Ethnic Influenced Music Improvisation Workshop

Workshop participants explore an exciting array of music improvisation tools and techniques designed to bring out the musician in each of them! Mary weaves music concepts such as form, meter, dynamics, conducting, pentatonic scales, ethnic scales, spoken rhythmic language, and others into a variety of ensemble forms including duets, trios, and quartets. Through the exploration of the musical heritage and traditions of many lands, Mary believes that cultural understanding, awareness, and appreciation can be achieved and nurtured.

Workshop activities include:
Music improvisation influenced by movement
Ethnic drum patterns: simplicity in application
African, Asian, Middle Eastern rhythms
South American, Caribbean
India : Solkattu drum language, drones, scales, and rhythmic cycles
Indonesian gamelan
Unique and unusual instruments (hang drum)
Boomwhackers!
Community Song Styles
Ensemble improvisations
Blues
Found sound ensembles (ala STOMP styles)
Infusing simple creative ideas and tools into diversity outreach programs
Drawing upon students for input and ideas
Opening the “back door” to “diversity awareness” possibilities
Working with special needs populations
Creative tools for conducting
Poly rhythms: Accents

Rhythm Village

Ethnic Influenced Music Improvisation

Performance Based Workshops and Residencies

Music and Movement Through The Ages

Instrument-Making Workshops

High School Leadership and Diversity Drumming