Class # 12 - Jan 24

Variations

Learn a new variation or two, and combine them with previous variations.

Low Line 

Sing a rhythm, like this:

1   .   2   .   3   .   4   .

D   D   .   T   D   .   T   .
low low .   hi  low .   hi  .

Cycle through the following sequence:

1. play the rhythm
   
2. sing the rhythm (low hi)
   
3. sing the rhythm and play the lows
4. play the lows 

Repeat as above, but practice along with a metronome, at first a slow, then moderate, and finally a quick tempo.  

Calls

While playing a rhythm at a slow tempo, vocalize a one-syllable call on one (don't follow the call, just vocalize it). When that begins to feel automatic, practice with a new one-syllable call, then another. 

Switch to a moderate tempo and repeat the above sequence, and then repeat it at a fast tempo. 

Next, repeat all of the above sequences using two-syllable calls. Experiment with putting the first syllable on one, and the second syllable on two (or the and). In other words - make the call in time.

Next, repeat, vocalizing three-syllable calls, etc. 

Class #8 - Nov 28

Coordination and Ka Exercise

* K K * K K * K

Doumbeks: Replace * with Dum, Tek  (mix it up)

Framedrums: Replace* with Dum, Tek and Cha, and play Ka with ring finger only, or with ring then middle (or vice versa) (mix it up)

New Call

Reset - Stop playing while the caller counts in new tempo

Practice Suggestions

• Do the Coordination and Ka Exercise above with and without a metronome. Follow the sequence layed out in the first basic coordination exercise.
  
  
• To also practice your notation reading and writing skills, write a list of variations to play, and play them in that order, for example:
  

D k k D k k D k
D k k T r m D k
T k k D k k C k ... etc.

• Tap your foot whenever you hear music. (Are you tapping ON the beat?)
  
  
• Practice calling Reset and counting yourself in to a new tempo
  

Making the Call

Making calls involves several skills, including speaking while playing, speaking with volume and annunciation, and timing. One way to practice is to focus on each of these in turn.

1. Speaking While Playing: Play a "home" version of rhythm you’re very comfortable with, at a moderate tempo. Read each of the calls out loud while you continue playing (don’t DO any of the calls at this point – just call out the words). Take a belly breath between each call. If your playing stumbles, just begin again, and make the same call until you can do so while keeping the rhythm going smoothly, taking a belly breath each time. When you make a call smoothly while playing, move on to the next call.
   
   
2. Speaking with volume and annunciation: Repeat the preceding exercise, and this time, focus on making the call distinctly, at a loud enough volume that a small group of other players could hear you above their drums. Again, don’t worry about following the direction of the call – just get the words out loud and clear.
   
   
3. Timing: Repeat the preceding exercise, and this time, make each call on the FIRST beat of the rhythm’s cycle.
   
   
4. Putting it together: Repeat steps 1-3, and this time, follow the instructions of the call. 

Happy practicing!

Class #7 - Nov 22

New Calls

N Downs - p. 43*

N Double Downs - p. 43*
Gimme N (opt. rising/falling) - p. 48*

Suggested Reading

The River: See pages 49-50*

* Page numbers refer to our textbook, New World Rhythmatism by Joshua Levin and Deborah Nervig.

Practice Tips

Get out your metronome or drum machine, and work on your stamina.

Class # 2 - Oct 18

Class Review for Oct. 18, 2009


New Rhythm

Ayoub 2/4 (listen)
1...2...
D..kD.T.

Omar Faruk Tekbilek's composition "Whirling Dervish" from the album Whirling has a slow ayoub rhythm that speeds up in the second half. Listen to it on YouTube, or buy the track for a dollar at the iTunes Store or iMeem. 

see Notes on Notation


New Calls

"Sing it" - speak the rhythm or cycle of rhythm once, unless another number is specified

"One" - designate the beginning of a cycle

"_______" (name of rhythm) - Call the ensemble to begin playing the new rhythm at the beginning of the cycle

"Add _______" - Attach one cycle of the named rhythm to the end of the established cycle (see NWR, p. 49)

"Drop _______" - Stop playing the named rhythm (see NWR, p. 49)

"Converge in the River" - Play unison subdivisions of the pulse without any time signature or stylistic variation (see NWR, p. 49)

See Straight Roll Drill

Class #1 Review

Class notes from October 11th

Please feel free to post questions or observations below as a comment.

Dum, Tek and Ka

See tips on Practicing Good Form and Coordination Practice. 

Frame drummers, also check out Joshua Levin's videos on playing the frame drum while seated and while standing. 

Doumbek players, take a look at Alex Spurkel's videos on playing the Dum, the Tek, and the the Ka (what he calls "Caa")

Beladi

1...2...3...4...
D.D...T.D...t... Home (listen)
D.D.T.k.D.k.T... Walking (listen)

See tips on Learning a New Rhythm or Variation


NWR Cues

“Show Me One” - Ask for the location of the first beat of the cycle. Other ensemble mates will call out “1” at the appropriate spot in time
“Count #” – Stop playing for designated number of pulses
“Go Home” – Return to the core unembellished structure of the rhythm
“Break” - Stop playing for the duration of the current cycle
“Cut” - An abrupt ending at the end of the current cycle
“Match Me” - Play what I am playing
“Sail In” – Quietly begin and slowly increase volume
“Sup” - Slowly increase tempo
“Slowit” - Slowly decrease tempo
“Level up” – Slowly increase volume
“Level Down” – Slowly decrease volume
“Steady” - Hold the current temp / volume indefinitely