Level 1 World Music Drumming

For teachers, counselors, community recreation leaders, church musicians, and players interested learning how to implement the World Music Drumming Curriculum, written by Dr. Will Schmid, within a classroom and/or community setting. The Level 1 class introduces the lessons and units of the curriculum while emphasizing the traditions that inspire this approach to music making and music learning.  Level 1 can be repeated. Workshop Text: World Music Drumming 20th Anniversary Teacher Edition. Level 1 is offered at all of our venues.

Level 2 World Music Drumming

For those who have taken Level 1 and wish to deepen their application of the World Music Drumming Curriculum as well as improve musical skills and teaching effectiveness. Each day, Level 2 participants work with a variety of faculty, including Sowah Mensah -- Ghanaian drumming, singing, movement, Ghanaian flute, adenkum gourds, and gyil (xylophone), and/or Josh Ryan -- Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Ghanian drumming, songs, and dance, and WMD faculty -- guiding participants in enhanced experiences with the curriculum and additional materials from other sources. Many choose to repeat this course. Level 2 participants will use the 20th Anniversary Edition (2015), World Music Drumming Curriculum.

Level 3 World Music Drumming

For those who have taken Levels 1 and 2. Course content includes drumming, singing, and dancing from Ghana (Ga, Akan, Ewe peoples), gyil xylophone ensembles from Northern Ghana, Ghanaian flute playing, adenkum gourds, and Cuban/Afro-Cuban drumming, singing.    Level 3 is taught by Sowah Mensah and Josh Ryan. While not required, it is strongly recommended that participants experience both Josh Ryan and Sowah Mensah during Level 1 and/or Level 2 prior to taking Level 3. No text required; however, participants are encouraged to become familiar with publications available at http://www.sowahmensah.com/books/ Level 3 is offered exclusively at the Cedar Rapids setting.

Drumming Up the Fun

This workshop is intended for early childhood and early elementary classroom and music educators, introducing modifications to the World Music Drumming curriculum. The workshop provides participants with ready-to-use drumming activities for preK-grade 2 and the skills and practice to create even more activities for your classroom. It explores a variety of World Music Drumming ensembles in their original versions, then modifies them for children ages 3-8 combining familiar songs and chants. Taught by Melissa Blum, this class also focuses on sound stories — a medium for introducing young children to playing techniques, improvisation skills, and respect for drums, world percussion, and other small percussion instruments. No text required.  This class will be offered exclusively in Atlanta in 2025.

Kids, Choir & Drums

This workshop is geared toward elementary and middle-level teachers of vocal music, including music educators, church group leaders, and community group leaders. Individuals with all levels of music instruction are welcome; previous drumming experience isn’t necessary. Lynn Brinckmeyer teaches this fun, information packed course, presenting strategies for singing (including reading through complimentary choral octavos), movement, and drumming. No text required. Complimentary octavos provided with support from JW Pepper and Hal Leonard publishing. (Not offered in 2025).

Festival Brazil!

“Festas Brasileiras” is a place where Brazilian popular culture meets the world of children through its music: It’s also the title of an exciting new work by Estevao Marques and Fabian Galli. Songs, dances and rhythms played in folk festivals are reinvented and rearranged to be taught in the classroom. The teaching methodology of this workshop includes interactive, creative and fun activities, with body percussion, musical games and alternative instruments, all proven to be highly effective with students 6-14 years old (but is also popular with adults!). Included in Festas Brasileiras are 11 ensembles that combine choir, xylophones, percussion ensembles, and lots of dancing. This course will be offered exclusively in Naples, FL.