Conrad Gair

Teaching, Learning and Exploration

Category: Music Ed

Final Djembe Blog!

November 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Well Djembe, it’s been a slice.

 

I’ve learned lots about the djembe drum. I feel like I know how to do simple beats well, and how to build them into something more complex and varied. I understand the draw to djembe now more than I did previously; I think that this method of creating sound as music is often overlooked, and seen as an incomplete pursuit of sound. I may have even condescended upon it in that way myself, and I think that part of the reason I wanted to do this instrument for my inquiry was to break that pattern of belief. I am happy to feel that perspective shift, and I feel like I understand the immense beauty that drumming can be. The simplicity of this instrument opens up a larger question – is it possible to quantify sound and be able to say one is better than the other? I think it’s easy to get lost in the world of music critiquing and I think learning the Djembe has helped bring me a rejuvenated view: simple is necessary. If we cannot enjoy a simple beat, then how is it possible we enjoy a more complex combination of rhythms, tones and instruments? Though it is just one piece of wood with skin stretched across it, the djembe is extremely versatile and can be used in complex ways. I came to appreciate this throughout my journey, but especially nearing the end, I am feeling that this is instrument, and other single-tone drums have infinite potential in music.

Drum Circle – Experience #2

November 24, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I joined the drum circle at UVic’s Interfaith Chapel last Thursday and it was very fun and engaging. I felt myself more able to keep a consistent beat without changing the pace or rhythm in a negative way. What would happen before is I would play something and, as I got bored of it, I’d add complexities to it, then not be able to keep the original part of the rhythm. I have found that I have been able to add my complexities more consciously and then I am able to make those changes without changing my overall foundation, or disrupting my playing.

To be able to add to my improvisation in this way was one of my main goals of my djembe pursuits.

The other learning experience that arose out of this drumming group was the soar hands I acquired from hitting the drum quite hard and probably for too long. I think that it’s important to continue to respect our bodies, even in the midst of an exciting drumming circle. I basically could not hit a drum for a couple days after! So, I have found that boundary and now I can be aware of my output and pay attention to the amount of pain I may be causing.

Djembe Drumming – See the end of the tunnel!

November 4, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I have done more practicing with the drum. Particularly, Ive been focussing on memorizing entire sequences and executing them just as David Thiaw demonstrates in the book and audio. I am proud to feel like I can play a djembe.

I am having a lot of fun now in improvising on the instrument; I like to begin by playing a rhythm or sequence and then start adding beats and pats that weren’t originally in the sequence to make it more complex. Once I have this foundation in the rhythms, then I can deviate from them and change them in ways, but then still have the foundation to be able to come back into the original rhythm which creates unity in the piece.

We are nearing the end of the semester and I am grateful to feel competent with this interesting and eclectic percussion instrument. I’m happy to have a djembe at home and glad that I can always refer to the audio play-along that I have.

Hurray for Djembe!

 

 

Djembe Djam!

October 19, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Today I got together with a friend who wanted to learn a percussion instrument. We happened to have access to another Djembe and so proceeded with our first lesson. First, I introduced him to the Lead and Other hand concept. Then, we walked through some of the fundamental patterns – Pace, Walk, Trot and Gallop. We practiced switching the lead hand in the trot and gallop; enabling us to flow with the beat in a symmetrical and more dynamic way. As he played the patterns, I would sometimes try improving my own rhythm to transcend the pattern. I taught him from there the Merengue beat; which he picked up quickly and we played it together in unison. It was after we finished this pattern that I realized how much more fun it is to play with another person. Very very fun!

 

Thats all for now

The photo above and in the previous post are taken by me.

 

 

Drum Sessions – Conrad

October 19, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I have not been practicing my drum everyday. But I have finally been able to make progress thanks to the looming deadline of the midterm submission. I have learned the patterns introduced in this book and have also learned the breaks. Then on to sequencing – which, often, are a compilation of the cue, the break, the pattern, and then the break again to finish. changing from a pattern to a break and vice versa has challenged me. Especially, the universal break is challenging on its own for me. Particularly, changing from the Merengue pattern to the Universal break in the Universal-Merengue Sequence forced me to slow down and practice that transition.

I am beginning to enjoy the djembe now. I’m grateful to have time and space to learn this intriguing instrument.

 

Cheerio!

 

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