May 20-22, 2005
(for men and women)
Ubaka Hill’s popular workshops provide the beginning and intermediate drummer with a foundation in the universal language of rhythm and resonance. She infuses her workshops with lessons on drumming as a pathway to connection with our own inner rhythm and authentic selfexpression. Experience the energizing, unifying, and revitalizing effects of individual and group playing and improvising. Learn about playing techniques, breathing, posture, concentration, and physical dexterity. We’ll also explore drum etiquette, care and maintenance, drum tuning, and acquiring a drum. All drums, rattles, singing bowls, and melodic instruments are welcome. No previous experience 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. 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. With great energy, talent, and sensitivity, she shows how percussion, poetry, and song are tools for touching people, building community, and healing. 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. ShapeShifterS, the name of her allwomen performance ensemble, is also a bestselling CD, as is Dance the Spiral Dance. She founded The Drumsong Institute and is musical director of the Drumsong Orchestra.
“Thank you for introducing me to Ubaka Hill’s music. It is refreshing, exhilarating and inspiring! The simplicity of drum, poetry, and music is positively holy! May she reign for a long time!”
—Rhodessa Jones Founder of the Media Project