The goal is to have dance and drum classes that are challenging and comfortable with students of similar skill levels grouped together. Refer to the guide below when choosing your drum level. Students who believe they are above Level 1 will be evaluated on Sunday, July 20 by the faculty and assigned an appropriate skill level. Students who are having difficulty keeping up in an advanced class may be asked to either stop participating and observe or move to a class that is more appropriate to the individual’s skill level.

“Core” and “special” classes will be offered through the week for each of the five skill levels. Instruction will provide a comprehensive study of the traditional Afro-Cuban folkloric drumming repertoire of the Lucumi, Arara, Bantu, Carabali, Haitiano traditions, rumba and conga de comparsa.

In addition, rhythms from popular Cuban styles like son montuno, songo and timba may also be covered.

INSTRUCTORS:
Francisco Aguabella
Lazaro Galarraga
Roman Diaz
Israel "Toto" Berriel
Jesus Diaz
John Santos
Michael Spiro
David Peñalosa
Mark Lamson
Chris Walker
Scott Wardinsky

CORE DRUM CLASSES

Focusing on various components of several Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms, Core Drum classes are taught by rote.

Level 1 Core classes will acquaint students with the fundamental techniques and strokes for the conga drum, basic patterns, unison and ensemble playing, and establishing a groove. In addition to conga drums, students will incorporate cowbells, claves, and other hand percussion often used in Afro-Cuban music.

Levels 2, 3, & 4 Core classes will focus on the folkloric repertoire. Lead playing and songs may be included when appropriate. Popular styles may also be included.

Level 5 drum will be conducted as a master class primarily for professionals, teachers and experts. Core classes provide an opportunity to refine ones knowledge by answering specific questions. Rhythms will be taught in ensemble fashion, using only the required instruments and number of players for each rhythm, with players alternating places when ready. Folkloric and popular rhythms will be covered, including drum set and timbales.

SPECIAL DRUM CLASSES

Focus on specific topics, instruments and rhythms related to Afro-Cuban percussion.

Level 1: Beginning Technique, Beginning Shekere & Beginning Batá
Level 2: Shekere, Bembe Basics, Caja Variations
Level 3: Guaguanco, Intermediate Batá
Level 4: Quinto for Guaguanco
Level 5: Advanced Batá

RHYTHM SECTION ENSEMBLE CLASS
With Jesus Diaz. Instruction for timbales, drum set, congas and other percussion used in modern Cuban music such as timba. Other popular styles such as son montuno, cha cha cha, guaguanco and songo, may also be covered.

INTERMEDIATE BATÁ
Moderately-paced class for those students who currently play batá, but who are not at an advanced level. Good for okonkolo players who want to learn itotele, or itotele players who want to learn Iya.

ADVANCED BATÁ
Master class for Iya players. Itotele and okonkolo players should know the entire Igbodu.

VIDEO:
Music & Dance from Lucumi, Carabali, Arara, Bantu and Haitiano Traditions July 19
See video examples of the fundamental Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms and dances, including rumba and conga de comparsa. (Video compiled by Howie Kaufman)

HEARING CLAVE IN THE BATÁ July 19
David Peñalosa demonstrates rhythms of the batá drums, and explains relationships of the different drums, how they fit to certain songs, and their relationship to clave.

RUMBA SONG CLASS July 19
Special song class by master singer Lazaro Galarraga in the style of guaguanco.

COMPARISON OF NIGERIAN/LUCUMI BATÁ   July 23, 24
Dr. Amanda Vincent’s lecture explains the function, organology, gender narratives and religious context of the Nigerian and Lucumi batá systems.

Level 1 - requires little or no prior experience with Afro-Cuban music or conga drumming techniques.

Level 2 - requires introductory knowledge of Afro-Cuban rhythms and some prior conga drumming instruction. Participants must demonstrate basic conga drum strokes (open/tone, bass, heel toe, muff and slap) and basic rhythmic independence (tapping the pulse or mainbeat while clapping the cinquillo, tresillo, son and rumba claves, and the bell to Bembe.) Level 2 rhythms will be broken down slowly and methodically.

Level 3 - participants must demonstrate all Level 2 skills plus:

Level 4 - participants must demonstrate all level 3 skills plus:

Level 5 - Master class. For professional musicans, teachers and performers of Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Requires several years experience playing Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Must have lead drumming experience and all Level 4 skills.

PHOTOS:
1: Drumming
2. Conga drum
3: Instructor Michael Spiro (right) and his son Remy, 1998.
(Photo by Howard Kaufman)
4. Shekere

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