Hello Friends:
Vitamin D(rum). When you do something that you love, it makes you happy. And when you're happy, you'll be healhy. Let me help you find your rhythm.
Drums, rhythm and percussion are POWERFUL tools to help YOU connect with YOU.
I've got three exciting events in the next few weeks. JOIN ME!:
- Total Rhythm at The Beat in Berkeley
- Pandeiro Party
- Caxixi Workshop: Shake Your Seeds!
As always, my programs are for EVERYONE, experienced drummers or first-timers. The concept is always "We, Not I" - working together to access the power of our natural rhythm.
Give me a call anytime with q's or comments: 510-482-800, Robert@TotalRhythm.com.
In the Beautiful Rhythm of Life,
Robert Wallace
P.S. If you can't take a class but want to learn rhythms, get the 10 Rhythms DVD.
P.P.S. Check out the facts about El Cocodrilo!
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Powerfully
Percussive Pandeiro Party!
"The Largest Gathering of Pandeiro Players Outside of Brazil"
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How do you pronounce "Pandeiro"?
Say "Pan", then say "dare", then say "Oh". Add some feeling. Emphaize the "DAARE". Have fun and smile. You got it:
"Pandeiro".
What the heck is it?
The pandeiro is a Brazilian percussion instrument. Most people call the Pandeiro a "Tambourine" because of it looks like what a lot of funk bands play in the US. (Note: the Brazilians have a totally separate instrument called the "Tambourim" which is a tiny, hand-held drum played with a stick.) However, the Pandeiro is much, much, more versatile than the (American) Tambourine.
Click here to see what I mean:
Pandeiro DVD Trailer
Why a Pandeiro Party?
This is a FREE party to celebrate the release of my 2-Volume Pandeiro Instructional DVD. I am so pleased to offer this to the community: It's the first and only full-length instructional Pandeiro DVD in English, with comprehensive instruction on how to hold the pandeiro, stretching, creating proper notes, musical fundamentals and LOTS OF RHYTHMS broken down and played VERY SLOWLY so you can really learn them: Samba, Baiao, Partido Alto, Capoeira, 3/2 Clave, Funk, more!
When I learned pandeiro many years ago, it was a real struggle! I had no instructional guides and no teachers! I learned in Brazil and it was very tough to catch the rhythms because they were played so fast.
I created this DVD set so you would have an easier time learning and enjoying this great instrument!
Click here to see the 3-minute video trailer:
Pandeiro DVD Trailer
P.S. This is my daughter Trinity - a pandeiro player since age 3!!! P.P.S. Do you see my other daughter Liberty sneaking in the photo in the background? I love my girls!
Pandeiro Party
Saturday, Oct. 27
8pm-Midnight
Free Pandeiro Class at 9pm SHARP
Taxi Brousse West African Restaurant
1101 San Pablo Ave
2 blocks North of Ashkenaz on San Pablo
Berkeley, CA
(510)558-0939
FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!
Bring your pandeiros. WE WILL BE PLAYING!!
Free pandeiro class at 9pm SHARP.
Don't have a pandeiro? No problem: I will have 10 gorgeous light weight, handmade "choro" pandeiros from Rio for use and sale. Also, DVDs will be available at a discounted price. Bring your friends. All welcome. Free!
PANDEIRO POSSE UNITE!
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Cuba: El Cocodrilo |
Did you know that many Cubans refer to their homeland as "El Cocodrilo" because, from the air, it resembles a crocodile? Here are some other interesting facts about our fantastic, culturally rich neighbor: 1. Fidel Castro has reportedly survived over 600 assassination attempts. 2. Having been in power since 1959, Fidel Castro is the world's longest serving political leader. 3. Since 1959, Castro has refused to cash the cheques that America pays in rent for it's base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. 4. Cuba is only 90 miles away from the US. (That's roughly the distance from LA to San Diego. And we treat Cubans like strangers!) 5. Cuba has one of the best health care systems in the world. The average life expectancy of around 76 years is comparable with that of the UK and US and one of its most successful exports is that of medical technology. Cuban scientists have developed vaccines for hepatitis-B and meningitis-B. VIVA EL COCODRILO!
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Inspired Artist:
From Trinidad and Tobago, the fantastic Calypsonian David Rudder.
