JANUARY ACTIVITES – Cape York and beyond…. Teams of facilitators from Drum Up Big are delivering drumming programs in Indigenous communities in Queensland this month. Director, Tara Tucker is heading off to India to teach and perform in Mumbai, Pune and Goa, in association with Taal Inc (see video below). Keep up to date by following her posts on our Facebook page and/or subscribing to our newsletter.
CLASSES IN CAIRNS Djembe, dunun and taiko classes will recommence in Cairns in March.
TTM GRADING SYSTEM
2012 will also see the international launch of Tam Tam Mandingue’s Grading System for djembe and dunun players. This progressive system will also serve as preparation for serious djembe enthusiasts to take the test to become a TTM Certified Teacher.
‘Sofa’ means ‘warrior’ in the Malinke language. This rhythm was originally played on a stringed instrument called a bolon. Tara demonstrates 2 djembe accompaniments. Of course, for the full flavour of the rhythm, you need the dunun voices as well. Filmed at beautiful Fitzroy Island, a short boat ride from Cairns.
On June 17 2011 in San Diego, California, Drum Up Big Director, Tara became the first Australian to be certified as a Tam Tam Mandingue Teacher by legendary Grand Master of the Djembe, Mamady Keita. This certification is an official acknowledgement of her musical ability, rhythmic and historical knowledge of the djembe and was awarded to her personally by Mamady after years of dedicated study and a lengthy practical exam. Tam Tam Mandingue Cairns, Australia’s first branch of Tam Tam Mandingue, will be officially opened by Mamady Keita himself in September 2012.
Tara teaches the 2 djembe accompaniment parts from the Kassounke rhythm, Sunun.
This is a popular rhythm that in the past served as an opportunity for young men to express their rivalries. Filmed by Kim Arrow at Centenary Lakes, Cairns. Guest player, Jak.
For those of you in the Wed night Level 1 Djembe class who need a reminder of the Balakulandjan accompaniment that you learnt last week…. here it is! Filmed by Kim Arrow at Josephine Falls, 1 hr from Cairns.
In April 2011, a team from Drum Up Big collaborated with NPA Family and Community Services to promote non-violence and the use of kind words. Drumming, zumba, body percussion, chanting and painting were all incorporated into the sessions with young people in Injinoo, Bamaga and New Mapoon.
If you listen carefully, you’ll hear that the kids are actually singing about ‘deadly words’, not ‘friendly words’ as the subtitles suggest. Ironically, the meaning is the same! Here in Far North Queensland, ‘deadly’ can mean ‘cool’ or ‘awesome’…
Enjoy!
Feedback:
Drum Up Big! What a fantastic experience you have offered the NPA community this week. The sessions were upbeat, flexible, engaging, fun, supportive and inclusive of needs, culture and interests. Your approach was different and the children responded beautifully to the beats and the dance. Your clever play on words had the children humming and gently singing your positive message. The message not only signified the importance of being kind, It provided the children with a tool to manage their anger and aggression. I was inspired by the way that you were able to engage and positively address the issues of violence though music, dance and Zumba. It was a joy to be part of your visit here and I hope to see you soon in the NPA! Jessica Addinsall, Intensive Family Support Worker
Thank you so much for last week, your team is amazing as always. I appreciated the way in which you understood the message we were trying to get across with the children at the OSH Centre’s. And took it that step further, making up a song that the children could remember, the children had fun and were remembering the message about kind words, thoughtful words at the same time. Thank you again!
Gabriele Peters, Art Therapist, NPA Healing Centre – Injinoo
Zumba Instructor Kelly Sinclair’s Zumba sessions were a fantastic addition to Drum Up Big’s Easter Holiday Program in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York. Live drumming over the Zumba music made the fitness sessions even more exciting! The Program was part of The Something Better Project (IBU/PCYC). Thanks Kelly, the kids loved you!
