Need a fresh, new program for older kids as you shift into a March or Summer break mode? These programs are for you!

Class Format

Classes are designed for Children aged ~5 through 12 years old. As a result, younger children’s classes may be a flexible 30-45 minutes depending on class management. The full length class for older kids is 45 minutes.

Camp classes will only cover 5 styles of drumming rather than 8.

Each week (or day for camp), students will learn to play rhythms from a different part of the style they are learning. Each class will begin with a brief overview of the genre’s historical and cultural significance (if applicable). Students will then learn 2-5 related rhythms that are commonly played in the genre with the goal of playing the rhythms together as a group. The rhythms will be played on buckets with students hitting the top and sides to produce two distinct sounds.

How do Classes Work?

• Classes will occur outdoors when/where allowed by provincial regulations around COVID-19 (while they persist). On days when there is bad weather, classes may be delivered digitally using Zoom. This will be at the discretion of ABC.
• Individual classes cannot be combined.
• Students will learn rhythms through a variety of call-and-response activities and games that they will have the opportunity to lead.
• Students may be split into sections, each of which will be assigned one of the rhythms.
• Students will then play their assigned rhythms simultaneously as an ensemble.
• Each section will be assigned a new rhythm and play together again. This will repeat until every section has played every rhythm.
• During ensemble playing, students will learn to conduct sections to change volume or stop/start playing. They will also have the opportunity to improvise a solo.
• Classes will include a variety of games that revolve around music, including movement with, around, and away from the drum.

When it’s a Digital Class

• Students will learn rhythms through a variety of call-and-response activities that they will have the opportunity to lead.
• During ensemble playing, students will learn to conduct the group to change volume or stop/start playing.
• These classes are not recorded to preserve privacy

Equipment Needed

• Bucket/Stick sets can be ordered from ABC for $19.99 each. Delivery may be extra.
• Daycares/Schools should also have a large plastic/rubber garbage bin to be used as a jumbo drum in the middle of a circle with your group.
• For digital classes, students will require a computer with a Zoom download.

Home Video Classes Included with Afro-Cuban

Afro-Cuban Summer Drummer comes with a full 8-weeks (or sessions) of classes that you can give to your families to watch and do together at home. This is 100% FREE.