Zephaniah Trust
"taking light into dark corners"
Re:percussion
Re:percussion is an exciting drumming initiative that the Trust has offered to primary schools since September 2004. Developed and delivered by Mark Drake, the project sees him offer regular lessons in the art of hand percussion to children in years 5 & 6. Through the project, Mark enables groups of children to form drum ensembles by providing regular lessons throughout the year. Through a range of creative teaching methods, children develop the skills necessary to play djembes, congas, bongos, and other Latin American and African drums. The project aims to bring ensembles to a standard where they can perform at events organised by the schools and Zephaniah. Schools sign up for the project each year in time for sessions to start in mid to late September. Although the project is tailored individually to each school, Mark usually works with two groups of 10-12 children, giving each group ten teaching sessions per term. This usually means that Mark spends one full morning or afternoon per week in each school. The project is open to children of all abilities and backgrounds and has previously included children with special needs or behavioural difficulties. This has given Mark the opportunity to encourage children who may struggle with some aspects of school life through the inclusiveness of the project. As well as the obvious musical development, children involved in the project have learned to listen to one another, to work together and cooperate in ensemble playing, developing self-respect and respect for others in a creative environment. As they have seen their skills improve and taken opportunities to perform for others, their self-esteem and confidence has grown, enabling them to take pride in their achievements. Schools involved in the 2007/2008 project are: Allerton Primary, Bowling Park Primary, Clayton Primary, Holybrook Primary, St Barnabas CE Primary, St Luke's CE Primary and Shipley CE Primary. Where have they performed? As well as performing at assemblies and internal school events, re:percussion groups have also performed at the ZephFest art festival in 2004 and 2005, at Shipley Festival, and in Bradford Cathedral. What do they say? "The drumming performance to the school and parents at Christmas was described as 'outstanding' by senior staff. The impact on children of the lessons has been excellent. Their attendance at drumming has had an impact on their other music. They have been proud of their drumming and we have been delighted to see them achieving. Children across a full range of abilities have attended and all have benefited." MEG HENRY ~ TEACHER ~ ALLERTON PRIMARY SCHOOL What does it cost? The Zephaniah Trust subsidises the cost of the project, taking it into schools at a reduced rate so that the same opportunities are open to all children regardless their school's economic situation. Some schools opt to pay for a year's project in one go in September, others pay termly. Get in touch with the office to discuss more details. If you'd like to know more about the re:percussion project and whether it would work in your school, please contact us at the Zephaniah office. Click here to return to the Schools Work Page.
What is it?
How does it work?
What are the benefits?
Where have you done it?
Office Address:
Zephaniah Office
2a Norwood Road
Shipley
West Yorkshire
BD18 2AZ