December 12-14
"The earliest experience is of the rhythms of the heartbeat, so we're all initially connected to and aware of rhythm. The music already exists within us." Give birth to the power and strength of healing and creativity. Drum from the heart; celebrate our heart connection; connect with your personal power; feel the rhythm of life; give yourself the gift of delight; find vital new enthusiasm; sail through the rest of the holidays. Journey to the center of your own unique rhythmic sensibilities in a non-competitive, playful environment. Ubaka's spirited and engaging guidance leads us into our own personal power through intuitive drumming, storytelling, chanting, and drumsongs. And drumming is fun!
Ubaka Hill's popular workshops provide the beginning and intermediate drummer with a foundation in the universal language of drumsong - the exploration of rhythm and resonance. She infuses her workshops with humor, grace, and wisdom, as we explore the art and spirit of drumming as a pathway to connection with our own inner rhythm and authentic self-expression. Experience the energizing, unifying, and revitalizing effects of individual and group playing and improvising. Learn about developing and improving playing techniques, breathing, playing posture, concentration, and physical dexterity. We'll also explore drum etiquette, acquiring a drum, care and maintenance of drums, and drum tuning. All drums, rattles, singing bowls, and melodic instruments are welcome. No previous experience with drumming is needed. "Learn at your own pace; play from your center."
Ubaka Hill, a nationally known drummer, storyteller, teacher, performer, and visual artist, began drumming professionally with a local jazz group when she was 18. Since then she's performed with various creative artists and co-founded percussion performance groups. The root of Hill's drumsong is primarily intuitive, inspired by the rhythmic drumming traditions of North and West Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, American Jazz, and Shamanism interwoven with poetry and song. With great energy, talent, and sensitivity, she brings drums, percussion, poetry, and song to various celebrations and ceremonies. As a teacher, she has the unique ability to make drumming easily accessible to all who want to feel their own voices through the voices of drums. One of thirteen children, she considers Harriet Tubman to be her personal mentor and brings her life's experience and deep sense of responsibility to everything she does. ShapeShifterS, the name of her all-women performance ensemble, is also a best-selling CD, as is Dance the Spiral Dance. She founded The Drumsong Institute and is musical director of the Drumsong Orchestra. Ubaka teaches drumming in a way that touches people and communicates joy, and she's so wonderful that we have her back every year.