Free Percussion Workshop - Rhythm & Movement! Saturday 26th July 2014!

Percussion Workshop - Rhythm & Movement

Facilitated by Matthew Richards
Saturday 26th July 1 pm - 2.15 pm at the Unitarian Chapel, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE.
Price - FREE!

Hello! My name's Matthew Richards. I'm a 29 year old musician and teacher from Bristol. I have always been interested in how music can be used as a tool to foster communication and interaction between children. Music can transcend the barriers that divide us socially and culturally. Music is a language spoken by all, making it an inclusive and unifying experience. It binds us together and can bring forth attributes in a person that were previously latent.

I am devising a series of workshops that are designed for children between the ages of four and ten. (Some of the workshops will be designed specifically for children on the autistic spectrum or with learning difficulties; more information on those coming soon.) The primary focus is using the fundamental principles of music - i.e. melody, harmony and rhythm - to encourage children to become more aware of themselves and how they relate to others.

The next workshop, 'Rhythm and Movement' is percussion based. The aim is to engage children in acting out internal rhythms (heartbeat, breathing) and external rhythms (in music) using percussion, movement, self-expression and teamwork. The workshop will contain several games, exercises and the making of percussion instruments using pasta, lentils and empty containers. Each game and exercise is designed to inspire positive interaction and communication, as well as sparking the imagination.

The structure of the workshop is as follows:

- Stick Stick Shoe Floor
- Internal Rhythms?
Drum Circle – Keep the Beat
Making Your Own Percussion
Simon Say’s Shake!
  (Break - Drink & Biscuits)
Emotion Rhythms
Animal Rhythms
Motion Rhythms
Drum Improvisation

The workshop requires 12 children. Parents please contact me if you have a child (or children) who want to join in! Email - dfaband@live.co.uk or you can phone/text on 07920407490. Visit my blog - http://matthewwilliamrichards.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/percussion-workshop-rhythm-movement.html

Matthew Richards