PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN THE DRUMZ WINTER 2010 Schedule!
The DRUMSISTA Women's Performance Class which meets on Tuesday evenings will be meeting from 7:30-9pm rather than the earlier time mentioned previously! This class is 12 weeks and begins Tuesday, Jan. 12th! This culminates in a public performance on April 17th. Call for details:453-9090 or email Sherry at: sdrumz@austin.rr.com
You must have taken at least one beginner session to join this group OR have previous hand or stick drumming experience! Thanks!

The Beginner Djundun class will be meeting from6:15pm-7:15pm now on Tuesday evenings! This class also begins Tuesday, January 12th. Please call DRUMZ at 453-9090 to register or email Sherry directly at : sdrumz@austin.rr.com

Winter I Class Schedule 2010
Hand Drumming classes begin January 12,2010

With teacher, Sherry Gingras

DRUMZ....Celebrating creativity, compassion, connection & communication through rhythm!

Class sessions are six weeks long with classes meeting weekly.Cost: $90 per six week session ( $15 per class) or $17.50 per class drop in. There are duplicate classes offered in Beginner classes and also Beyond Beginner classes so that make-up classes during the sessions are available. It is not possible, however, to make up classes you miss in one session in the following session. Make-up classes do not carry over to another session but must be made up within the same six weeks session. Thank-you for your understanding and cooperation with this. I do try to provide the opportunity for people to make up a missed class within the session. And, of course, one always has the option of attending classes on a drop in basis if one knows in advance that several classes must be missed in a particular session! MC/VISA available. PLEASE CALL (453-9090)OR EMAIL DRUMZ (sdrumz@austin.rr.com)AND REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THE CLASSES OF YOUR CHOICE AS CLASSES DO FILL UP! REMEMBER THAT GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR CLASSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE! You may pay on the first day of class if you need to , but please call and confirm your spot in advance to insure that you get the class of your choice! Thanks!

*NEW CLASS*TUESDAY EVENINGS, THE DRUMSISTAS, PERFORMANCE CLASS for women will meet from 6:30pm-8pm for 12 weeks. This class will culminate in a performance in the spring at a big Benefit concert with the Djembabes and promises to be an exciting and powerful experience! It is necessary to have at least had one or two beginner sessions under your belt for this class as we will not be covering foundation instruction but will be working on material for the concert in the Spring! This class will involve djundun players, djembe players, shekere, krings, bell, and vocals! I look forward to working on some exciting new material with this group!This is a 12 week session of hour and a half class time. Cost: $250 total . Payment may be broken into two $125 payments for this class or save $25 up front and pay $225 at the first class for all 12 weeks. Class begins January 12th.

*NEW CLASS* BEGINNING DJUNDUN CLASS meets from 8:15pm-9:15pm on Tuesday evenings. This is a brand new introductory level class in djundun. If you have been fascinated by the powerful stick drums, the djunduns, this class may be for you! There is truly something very empowering and exhilarating about playing the djunduns. You do not need your own djun for this class, though students will need to purchase their own sticks for class and for practice! We will learn how to hold the sticks properly and the role each of the bass drums plays in the rhythm and in the ensemble, we will learn bell and djun combination patterns and begin our exploration of these powerful, exciting bass drums;the sangban, the kinkine, and the djundunba. We will begin to identify and discover the beautiful melodies these drums create in establishing the foundation for the rhythms. This class will take us to a whole new place of LISTENING and of FEELING! This class begins January 12th.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF HAND DRUMMING BEGINNER SERIES STARTS ON JANUARY 13th from 8pm-9pm. This class covers the fundamentals of hand drumming and rhythm, technique instruction, exercises to develop technique, a traditional rhythm pattern with all the parts of the ensemble from West AFrica, as well as an opportunity to explore grup music making and improvisation with many instruments. NO PREVIOUS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE is necessary! If you have a heartbeat, you HAVE rhythm! Join us and wake up your own inner rhythmic sensibilities while learning to share rhythm with others...a very basic human need! Watch your spirit soar and your creative potential unfold! Drumz are provided for classes and though it is always ideal to have your own drum for practice, it is not required. Class begins January 13th!

