The Artist's Biog (pdf resource) Performance artist Winston Nzinga is an accomplished African-Caribbean percussionist, dancer, singer and teacher. He has worked and performed extensively in the UK, Africa and the Caribbean.Winston's interest in percussive music began at the age of 12 when he joined the Boys' Brigade. After just two years involvement he was made lead drummer. During this time he was also invited to join the drum and dance company Ekome.
Quotes "The enthusiasm, excitement, energy and education that Winston generated was inspirational. "All Saints' C.E. Primary School, Staffordshire.
Geographical area The Caribbean and other countries and cultures (incl Africa, South America and Europe)
Artistic area Blend of traditional and contemporary storytelling with music, riddles, call and response and song.
History of workshop Storytelling has been a traditional means of communicating morals and histories for centuries within the majority of cultures around the world.
Content The artist will introduce friendly, funny and sometimes cheeky characters, setting a journey for a special story with interaction for different ages, including actions, songs, riddles, clapping, call and response and some percussion. Expect to learn about moral issues as well as taking on board catchy songs and rhythms. A story experience that you will never forget!
Ages/abilities
Reception and above
SEN
INSET
Conferences
Training and teambuilding exercises
Numbers Two to three classes per performance, depending on the ages of the participantsTime needed60 minutesSpace needed School hall or cleared classroomEquipment/facilities to be provided by the school Table to lay out equipment and chairSchool/class preparation for artist's visit
Look at maps for the Caribbean and Africa
Establish what the children know about stories and storytelling
Talk about children's experiences of stories - what do they do, and what do they teach them?
Artistic area Afro-Caribbean drumming and percussion, including different kinds of shakers/bells.
History of workshop There are many unique styles of music particular to the Caribbean. One style originated from West Africa via the introduction of slaves, so there is considerable similarity between a West African percussion workshop and a Caribbean percussion workshop.
As in the UK, traditional music and dance accompanies most celebrations in the Caribbean, with some rhythms specific to a particular celebration. The artists will adapt these rhythms and songs to the classroom they are working in, explain the background and make cultural comparisons with the UK.
The djembe drum is particular to West Africa and has many tales about its history and social significance. There are hundreds of rhythms that drummers and dancers throughout West Africa know, and each of these rhythms tells its own story. A drummer must be knowledgeable of the meanings of the rhythms to speak effectively with the drum. Each djembe rhythm and dance has a purpose, a time and a place. Some rhythms honour groups of people; other rhythms mark certain occasions.
Content Start by learning a traditional Caribbean song, then layer the percussion on top to fit the two together. If time allows, some Caribbean storytelling will be incorporated. This workshop is intended to be an uplifting and energetic fully participatory workshop (that means teaching staff are involved too!) Learn about the importance of the drum, which instruments lead a rhythm, and how secret languages give instructions for other instruments to act on.
The rhythms and calls and responses are introduced by using simple English phrases, words or names. This helps the participants to remember their rhythms, especially when the workshops become more complicated and several rhythms are played together.
Ages/abilities
KS1 and above
SEN
INSET
Conferences
Training and teambuilding exercises
Numbers One class size per workshop - maximum of two workshops per day.
Time needed Minimum two hours/half a day. A whole day with one class can include some song, drama and movement, depending on the age of participants.
Space needed School hall or large, cleared classroomSchool/class preparation for artist's visit Chairs in a circle for all the participants.
