The second annual Art of Drumming and Music Workshop was held during the week of July 11th to 15th at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School – Campus A. The workshop is the brain child of Mr. Jaiden Fleming of British Dependency and is sponsored by the Department of Youth and Culture as part of its Educational Summer Creative Arts Production and Entertainment, Youth E.S.C.A.P.E. program.
This year’s workshop saw a surge of interest in this art form based on the record attendance (in 2015 the number of participants of this workshop was 20, while this year’s attendance stood at 50). Participants ranged between the ages of 4 to 18.
Participants were exposed to a series of techniques and skills pertaining to the art of drumming. A few life lessons were also taught along the way with the instructors and other facilitators displaying positive examples, discipline and the importance of working as a team. The workshop participants demonstrated great eagerness and excitement to learn and to master this fascinating instrument.
The workshop culminated with a showcase at the Governor’s residence which allowed these aspiring young musicians an opportunity to demonstrate the skills learnt before their families, friends, supporters and Government officers. In addition it afforded the more shy participants an opportunity to build confidence in their ability to perform in front of an audience. Some of the workshop sessions and a portion of the showcase was also video tapped by the BBC Network.
Special mention must be made of some of the individuals who went out of their way to assist in making this workshop a success: Assistant instructors Mr. Davon Carty and Mr. Trevis Rouse, Mrs. Marcia Findlay and Mrs. Dorice Fleming workshop assistants and Mr. Curtis Robinson who provided the Bass guitar accompaniment at both the workshop sessions and the showcase.
Special thanks to H.E. The Governor Christina Scott for hosting the Friday evening’s performance at the Governor’s residence as well as the staff of both the Governor’s office and the Department of Youth and Culture who went over and beyond the call of duty to offer their assistance.
The art of drumming and music workshop will be held annually and is definitely a great step towards enhancing the musical capabilities and performance arts of the island’s youths.
For those enthusiastic young people who may not want to wait an entire year for the next workshop, Mr. Jaiden Fleming also offers private drum lessons for persons age 4 and up.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian Newspaper.)