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS " BEYOND BEGINNER" CLASS meets from 6:45pm-7:45pm. This class is for those folks already familiar with playing West African rhythms and hand drums. If you have taken the beginner sessions enough times to feel totally comfortable with learning rhythms and that level of complexity, have a good understanding of the hand technique and just feel an inner need to "move onward" on the drummer's path, this class is for you! We work with more complex rhythms, move at a faster pace in class, and begin working on more complicated djun/bell combination rhythms. When learning to drum it is essential to feel relaxed and at ease and content with being where you are in your development as a drummer in order to develop more precision, fluidity, memorization, technique, balance, accurate timing, refined listening skills etc.BEING WHERE WE ARE is one of life's challenges, especially in our culture where moving ahead is promoted so ruthlessly! Master where you ARE, rather than always seeking to be somewhere else that you perceive to be a destination and you will see yourself grow and develop and unfold as the drummer that you ARE in a beautiful way.Class begins on January 13th!

THURSDAY MORNING WOMEN'S CLASS, "REMEMBERING RHYTHM" meets from 10:30am-11:30ish every Thursday morning! This is a really fun, supportive, relaxed group of women learning to make music together through our drums and rhythms and songs. It is an all level class but it is recomended that you have at least completed one Beginner Level session ( or have some drumming experience under your belt!) to attend this group as we do not cover the fundamentals in this class. Starts January 14th!

THURSDAY EVENING INTERMEDIATE/BEYOND BEGINNER DJUNDUN CLASS meets from 6:45pm-7:45pm. This has been an exceptionally fun class and the students attending these djuns classes have advanced with amazing speed! It has been wonderful to have a class where we focus exclusively on the powerful bass drums of the ensemble, the lovely, melodic Sangban, the precise, steady Kinkine, and the resonant, powerful djundunba! We work with djun/bell combinations and move at a relatively fast pace in this class. It is necessary to have your own sticks and a djundun or some form of drum to practice on with sticks for this class in order to progress and keep up with the other class members. I am offereing a new beginer djundun class on Tuesdays for students who do NOT have a djun and wish to begin this study. Class begins January 14th.

THURSDAY EVENING INTERMEDIATE DJEMBE CLASS meets from 8-9pm on Thursday evenings. In this class we develop more complicated "arrangements"with our rhythms, learn traditional solo patterns and phrasings, and in general work at a faster pace and a more advanced level. If you have a question on whether or not you would be at an appropriate level for this class, please feel free to call me and together we can make a good decision that can help you develop and grow as a drummer in a healthy way, with respect for the culture and the instruments we play without PUSHING yourself and thus impeding your natural progression as a drummer.Class starts January 14th.

SATURDAY MORNING BEGINNER CLASS meets Saturday mornings from 10am-11am beginning January 16th! Join us for a Discovering the Magic of Hand Drumming series and watch your inner musician and your creative spirit come to life! Please see the class description detailed above for Wednesday evening BEGINNER Class! If you need to miss a Saturday class you may always make up the class on a Wednesday evening! This class begins on January 16th! A little drumming and rhythm making and an enjoyable a breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe ( before OR after class) and your Saturday will start off like a dream!



SATURDAY MORNING BEYOND BEGINNER CLASS meets from 11:15am -12:15pm on Saturday mornings. This class is the same level as the Wednesday evening class and it is possible to go back and forth between the two classes if you must do so to accommodate your schedule or if you miss a class due to illness. Plerase see class description above! This class begins Saturday morning, January 16th.

DRUMZ will begin the 2010 Winter Session on January 12th!
The schedule will be posted very soon! Gift certificates for our
six week sessions are available for holiday gifts! Classes are
offered in all levels! Sessions are still only $90 for six weeks of weekly
classes.There are some exciting NEW classes being offered in the Winter
2010 Session!
*A new class for Beginner Djundun will be offered
in the new session as well as a new 12 week women's performance class
on Tuesday evenings, "The Drumsistas!" . There will also be a new vocal
class," The JOY of African Songs", offered for men and women culminating
in a performance with THE DJEMBABES and " The Drumsistas!" at a
Spring Benefit Concert! We are also offereing a didgeridoo session with Eliot Stone!

