Tuesday 29 Oct nine of us took part in a Drum and Percussion Workshop, courtesy of our talented, esteemed member Linda Messham (many NWR groups will have enjoyed the Murder Mystery plays written by her). I cannot overstate our gratitude to Linda.
Linda gave us an introduction and organised us very well. She supplied drums for all – djembes, bongos, hand drums and even a big drum from her own drum kit.
Half of us supplied the beat while the others tried rhythms, first to the beat of our individual names, then to tunes.
We each had a go at a drum solo (with backing beats).
Then Linda brought out a wide variety of small percussion instruments which we deployed as “noises off” to accompany a story.
Some of it caused much hilarity, certainly a good deal of co-operation and confidence-boosting skills.
All good fun and a little bit challenging, especially finding a rhythm for one member’s full name that would fit the 4/4 beat! And now we know that bongos can come from Africa or Cuba, but only African ones have 4 legs.