This last class was by far the most difficult for me. It was hard for me to pick up on the rhythem. But, I do like the challange so I think I'll be okay for when we have to play for the dancers.

Summary

I feel that this last seminar we got the most out of. We finally played together with minimal mistakes, and it sounded good! I can't wait until next class. Hopefull we'll get to practice with the dancers soon.

Listening to Drumming? Not Really

Taken this seminar i havent really listened to music differently than before. Maybe because the music i currently listening to are like pop-ish type of music and does not have a lot of drumming. What i have been noticing is that i try to listen to drumming when a certain song has a drum beat to it. I try to mimic it and try to air play it.

I agree with everyone that our sounds are starting to come together and although we're obviously still beginner-beginners we've made progress. As for hearing the beats in other contexts: I just searched on Itunes-- "Afro-pop", "Muntu", and some other things. I can't tell if the beat was in there or not-- if so, it didn't jump out at me, but I still may not know exactly what to listen for.

beat with in a beat

While we were drumming I actually heard the beat that I was suppose to be playing so, when I got lost all I had to do was listen for my part. I think we are making some progress.

What a Feeling of Together-ness

Finally! Last seminar was great because we finally put everything we'd been working on together and it sounded GREAT!
I love playing the kenkeni, and that's the drum I hope to play in our performance.
I have drumming on the brain...I keep tapping out my rhythm randomly, and I think it's starting to annoy my family.
I can't wait for next session.

So far no

So far I have yet to listen to music differently because of this seminar. Most of the music I listen to does not have crazy drumming rhythms like the ones we play in class, so that is probably why. I will continue to listen for them, but my guess is that I won't ever find them. So I will most likely have to search youtube for a while to try and find some African music.

No change yet

I haven't really listened to music differently since playing the drums, but I guess thats most likely because I don't listen to any African music. Maybe if i popped in a CD of Afro-pop every morning like Mr. Karafiol does, than I'm pretty sure I would listen for the beats and stuff, but as most radio stations are hesitant to play African music, It really hasn't changed my perspective on music