Drumming up Some Musical Interest!

Thanks to your continued support, the Lord Aylmer Home & School helped fund a full week drumming workshop at our senior campus with Leo Brooks from Treefrog Percussion.

Leo explains, “there is nothing that fascinates me more than the examination of percussion traditions from around the world. Percussion is a vast world unto itself — my goal in life is to touch a little bit of everything within it."  

​Well he certainly touched the musical sensibilities and creative minds of our students during this fabulous week!

All About the Djembe

Leo brought about 30 djembes to the workshops, giving each student the opportunity to actually learn to play the instrument. Made from hollowed logs using just one piece of wood, djembes are traditionally carved by hand but the djembes Leo uses, " are a good mix of machine and man made."

For Leo, the power of the djembe lies in how accessible it is for even young beginners to be able to make music that is naturally rich and dynamic. This is partly because the design and shape of the drum allow the students to voice deep bass tones by playing the center or ringing clear tones from the edge. Each student's individual musical style can be expressed with this instrument.

From drumming simple beats to trying out their very own creative tunes, the students got a chance to connect with the sounds, rhythms and musical styles of West African culture!

We Thank You for All You Do!

It is activities like these that make such a difference for our students, and fundraising plays an integral part of ensuring that all our students have a myriad of exciting and enriching opportunities throughout the school year.  As such, the Lord Aylmer Home and School would like to thank it's many parents and the Aylmer Community for your continued support during our various fundraising activities.  Thank you!

We would also like to thank Leo Brooks for teaching the kids all about African drums and culture and giving them the opportunity to play the djembes.  For more information about Leo Brooks, his performances and workshops, please visit his Website Treefrog Percussion.