workshops
Sambangra offers workshops and training led by Ian Holmes-Lewis and other band members.
Ian has over twenty years experience of devising and leading individual workshops and larger projects for schools, colleges, universities, public companies, professional groups, dance companies, theatre companies, and community organizations. Including work with Ballet Rambert, The Halle Orchestra and the British Council.
Sambangra begins with simple and highly accessible techniques, but can progress quickly toward a much deeper engagement with music and performance. The music combines the excitement of Brazilian drumming and samba’s potential to integrate a wide range of abilities and levels of experience with bhangra, hip-hop, reggae & ska. This creates a musical form that can be quickly appreciated and owned by non-Brazilians.
Workshops are tailored to the needs of the group we're working with at the time, but are likely to include some cultural background, warm-up exercises and games, and one or more pieces of percussion music using the complex interaction of simple parts. We will usually involve everybody in some singing or chanting.
There is evidence that this sort of drumming helps attention-span, mental agility, social integration, and even the immune system! (Bittman MD et al - Medical Science Monitor, Feb '05)
"I feel energetic and alert, empowered in mind and body. That's what playing the drums can do for you."
"We have had terrific feedback...loved each and every one of Sambangra's workshops."