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Bang a Drum

Hands-On Drumming Workshop (entering grades 3-5)

Participants will learn how to express emotions and develop their unique creativity through drumming in this hands-on workshop. Presented by Josh Robinson.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Somerville Library.

Drumming can be used as a tool to teach an array of life skills. It provides a positive and creative outlet for young people to express themselves and release their emotions in a safe space. The rhythmic quest has taken Josh to Cuba and Brazil where he has studied with masters of percussion. He is currently a member of "Alo Brasil", a 14-piece Philadelphia based Samba group, and “ The Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra” a group that blends drumming traditions from Cuba, Brazil, Africa, and India. He founded “Rhythms & Roots” Latin Music ensemble in 2000 with wife Giovana, and both were selected to the 2003 & 2004 Philadelphia Music Project’s Latin Orchestra led by famed bandleader Johnny Pacheco and Cuban pianist/composer/producer Elio Villafranca.

Since 2002 he has worked with a variety of populations of children and adults as a teaching artist facilitating workshops, residencies, professional development, school assemblies, and after-school programs where he uses percussion as a tool for teaching aspects of communication, teamwork, creativity, leadership, discipline, and cultural awareness through music and instrument making. He is affiliated with many arts organizations and partner organizations for his work with grieving children including T.A.P.S. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), The Moyer Foundation, and NAGC (National Alliance For Grieving Children). 

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