|  Introduction
to Frame Drumming and Drum Language
Advanced Techniques for Frame Drumming
Glen Velez
Introduction to Frame Drumming and Drum Language
The frame
drum is found in many cultures, and uses an extensive array
of hand techniques and rhythms. Unlike the tambourine, to
which it is often compared, the frame drum comes in a wide
variety of sizes—from very large to quite small—with
or without jingles. Generally played with the fingers, its
ringing tones create a powerful drone effect. Through the
use of simple vocalizations, anyone can delve into the fantastic
world of frame drumming. Our voices are already masters of
rhythmic nuance as we express ourselves in daily life.
In this workshop participants will use this voice wisdom
to access the electric rhythms and sounds of frame drumming.
We will draw on the traditions of Arabic and South Indian
drumming, which trace their lineage to ancient Egypt, Greece,
and Mesopotamia, to create an ecstatic community drumming
experience. This workshop will begin with overtone singing,
which will put you in touch with your breathing and slow down
your active mind.
No prior experience in drumming is necessary. Drums will
be provided.
Advanced Techniques for Frame Drumming
In this workshop we will explore a wide variety of hand movements—drawn
from Arabic, South Indian, Central Asian, South Italian, and
Basque drumming styles—that are applicable to the frame
drum. Renowned percussionist Glen Velez will demonstrate the
interweaving of these styles, and together the group will
practice how to flow from one technique to another. Our rhythmic
voice will be the thread that connects us to our breath and
the primordial pulse and unifies us with our drumming.
Drums will be provided.
Drumming experience is recommended.
| Glen Velez is
a Grammy Award-winning percussionist, an international
soloist, and a seminal figure in the history of
the frame drum. After 15 years performing and
recording with Steve Reich and Paul Winter, he
is working as a soloist while continuing to collaborate
with a variety of prominent artists in many genres.
Glen’s own compositions have been featured
on National Public Radio’s All Things
Considered and John Schaefer’s New
Sounds, and have been commissioned by the
Rockefeller Foundation and the Jerome Foundation,
among other organizations. As a master teacher,
he has developed his own teaching approach called
“The Handance Method,” which incorporates
voice and body movement into the process of learning
to play the frame drum and has been presented
in hundreds of universities worldwide.
|
|
|