Our regular classes are offered for Beginner , Beyond Beginner, and Intermediate
level students with a Djundun class offered for Intermediate/Beyond Beginners as
well.Please call DRUMZ at 453-9090 or email us at: sdrumz@austin.rr.com for details or to add your name to our email list for class information and schedules!

ON DECEMBER 6, 2009, A SUNDAY AFTERNOON FROM 4pm-6pm, SHERRY WILL BE TEACHING ANOTHER "DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF HAND DRUMMING" WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS!
Everyone is invited to join us and see what all the fun is about! Drum Circles are happening everywhere! People are drawn to drumming from a place deep within...that place inside each of us where harmony and peace reside...where everything is in sync and in time...the core of our being! Rhythm surrounds us and is inside of us...everything is in rhythm all the time! It is a basic human need to share and express rhythm together with others! Group music making is our birthright and helps keep us healthy and happy as individuals and collectively! Come enjoy an introduction to hand drumming and learn the FUN-damentals! No previous musical experience is necessary! If you have a heartbeat, you HAVE rhythm! Drumming brings many benefits to our bodies, minds, and spirits. Drumming can bring you to a deeper level of relaxation, stress release,higher energy, a doorway to your creative potential, and a new way to express yourself and connect with others! Please call for more information or to register! MC/VISA accepted. 512-453-9090. Call early to save your space!COST: $35. Drums are provided.

Fall Classes underway at DRUMZ!
The Fall ll session of classes began Oct. 14, 2009 for weekday classes and the Saturday classes begin their NEW SESSION this Saturday, Oct. 24th!


Greetings!
Just a reminder that the Fall ll Session, which will be the last six week session of 2009, begins next week! After this session we are all in the midst of Holiday goings-on and the on-going classes will be on break until January 2010. I look forward to sharing a rhythm with you soon! Remember, drumming relaxes, energizes, and inspires our bodies, minds, and spirits and is accessible to everyone! If you have a heartbeat, you have rhythm! Join us in a lovely and nurturing environment, , FILLED with percussive toys , with a warm, supportive group of new friends as you discover and liberate the creative musician inside yourself! DRUMZ is located in a charming and convenient Central Austin neighborhood just off West 35th and Mopac on Kerbey Lane, between Kerbey Lane Cafe and Pasta Plus! 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane. 512-453-9090. Sherry Gingras has been teaching hand drumming in Austin for over 12 years. Drums are provided for beginners! DRUMZ has Austin's largest selection of World Percussion instruments including extreme & phenomenal DJEMBES from West Africa! Please feel free to send this schedule on to your friends who may be interested in a class!

FYI! The New Djundun class on Thursday evenings at 6:45pm has been very full, of students and of fun, so I have decided to continue this class in the next session! That class is Intermediate level/Beyond Beginner and it is optimal ( though not required) to have your own djundun and sticks ( the sticks are in now at DRUMZ!) or at least have the plan to get one in the not too distant future in order to practice! The class is moving along very quickly! I plan to offer a Beginner Level Djundun class in January for those of you contemplating learning to play these wonderful and very gratifying bass drums!

Also, remember that Oct. 23rd, Friday evening from 7-9pm Eliot stone is teaching another all level didgeridoo workshop at DRUMZ. Eliot has just returned from a trip to Australia where he studied in the Yolngu community in the remote bush country of Northern Australia and was given permission to share the teachings by the custodian of this ancient tradition. didges will be provided for use and for sale.Workshop cost: $40
Peace,love, and gratitude, Sherry

DRUMZ

A World Percussion Paradise on Kerbey Lane

Celebrating creativity, community, compassion and connection!
FALL ll Schedule
NEW 6-week SESSION OF CLASSES BEGINS DRUMZ

Weekday Drumz Classes Begin October 14 and 15



Wednesdays, beginning October 14

Beyond Beginner - 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Beginner – 8-9 pm



Thursdays, beginning October 15

Women-only Class - 10:30 - 11:30 am

Djundun Class (Intermediate/Beyond Beginner)- 6:45 - 7:45 pm

Intermediate Djembe - 8 – 9 pm



Weekend Drumz Classes Begin October 24



Saturdays, beginning October 24

(Saturday classes started a week later last session, and begin a week later this session)

Beginner - 10 - 11 am

Beyond Beginner - 11:15 am - 12:15pm



To register, call 453-9090. Classes are $90 per six-week session.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.drumzaustin.net

NEW FALL SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2nd!

