Rhythm Word Drum
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Abiodun Oyewole, Steve Leicach & Tony Vacca
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Tony Vacca, Abiodun Oyewole and Steve Leicach
From the rhythm of our heartbeats to the rhythms of the natural forces that surround us, we shape our music and our stories. We have passed these stories on from generation to generation since the moment when language began. Putting our words to the rhythms of the drums, and putting our minds to the business of culture-building and spiritual survival is the highest province of the poets and drummers. From the ancient African griots and soothsayers, to the Greek orators, to the 21st century hip-hop poets and rap artists, the flowing together of rhythm, word and drum is the ultimate challenge of language and communication. It's the simplest, oldest, and maybe even the most powerful tool in the creation of lasting images of ourselves, our ideas, and the nearly infinite possibilities we embody.
Percussionists Tony Vacca and Steve Leicach of World Rhythms Ensemble combine forces with Abiodun Oyewold of The Last Poets, the group commonly referred to as the founding fathers of what rap was always supposed to be. They use balafons, gongs, drums and the power of language to speak their minds and their music. This combination of performers and the ancient and contemporary traditions they practice, is what artistry and innovation are all about. The drum is a voice and the voice is a drum... And they raise their voices to illustrate human strengths and frailities, to call up the memories of those upon whose shoulders we now stand, and to send us home, wherever home is, stronger than when we arrived.
Deglu len... Listen up.
Workshops
Traditional West African hand drumming (Steve Leicach)
Steve will teach the basic techniques used to play the drums in a West African percussion ensemble, and then apply these techniques within the traditional rhythms. Students will learn the names and applications of these rhythms, and their connections to American musical traditions. (Tony could assist Steve with this workshop)
The Connections of African and African-American Traditions in the Rhythm Poetry Known as Rap (Abiodun Oyewole)
Abiodun brings his 35 years of experience as a poet, as a member of The Last Poets, and as one of the founding fathers of the rap tradition to demonstrate, teach and encourage students to develop their skills and their understanding of this rhythm/word connection. It's about finding your voice, telling your story, knowing your history, and embracing your responsibility to your community. (Steve and/or Tony could accompany Abiodun for this workshop.)
Multi-Culti Rhythm Ensemble (Tony Vacca)
Tony will teach students a percussion composition using djembe drums, rattles, bells, gongs, drum-set, and a variety of other percussion instruments. Students will elarn call and response phrases, use chants, and learn several signals to play five sections within this composition. These pieces involve combinations of rhythms that connect African, Caribbean and American traditions. This ensemble will be able to perform what they've learned for their peers in the school-wide concert. (Steve could assist Tony with this workshop.)
RHYTHM WORD DRUM (Tony, Steve and Abiodun)
Together Tony, Steve, and Abiodun will demonstrate how they create the music and poetry that make their work strong. They'll discuss how they build songs, and invite students to bring their poetry and collaborate in the making of new songs. Students should be prepared with poetry they've written, and be prepared to not only read it, but ot perform it in a rap or poetry format, using Tony, Steve, and Abiodun as performers with them. This has the potential to be included in a performance, but that has to happen organically.
These programs are sponsored in part by the Mass. Cultural Council
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