Performing Arts News

From Dan, Patrick and Kimalee, Performing Arts Specialist

Melbourne Djembe Workshop

From Prep to Year 6 students had the amazing experience of participating in African Drum workshops run by Melbourne Djembe, with the incursions taking place during our timetabled Performing Arts sessions. 

Melbourne Djembe focuses on the rhythms and musical traditions of West Africa. As the name suggests, the popular African hand-drum called the Djembe was the main instrument used during the workshops. The sessions were high energy and hands on, with students quickly joining in on Djembes and actively participating in drumming up a storm as they learned hand drum techniques and were immersed in a multitude of West African rhythms. 

Simon from Melbourne Djembe accompanied our rhythmic explorations on a set of West African drums called the Dundun, and students were also introduced to a variety of traditional instruments (depending on which day they attended) including the Kora – often referred to as the African Harp – and wooden flutes. 

Lots of fun, lots of learning, and the Performing Arts team has lots of African drumming techniques and rhythms to keep exploring during our sessions!

Thanks Melbourne Djembe, thanks students for your awesome participation – and a very special thankyou to our Performing Arts teacher Kimalee for all the legwork to get such a wonderful experience for our students up and running.