Summer classes are drawing to a close and I am going to be traveling a bit the last two weeks in July and also the last ten days in August! I look forward to returning to the regular six week class sessions in the Fall and hope to see your smiling faces again in September ( along with a lot of new ones!). It has been another amazing year of teaching and I believe my trip to Guinea in West Africa in January to study again with Mamady Keita will be an experience that will deepen and enrich my teaching and drumming skills for ever more. Getting to experience Africa first hand and learn this music and the traditions while actually feeling, breathing, smelling, touching and tasting this rich and beautiful culture, was a powerful experience for me and I will be forever grateful for all that I learned. I am excited about teaching you all much more of what I learned in Guinea in the Fall and I thank-you each of you for your dedication and commitment as students of the drum this last year. Thank-you for supporting me as a teacher and thank-you so much for your continued support of DRUMZ during this challenging economic time! Shopping locally in these times is more important to small Austin businesses than ever before. I will be teaching several workshops during the remainder of the summer here at DRUMZ, including an Intermediate/Beyond Beginner Djundun workshop on July 22, a Wednesday evening from 7-9pm and also a Beginner's Discovering the Magic Workshop from 7-9pm on Friday evening July 24th. Please call DRUMZ to register for either of these or for more information, or check out "Workshops" on the website! Also check in with www.rhythmconnection.net for updates.
May all of our rhythms be in celebration of diversity, may all of our rhythms be bridges to understanding, and may all of our rhythms be instruments of peace, of healing, of joy, and of hope! Axe Axe
In love and gratitude,
Sherry

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS:
"The BASICS: BEGINNING ON THE DRUMMER'S PATH", a class for beginners! This class meets from 8-9pm on Wednesday evenings at DRUMZ, 3700 1/2 Kerbey Lane in the purple Cottage behind "Caroline's". This is a six week session for $90 or classes are $17 each drop-in basis. Begins September 2nd. NO PREVIOUS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY AND DRUMS ARE PROVIDED FOR THE BEGINNER CLASSES! Come join us for a fun, creative, musical experience where we learn a new language , the language of the DRUM, with which to communicate and connect with other's and to express ourselves and our spirits in a vibrant and joyful new way! Rhythm is our natived tongue and we can all learn to speak expressively with our instruments through the Universal language of music. We will learn and explore West African style rhythms and songs as well as improvisational pieces! Join us and reclaim the musician inside YOU!

BEYOND BEGINNER CLASS , FOR THOSE STUDENTS WITH PREVIOUS DRUM EXPERIENCE . This class Meets 6:45pm-7:45 PM, SIX WEEK SESSION, Six classes for $90 or $17 per class drop-in at DRUMZ .Teacher, Sherry Gingras STARTS Sept. 2nd. Join this class for a faster pace, more complex rhythm patterns, and beginning experience with soloing.

THURSDAYS
Thursday Morning Women’s Drum Circle/Class, “ Remembering Rhythm” will meet from 10:30am-11:30am at Drumz! This is an all level class but the beginner’s session is recommended first to cover the fundamentals! $90 for six weeks session. Begins Thursday,Sept. 3rd!

**(NEW!) Thursday evening: Serious Drummin’ Djundun Classes for Beyond Beginner/Intermediates! 6:45pm-7:45pm Please bring your own sticks! (sticks are available for sale at DRUMZ or you can find large drum sticks at music stores) This class is new and will be a weekly class which will take place the first six weeks in the Fall session. I will then determine if this class needs to be an on-going class or just an occasional option for a six week session periodically. Limit 12 students. Please let me know if you are interested in
this class.

Thursday evening INTERMEDIATE Level Djembe Class. 8-9pm. This class will focus on more advanced rhythms and the djembe, though djuns will be played in this class as well.
We will work with more complicated intro pieces and breaks with djembe and djuns and some traditional solo work on djembe as well.

SATURDAY MORNINGS

Saturday morning Beginner Class- 10-11am begins September 5th.
Saturday morning Beyond Beginner – 11am-noon begins September 5th.

All classes with teacher Sherry Gingras