• Option One: FRAME DRUMS. Dynamic and powerful rhythms are explored with hand constructed frame drums. These drums can be complemented with found sound instruments. Students keep the drums and instruments they create. During this residency participants explore beyond conventional boundaries, discovering sounds and rhythms. Rhythm is everywhere, and we learn to discover and appreciate its powerful pulse. Personal experiences are enriched utilizing story, decoration of the student's drums, and group interaction. Traditional multicultural rhythms (Shiko, Clave, Afuche, etc.) are also taught. Drum circles and final day student performances incorporate the workshop lessons. The residency is accessible for all grade and developmental levels.
• Option Two: FOUND SOUNDS. This workshop can be an expansion of Option One. It includes rhythms learned in the first set of lessons employing found sounds (from within the classroom, from our living environment, the recycle bin, wherever you might find an object that has an interesting sound). We might also create our own instruments. Michael has a group of age-appropriate instruments that can be created using step by step instructions. He will also introduce movement and voice into this set of classes. This class expands our ideas of musical instruments. Musical instruments came from other people's creativity...Why not explore our own sonic creativity? Note: If this workshop is taken independently without Option One, the rhythms (Shiko, Clave, Afuche, etc.) will be taught in this session.
• Option Three: MULTICULTURAL PERCUSSION. A popular group of lessons include an introduction to the sounds of multicultural percussion instruments. Classes will explore hand drums, frame drums, kalimbas, shakers, bells, woodblocks, etc. Classes will experience the sounds of these instruments, rhythms of various cultures, and play in the moment with our own rhythms. People frequently say they never realized it could be so easy and fun to play rhythms in a group--this is a fun, joyful program that releases stress, removes boundaries, enables nonverbal communication, and builds teamwork.

• All of these options can, after three lessons, be used as a performance piece with Michael as co-performer.
• All of these classes can be adapted to work with special groups that may be experiencing grief, emotional trauma, or other special needs.

Contact Information

Michael Fitzsimmons
Dancing Man Music
15807 Valley St.
Omaha, NE 68130-1963
Phone: 402-334-6856
Email: dancingmanmusic@gmail.com


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