The World of Udu Drums
Curriculum Objectives:
• To develop participants' ability to interpret music and sound by ear
• To enhance participants' ability to communicate non-verbally
• To emphasize an appreciation of the environment
• To develop an understanding of air flow, resonance and tone
• To expose participants to concept of creating art from utilitarian object
Program Description:
The emphasis of this program is to expose participants to the cultural exchange that has take place in the twentieth century between Nigerian master potter, Abbas M. Ahuwan, and American clay sculptor, Frank Giorgini. The Udu drum, a traditional Nigerian side-hole pot drum, is an instrument of the finest quality, capable of creating beautiful sounds in the hands of both trained musicians and the novice. It is similar in tone to the African talking drum, yet has a quality of sound that no skin-covered drum can attain. Participants will gain a view of Nigerian culture and the importance of the Udu drum with it.
Participants will learn several basic playing techniques, culminating in a group improvisation based on a simple rhythm.
Slide show available to accompany presentation.
Additional materials provided to instructors for classroom use:
• Detailed outline of presentation
• Charts outlining percussion instrument families (membranophones/idiophones)
• Multiple choice pre- or post-quiz
Capacity:
• 12 people as a fully participatory program (60 minutes), or
• full assembly program with 12 participants demonstrating concepts on stage (45-60 minutes)
Recommended Ages: 5 and up
Background:
Brian Melick, drummer and multi-hand percussionist, has taught workshops and masterclasses throughout the Northeast and Canada. He has been a featured facilitator at Music Therapists International Conferences and Percussive Arts Society's International Conventions, and serves on the World Percussive Committee for the Percussive Arts Society. He has taught people of all ages, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens, whose musical education ranged from none to years of study. Much-demanded, highly participatory workshops include Introduction to the World of Percussion and Rhythm, The World of Udu Drums, and Making and Playing Percussion Instruments out of Found Objects. Educators have used Brian's workshops as illustrations in such diverse fields as physics, social studies, art, history, environmentalism and religion, as well as music. Creating music from found objects reinforces curricula about recycling, stressing the interconnectedness of the natural and man-made worlds. The importance of percussion as a vehicle to express man's spiritual beliefs emerges through exploration of the Nigerian Udu Drums.
For more information on workshop and fee schedule, please contact Mrs. Martha Stamm, Educational Program Coordinator, by email at marthastamm@verizon.net.
The World of Udu Drums (African Side Hole Pot Drum) (Jul 19, 2007)