We are based in Sheffield and typically travel within a 50 to 70-mile radius, covering areas such as South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, and the Midlands. We can travel further afield, but this may incur extra costs for mileage and potentially accommodation if needed for early morning starts. Schools in more distant locations often collaborate with nearby schools for a two or three-day provision, allowing them to share travel and accommodation costs.

For African drumming and Samba workshops, we can accommodate up to 240 to 270 children in a day, with sessions capped at 5 to 6 per day. The number of sessions depends on the school’s facilities. If the same room is needed for lunches, it may limit us to 5 sessions. With a separate large room available, we can offer up to 6 sessions. Two-day bookings are also possible, providing a discount for block bookings for schools with over 12 classes. Boomwhackers workshops can accommodate slightly more children, with group sizes of up to 60, potentially covering up to 300 children in a day.

Yes, we offer focus day packages for 1 to 3 classes. The school may wish to broaden participation to 2 or 3 classes. However, if it is just for one class, and the children are in Year 2 or upwards, we have sufficient material to engage one class for the whole day. This can include convenient breaks, an assembly presentation with a Q&A session, and a performance by the children for the rest of the school and/or their parents. For Reception or Year 1 children, we recommend a half-day program, either in the morning or afternoon, tailored to their shorter attention spans. If there are budget constraints, a half-day option is also available for children older than Reception and Year 1. These options provide a comprehensive experience depending on the school’s preference.

We usually use a school hall or other large room. If a school hall is used for lunches, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to clear the equipment before the dinner staff sets up. After lunch, about 15 to 20 minutes are needed to set up again. Upon arrival at the beginning of the day, we typically need about an hour to set up before the first session. If there’s a breakfast club, as long as the equipment can be brought inside or close to the hall, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to set up after the breakfast club has cleared the room. We can sometimes use a classroom for one class if the tables are able to be stacked up to create space for a drum circle. We’re happy to advise on whether this setup is feasible if necessary.

For children with sensitive hearing, we recommend bringing their own ear defenders if available. We also provide a few ear defenders in all sessions and discreetly distribute them to avoid causing anxiety. If teachers inform us about children with anxiety over loud noises or sensitive hearing, we tailor the session to introduce the drumming experience in a gentle way. This approach often helps children engage without noise becoming an issue.

Sessions are typically 45 minutes, though they can be shorter for younger children, such as those in the Foundation or Reception age groups. For Year 1 and upwards, sessions are generally 45 minutes, with the possibility of extending slightly for older children in Key Stage 2, up to 50 minutes to an hour. We can draft a timetable for the school, factoring in general timings and logistics, to streamline the process. Additionally, sessions can be tailored for each year group, including a special approach for very young children in the Foundation and Reception age.

• Music Skills: Our workshops enhance understanding of polyrhythm, teaching children to focus on one rhythm while perceiving its connection with others, which is crucial for group music settings and listening skills.
• Literacy: Using vocalisation with words to teach rhythms improves literacy by helping children understand syllables and rhythm patterns.
• Emotional Expression: Encouraging movement with rhythm builds confidence, particularly for children less comfortable with physical expression.
• African Dance: Incorporating African dance adds a physical element, promoting fitness and confidence through expressive movement.
• Boomwhackers and Science: Our Boomwhackers sessions explore the science of sound, demonstrating how sound works in a scientific context.
• Volume and Pitch: Boomwhackers also help young children understand the difference between volume and pitch, contributing to their music education.
• Listening Skills: We teach very young children that music is created through playing and not playing, listening to others, and creating a dialogue through rhythm

Our new ‘Rubbish Rhythms’ workshop is a junk percussion experience that encourages children to be resourceful and discover that music can be made from unexpected items. It’s perfect for projects on the environment, recycling, and sustainability.