On August 21 and 22, the nine Prep classes across both campuses enjoyed participating in an African Drumming Incursion. Led by Odai, who was born in Ghana, the Preps each had their own drum and relished singing, dancing and playing along to traditional West African chants, rhythms and songs.
The session was very loud and dynamic, but the children worked hard to follow instructions and play at the right times. They learnt to play their drums with alternating hands, different patterns and to count carefully when playing various rhythms. Some students even got to play two drums at once, while others performed solos! It was surprising how exhausted the students were at the end, as African Drumming involves whole-body movement. Each student was engaged and participated enthusiastically throughout the incursion.
Here are some responses from one of our Prep classes following the incursion:
What was your favourite part?
“Tapping 1-2-3-4 was so much fun!” Cordelia
“Singing ‘Waka Waka’ and Shakira was my favourite!” Elena
“The Drum roll.” Marcus
What did you learn?
“Once you stop, you can play your own beat.” Jayce
What surprised you?
“You can beat to any song with the drums.” Josiah
Anything else you want to share?
“We wish we all had a drum!” Prep A (Werribee)