Firstly, it was fantastic just to be at the ‘Underneath The Stars’ Festival. Sitting in a field enjoying live music again was incredible. We loved having actual ‘in person’ musicians playing for us and it seemed those performing were very glad to be back on stage too.
But, my favourite part of the whole festival, was still our two drumming workshops. They were both great fun, but the Sunday morning workshop was particularly special. It didn’t get off to a very auspicious start. Covid meant we were outside and it was threatening to rain. The boss (aka Steve Rivers) after some pacing about and teeth gnashing, decided it would be best to use the Samba drums and hand percussion. Water and the Djembes (African drums) definitely do not mix! This turned out to be an excellent choice. It was raining quite hard as we approached the time the workshop was due to start.
We were all ready, but with a few minutes to go, we wondered if anyone else would turn up for a drumming workshop in the rain at 10.00am on a Sunday morning. The first group to arrive were greeted with open arms. We started handing round the instruments and the next time I looked up we had gathered quite a crowd. Hurrah!
I assigned myself to the largest of the Surdo (Samba bass drums), and I soon had two lovely workshop participants join me. Steve very quickly had a really funky multi-part Samba style rhythm going. I loved watching Unbeatable Energy Team Member Amy in her rainbow wellingtons introducing choreography to her section. So, inspiring and joyful.
My next thought was that Steve would quite likely want us to start parading Carnival style. I wondered if I’d regret choosing the largest drum available! I did some experimental steps forwards and back and was relieved to discover it was all quite manageable. When we reached that point in the workshop I set off confidently and we soon had a proper Carnival style procession going. Imagine Rio but with a lot more rain!
At the end of the workshop, one of my little team of Surdo players said ‘That was brilliant. I’ve always wanted to do that’. Unbeatable (or should that be Undampable) Energy helping someone achieve a long held ambition! This lovely lady’s Sister bought me a much needed coffee too!
Now, I just needed to figure out how on earth I was going to dry myself out!
Viva Aquasamba!
By Zoe Jeffryes, Unbeatable Energy team member
Our Drumming events can be adapted to all types of British summer weather. If you are looking a fun and inclusive drumming workshop for your festival, please get in touch.