‘Kofi and Bassidi taught us super, super well, and brought everyone alive.’ Elliot Yr3
Hello and BRAVO, BRAVISSIMO to everyone! What a sensational afternoon of drumming energy and joy we had last Friday. Four weeks of Drumming Workshops with Kofi and Bassidi have felt more like a festival of rhythm, and the final performances were a tremendous celebration of achievement and African Culture. Thank you to all our fabulous students for ‘giving your all’ in your drumming and percussion routines. The awesome power of mass drumming in the gym was immense and exciting, and we were thrilled to share this experience with so many of our families and friends, and thank them for joining us. Please read on, via the link, to hear our student’s reflections about our Drumming Workshops and Concerts…
In the last couple of Talking Point issues, I have described the many ways that this drumming program has enhanced our student’s learning. Let’s hear from the students about their experiences of the Drumming Program, and please enjoy these wonderful photos: thanks Robert for capturing the memories.
‘When I was in Prep I thought that this was the best thing ever and now I’m in Year 6 I still think that’ Lyla Yr6
‘Drumming is a refreshing change from class room learning. It ignited the desire to move.’ Olivia Yr 6
‘I was radiating happiness’ Sbeth
‘Kofi is a really good teacher. He helped get us there [ie. mastering the drumming routine] by helping everyone to raise their skill level.’ Tucker Yr 5
‘We all want to go shopping in Sydney Rd for African clothes’ Yr 5/6B
‘We could feel the drum beats in our bodies’ Banjo Yr 6
‘Drumming helped me to connect with music and built my confidence in performing’ Claudia Yr 5
The Preps said that they loved everything about the drumming workshops, but in particular Chloe and Bianca loved calling out rhythms and chants with their voices as a part of their drumming routine. The children enjoyed singing in a different language, and the words ‘Hoo la yo’ made Hazel feel happy. Coco had fun in the Animal Dance, Hattie liked growling ‘Roar’ with her hands as claws, and Fifi enjoyed the calmness of moving like a sloth. Gabriel and Rana loved flying as kites, and Audrey felt great when she threw up her arms and shouted ‘YAY’!
‘Drumming for me this year was more exciting than when I was in Prep because I understand more about it’ Charlie Yr2, and many of the Yr 2 students agreed. Louis Yr2 shared that ‘when I got into it, it felt really good and my friends helped me.’ Leo Yr2 said he wanted to whack the drum as hard as he could so that he could be the loudest. ‘When the drums were playing… ’, reflected Joel Yr1, ‘… my heart was beating to the music.’ Jaxon Yr2 shared that it was amazing to be dancing with so many people watching, ‘…it was my first time performing and I felt confident.’
The students of Yr, and 3/4 felt phenomenal in their djembe and floor drum routine. Siri commented that she loved the combination of dancing and drumming, and Lulu reflected that ‘the beat was so good it made me want to play around with the beat and be happy’. Aaliyah is inspired to practise her instrument more, and said that the drums were a unique sound in her experience of music. ‘Kofi and Bassidi taught us super, super well and brought everyone alive’, Elliot Yr3 said. Alice said that she loved the floor drum routine. She agreed with Aaliyah that the djembe and floor drums together helped their Home Group to work as a team, and Noah was amazed at how synchronised everyone was. Henry enjoyed seeing the Preps running as kites, and Aslan loved seeing the flags from Ghana displayed on the stage.
The year 4/5s commented about the different timbre of the drums. The drums sounded immediate and clear on the stage during the workshops, but when the students moved out into the acoustic of the gym, they were awed by the sheer power and volume of the drums. A single unison hit on the drums echoed around the space and boomed back to them, ‘It was the most powerful and synchronised sound ever’, Claudia Yr5. The 4/5s agreed that the Preps were ‘soooooo cute’ and that the other Ngh performances were amazing. They loved the interactive approach of learning how to play drums through dance and movement. Ebony Yr5 enjoyed the ‘electric energy’ of the xylophones and the joy of adding movement to their routine.
As ever, there are many people to thank who help to make these dream experiences for our children come alive, and from our hearts we say thank you to everyone. The whole Drumming Season has been a celebration of African culture, a celebration of our children’s learning and a celebration of our community. Thank you for the joy and memories, and, (drum roll)… let’s do it all again in 2025 😃. Have a great couple of weeks everyone, Deb