Regular weekly drumming classes are offered throughout the season (September–June) for ages seven through adult, including our new Zoomer’s (55+)class. We have an exciting array of different kinds of workshops throughout the season as well. For details on all these programs, please see Updated Schedule 11-12 for days, times, fees and instructors. General descriptions are below. Updates and reminders will be regularly listed on our events page. To register for classes please contact the office at (613)725-6994 or info@baobabtree.org
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
ADULT DRUMMING classes will focus on popular pieces of Ghanaian repertoire, both stick and hand drumming styles, including the use of small Ghanaian percussion instruments. Students will learn good sound, healthy technique and develop multi-levels of listening. Time will also be spent on singing and some body movement/groove. This class is an opportunity to enjoy the rich variations in the repertoire and the connection to Ghanaian culture, while participating in a community experience. Thursday nights will be our “Learn to Drum” class for those new to drumming, and Mondays will be for more experienced drummers and will move at a faster pace.
SENIORS DRUMMING Our new daytime classes for those aged 55+ are an inexpensive way to explore drumming through hands on learning of Ghanaian repertoire, using African instruments. Learning rhythms in an aural tradition is a great way to enjoy a workout for your brain in a relaxed community setting.
ADULT DANCE CLASS is an energetic and grounded way to enjoy the culture of Ghana. Each session will focus on specific piece of repertoire from different regions of West Africa. Some pieces are more suitable for beginners and those without previous dance experience but all levels are welcome. Please speak with us if you have questions. The dance classes will be accompanied by live drumming. (not currently scheduled for 2011-12)
ROOTS CLASSES These age-specific classes (7-10 & 11-13yrs; see schedule) focus on developing creative expression through drumming, chant, movement, body percussion and visual art. Basic hand drumming and stick drumming techniques will be taught through repertoire from Ghana, including children’s game songs. Some singing, movement and cultural connections will also me made. Emphasis is given to ensemble playing and developing multi-levels of listening and non-verbal communication. Each eight-week session will culminate in a short public open house.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:
FAMILY WORKSHOPS are designed to offer a low cost introduction to drumming for all ages. From toddlers on up, these hour long sessions will give you a wonderful hands on experience and some relaxed family time together. Instructors will vary, check the events page closer to the date for more details.
TEACHER WORKSHOPS Being a useful resource for educators in all kinds of situations is a is a cornerstone of our programming, please see our educators corner for descriptions of our teacher workshops.
“TRY THIS!” ADULT WORKSHOP SERIES This is a new initiative of Baobab Community, designed for those who want to explore their creative potential in a variety of ways, and for those who would like to deepen their experience of Ghanaian culture by trying something new such as the beautiful Ghanaian xylophone, visual art projects, and the drumming and dancing of the northern Ghanaian Dagbamba music. Its also great if you don;t have time to commit to a regular weekly class. Find the dates on the classes/workshop page, in the yellow section. More specific descriptions of these workshops will be on the events page closer to each date. Open to all levels of experience.
GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND POLICIES
Registration and Payment of Fees
Fees quoted are for one session or workshop unless otherwise stated. Please call the office at (613)725-6994 or email us at info@baobabtree.org Fees may be paid by cash, credit card or cheque (dropped off or mailed to us at 415C Piccadilly Ave Ottawa ON K1Y 0H3). Fees are due in full prior to the start of the class. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis; spaces cannot be reserved in advance without payment. Complete course fees are due at the time of registration.
Refund Policies
Refunds will be granted up to one week prior to the start of a class session (a $20.00 administration fee will be deducted) and must be requested in writing. This is so we can accommodate those who may be on the waiting list. No refunds are given after the start of a course/workshop. If a student is unable to continue because of illness, a credit will be held over to the following course/workshop upon receipt of a medical letter.
Cancellations
Baobab Tree reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrolment. Registrants will be notified before the start of the session and will receive a full refund. Every effort will be made to notify individual classes as soon as possible for cancellations due to extreme weather etc. but please call the office (613)725-6994 if you are not sure. No refunds/credits are given for missed classes, or late registrations.
NSF cheques
Accounts will be charge $25.00 for NSF cheques.
Discounts
Multiple registrations in the same session qualify for one 10% discount on the lowest priced course. We also give a 10% discount to a second family member registered in the same class. The discount only applies if registration for all courses takes place at the same time.
Waiting List
In the event that a course is full, we will put your name on a waiting list. With enough interest we may open another class. The waiting list will be called only if space becomes available.