This week, students from across the College were given the opportunity to experience traditional West African music and performance styles in a series of drumming workshops.
Led by Rich Rhythms, specialists in West African drumming workshops, performances, and drum rebuilding, learners explored rhythm and improvisation, while also building their confidence and teamwork skills.
These sessions form part of our wider enrichment programme, designed to give students opportunities to experience new activities, explore different cultures and develop skills outside of the classroom environment.
Level 2 Early Years student, Maisie, was one of those who got a lot out of the day.
She said: “It’s been really fun to take part. I didn’t even know I could be so good on the drums. We’ve been playing for a whole hour but the time has flown by.”
For many like Maisie, this was a new opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones and try something completely new.
They were also introduced to Sabar drumming, a traditional hand-and-stick drumming style originating from Gambia and Senegal.
Sessions began with familiar rhythms, including a “We Will Rock You” warm-up, before progressing into more traditional Sabar patterns and performance exercises.
Rich from Rich Rhythms explained that creating opportunities like this for students is something he feels strongly about. He said: “When I was a student, we didn’t have any extra-curricular activities like these. It was always just the subjects and nothing else.
“I think it’s important to hold workshops like this in College, because even if students don’t want to join in straight away, it’s nice to give them that opportunity and that chance to try something they wouldn’t normally do.”
During the workshops, students were also encouraged to experiment with creating their own rhythms and improvisations, with many quickly gaining confidence as the sessions progressed. The call-and-response style of drumming also helped learners work together as a group, listening and responding to one another through performance.
The workshops were organised by our Student Experience team, led by Head of College Services, Martin.
He said: “It’s great to see everyone getting involved. There’s lots of teamwork throughout the sessions, with students having to listen, respond and work together to create something as a group. That’s exactly what the Student Experience is all about here at the College and opportunities like this are really valuable.”
Rich delivers drumming workshops and performances across the country, but this was the first time he has brought Sabar drumming to the Isle of Sheppey.
“I’m especially pleased with how the day’s gone,” he explained.
“A lot of students left smiling and taking photos, which was really nice to see. I think they feel that power of working together, maybe subconsciously, and that’s what I really like about it too.”
If you’re interested in gaining similar experiences throughout the year, there’s still time to apply for EKC Sheppey College this September.
Explore our full range of courses and apply today.
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