Afro Cuban Percussion

An Introduction to Afro-Cuban Rhythms and Percussion Techniques -Tutor Andy Boothman

Course Content:

In this short course we will study rhythms and technique for Afro-Cuban percussion styles.Participants will have the opportunity to work with a variety of different instruments and styles and learn several arrangements that will be brought together in a combined dance and percussion session at the end of the course.

We will concentrate on developing hand techniques for tumbadoras (congas) as well as learning the associated percussion parts for each rhythm. Experience of hand drumming is essential for this course.

Percussion instrument techniques covered:

Tumbadoras (congas), Cajones (boxes), Bombo (Cuban carnaval bass drum) Claves, Campanas (bells), Cata (bamboo played with wooden sticks) and Shekeres (beaded gourd shakers).

*Lukumi Bata rhythms will be covered and transcribed to be played on congas however anyone owning bata drums are welcome to bring them down for the relevant sessions.

We will also learn short songs to go with each style in order to place the rhythms within there musical framework.

Some instruments will be provided but please bring along your own if you have them.

Rhythms Covered: (selected from the following)

From the Yoruba tradition – Iyessa, Bembe and Reso Obatala (bata).

From the Bantu tradition – Palo and Macuta.

Cuban carnaval Rhythms – Conga Oriental and Mozambique.

Plus an introduction to Cuban rumba - El Yambu.

About the tutor:

Andy Boothman - Manchester, UK

Andy is an experienced teacher and performer with a wealth of knowledge in percussion and international music styles. Since late eighties, Andy has played as session percussionist with many Manchester artists as well as directing and producing several of his own projects. In 1998, Andy made the first of frequent visits to Cuba to study and play Afro-Cuban percussion with groups such as Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, Clave y Guaguanco, Yoruba Endabo, Mezcla, Estrellas Cubanas, F.E.U (comparsa) and Cambron Junior Y Su Changui. Andy has also studied percussion in Nigeria to research Nigerian Bata and traditional Nigerian religion, Oriṣa.

Dates and times and fees:

An 8 week study leading to a combined percussion and

dance session.

Fee for 8 week course: £55

Pay per class: £10 (save £25) About pay per class

Please note we do have a limited number of study bursaries available for this course.

To book on this course click here.

Questions? View our FAQs page.

Thursday evenings 7pm - 9pm. (Main Class)

Thursday 30th April

Thursday 7th May

Thursday 14th May

Thursday 21st May

Thursday 28th May

Thursday 4th June

Thursday 11th June

Thursday 18th June

Cuban Folkloric Orchestra Performance -Global Grooves 2008

Venue:

Address:

The Zion Arts Centre

335 Stretford Road

Hulme

Manchester

M15 5ZA

Telephone:

01612261912

Web: www.zionarts.com