating the rhythms we learned and jamming with friends. Class conclusion
Materials provided: drum sticks and materials to make practice pads (wood blocks, glue, and leather or similar material for padding), snare drums and hand drums for each student, various arts and craft supplies.
WHEN: Series begins on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 3PM – 4PM
WHERE: Great Hall in Pacifica’s Cedar Center
AGES: 7 to 13 years old
COST: $42 for series, includes materials.
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT: Erik Vestnys, (541) 761-2244, [email protected]