Hello Music Lovers!
One of my favorite concert events of the year is happening THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 9, at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and it's FREE!! Details below.
Djembe gone flat? I have some tips on how to get your djembe sounding sweet. (It's easier than you think.)
Pandeiro styles from the Northeast of Brazil are very different than their samba and choro cousins in Rio. I've included a great clip of one of my favorite NE Pandeiristas.
Finally, only ONE MONTH until Fall 2008 Drum Classes start! JOIN US! I still have openings in all sections:
Small Group Drumming Class schedule!
Enjoy the beauty and the beat!
In the Beautiful Flow of Life,
Robert Wallace
Robert@TotalRhythm.com
510-482-8005
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Fall 2008 Small Group Adult Drumming Classes Begin
Mon/Tues. Oct. 6/7
JOIN US!
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Hello New and Returning Students!
I've had a great summer and I'm ready to get back to teaching! LOOK OUT!
Here is a Complete List of Fall 2008 Small Group Adult Drumming Classes
I have included the following FAQ's, to help you make a decision. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Reminder: Many classes fill up (max. 10 students), so please enroll now to ensure your spot.
See you soon!
Small Group Drumming Classes FAQ's:
Q: Where are the drumming classes held?
A: In my home located at 3001 Jordan Road, Oakland, CA, off of 35th Ave./Redwood Road. Completely safe, secure, comfortable, wooded setting, plenty of street parking.
Q: What times are the classes held?
A: Two sessions each on Monday and Tuesday evenings:
6:30 - 7:45pm, and 7:45 - 9pm. Complete Drumming Class Schedule
Q: When do the classes start?
A: Monday/Tuesday, Oct. 6/7.
Q: Do I need a drum?
A. No! All drums provided. (You are welcome to bring your own, however.)Q. How long are the courses?
A. 10 or 11 weeks, depending on the course.
Q: What if I miss a class or can't attend the first class?
A: No problem. Many students miss a class or two and I review all material as needed.
Q: Do the courses include instructional material?
A: YES! The Level 1 course includes easy-to-read charts of all rhythms. The Level 2 and 3 courses include written material and a full-length instructional "10 Rhythms" DVD so you can review the rhythms on your own at any time.
Q: What are the prices?
A: Prices range from $295 to $335 for a 10 or 11 week course.
Full Course Descriptions and Prices
Q: Do I need prior experience?
A: No! The Level 1 "Yes, I Have Rhythm" class is designed for total beginners, even people who have never touched a drum in their life!
Q: How do I know which class is right for me?
A: Call or e-mail me if you have questions (510-482-8005). Here are some general guidelines: If you are new to the drum and want to work with your body to start to feel downbeats, upbeats, and basic syncopation, take Level 1: Yes, I Have Rhythm! Also, if you are unfamiliar with creating proper tones on a hand drum, Level 1 is best for you. If you have SOME playing experience, and you want to broaden your repertoire of rhythms, I suggest Level 2: 10 Rhythms; you'll learn 10 world rhythms from 8 countries. Level 3 Ensemble is for EXPERIENCED players who want to play traditional (Afro-Cuban Rumba, Brazilian Samba, W. African Kuku, Mozambique) and comtemporary (Leon Parker, Funk) percussion arrangements in a cohesive group setting. If you are still unsure about the right class for you, call me to discuss!
Q: What sort of students take these classes?
A: All kinds! We have carpenters, new Moms, sculptors, teachers, computer programmers, massage therapists, writers, musicians, salespeople, attorneys.....a real Bay Area mix of interesting folks. JOIN US!Q: Can I register online? Are there other ways to enroll?
A: Yes, you can easily and securely register online using your credit or debit card and/or PayPal. Click here: List of Drumming Classes, make your selection and you are set! You may also send a check for the course fee, payable to "Total Rhythm", and send to Total Rhythm, c/o Robert Wallace, 3001 Jordan Road, Oakland, CA 94602.
Q: How many students are in each class?
A: The maximum is 10. Most classes have between 7-10 students.
Q: Do the classes fill up?
A: Yes! Many classes fill up prior to the first session. I encourage you to enroll now.
THANK YOU!
AS ALWAYS, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ME TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS. Robert: 510-482-8005
SEE YOU SOON!
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Micheal Franti & Spearhead with Ziggy Marley
FREE CONCERT!
Many of you will recall that I rated Michael Franti and Spearhead's release "YELL FIRE" as my overall 2007 #1 Album of the Year!
Now we have a chance to hear Michael and the band, along with Ziggy Marley, in a FREE CONCERT at SF's Golden Gate Park.
It's called the Power to the Peaceful Concert and here are the details:
POWER TO THE PEACEFUL CONCERT!
Sat. Sept. 6
11 am - 5 pm
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco
FREE!
Here is a complete Lineup of Artists
The event includes an early morning yoga session, kids zone, and DJ Tents throughout the day.
Here is a link to one of my favorite Franti/Spearhead songs "SAY HEY" which features Brazilian percussion, dance and capoeira (Sorry I don't know the name of the drum group, let me know if YOU do!)
SAY HEY Video
Hope to see you at GG Park this Sat.! (Bring a drum.)
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How to TUNE your DJEMBE
Djembe tuning is a rewarding process that will build your connection with your drum AND give you a nice upper-body workout!
It's not as hard as you think.
I've scoured the web and found the shortest, simplest, instructional aid:
Tune Your Djembe!
All you need is a pair of vice-grips and a rock climbing tool (avail. at all North Face, Any Mountain and REI stores.)
Have fun!
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Pandeiro: Northeastern Style!
His name is Zezihno do Pandeiro and he epitomizes the exciting style of pandeiro playing from the Northeast of Brazil (the cities of Recife, Olinda, Caruaru, and others.) You can hear this style of pandeiro playing in regional music known as embolada, coco, and forro.
I particulary like Zezihno's "knee rolls" and the incredible slap tone he creates with his all-plastic pandeiro head. Also: does the limping gentleman at the end really DANCE or is that my imagination?!?
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"Those who are the hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most."
In Rhythm,
Robert Wallace
Total Rhythm
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