His album "Beloved" is one of my favorite calypso recordings of all time.
Available online at
amazon.com
Tell me how you like it. Enjoy! |
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Giving Thanks for all your support, and many blessing to you and your family.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle.
Robert Wallace
Total Rhythm
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Vitamin D(rum)
Get yours now!
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Those of us who drum, dance and play percussion regularly know about how GOOD IT FEELS to tap into the POWER OF THE BEAT, but now official researchers are getting in the mix. Here is a list of medical benefits from drumming, plus my translation of what all the jargon really means:
(Note: Check LivingRhythms.com for more info.)
Documented Medical Benefits of Drumming:
Stress
Blood samples from participants of an hour-long drumming session revealed a reversal of the hormonal stress response and an increase in natural killer cell activity (Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, Ninehouser, 2001, Alternative Therapies, vol. 7, no. 1).
Translation: Beating a drum gets it all out!
Depression
Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a study with 30 depressed people over 80 years of age and found that participants in a weekly music therapy group were less anxious, less distressed and had higher self-esteem (Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994).
Translation: MUSIC makes you FEEL GOOD.
Cancer
Subjects who participated in a clinical trial using the HealthRhythms protocol showed an increase in natural killer cell activity and an enhanced immune system. While this does not indicate a cure for cancer, such results may be of benefit for those facing this disease. (Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, Ninehouser, 2001, Alternative Therapies, vol. 7, no. 1).
Translation: If you do something you enjoy it keeps you healthy.
Alzheimer's Disease
According to Clair, Bernstein and Johnson (1995), Alzheimer's patients who drum can connect better with loved ones. The predictability of rhythm may provide the framework for repetitive responses that make few cognitive demands on people with dementia.
Translation: Getting in a groove helps us connect with others.
Parkinson's Diseases and Stroke
Rhythmic cues can help retrain the brain after a stroke or other neurological impairment, according to Michael Thaurt, director of Colorado State University's Center of Biomedical Research in Music. Researchers have also discovered that hearing slow, steady rhythms, such as drumbeats, helps Parkinson patients move more steadily (Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994).
Translation: Playing rhythms helps us remember who we are and helps ground us.
All these medical benefits, AND you get to Feel the Funk!
Are ready to get started (or get back into it if you've taken a break)??: Please join me EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT for the drop-in Total Rhythm Fitness Program. No pre-reg. required. Click here to see the 2-minute video trailer: Total Rhythm!
Drums, Rhythm, Dance, Sweating, Occassional Hollering.
You don't need ANY experience. Many people take my class, and love it, and they have NEVER touched a drum before! All drums are provided, you'll join an interesting, fun group of people for an invigorating body and soul workout.
PLUS, for the next two weeks only (Thurs. 10/18 and 10/25) I am offering a TWO FOR ONE special. Bring a friend and you can both enjoy the class for only $13!!! See Coupon below.
The details:
TOTAL RHYTHM FITNESS PROGRAM
Every Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm
The Beat Dance Center
2560 9th Street (at Dwight)
Berkeley, CA
Drop-ins welcome: $13
COME AND GET YOUR VITAMIN D(rum)!!
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Caxixi Workshop with Cabello
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SHAKE YOUR SEEDS!
My friend and outstanding percussionist Cabello (originally from Piracicaba,Sao Paulo, Brazil, now residing in NYC) is touring California and we are combining for a dynamite day of drums and rhythm: 1.5 hours of Caxixi insruction (including movement) with Cabello and 1.5 hours of my Total Rhythm class. Be ready to stretch, sweat, smile and SHAKE YOUR SEEDS. Cabello has worked with fantastic musicians around the globe, including Cyro Baptista, Mestre Joao Grande, and Jorge Alabe. This is a very special opportunity to learn caxixi with a very talented guest artist. Learn more about Cabello.CAXIXI WORKSHOP
Sunday, Oct. 28
2:00 - 5:00pm
Pitts Martial Arts Academy
3298 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland
(in the heart of the Lakeshore biz district)
Price: $35, $30 if paid before Sun. 10/21
All Caxixis and Drums provided!
Everyone is welcome. First-time Caxixi folks are especially encouraged to attend. Wear workout clothes!
Call to reserve a spot (limit: 20 students):
510-482-8005, robert@totalrhythm.com.
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