New Projects for 2010
We are keen to continue developing our links with local and regional organisations. Drumroots create innovative community music projects that offer something different and inspiring - if you have a project idea, please contact Joanna on 07762 098393 or email jo@drumroots.org.uk

Global Grooves @ Band on the Wall
We hadthe pleasure of delivering one the first Learning & Participation projects at newlyrefurbished BOTW in October 2009. Gladthislegendaryvenue is back! Visit the Gallery page.....

Royal Northern College of Music
Drumroots Djembe Project began in 2008, offering staff and students the opportunity to experience the traditional rhythms of West Africa. Over 8 weeks the group develops several pieces, culminating in a "Spotlight" performance. Drumroots will continue working with the RNCM in 2010, fostering new community approaches to music for all staff and students.
Visit the Gallery page....

Groundwork Cheshire (Youth Arts)
Drumroots were selected to support a new youth arts project in 2008 and have continue to deler workshops that engage individuals where they live, building confidence, reducing anti-social behaviour and enabling young people to play an fuller part in their community.

OJs Sensory Interaction Trust
Using facilities at Hillside Specialist School for Children with Autism, along with funding from Extended Schools and The Acorn Fund, Lisa Donoghue has established OJ's Sensory Interaction Trust, a charity which aims to provide educational and recreational events for families with autistic children. Drumroots created a series of drumming activities for family events and respite days during the summer holidays. Just over a year on, Lisa's charity has been so successful that she is now hoping to access further funding and set up a dedicated centre for OJ's.

Bolton Dementia Support Group
In early 2009, Drumroots worked for 6 weeks with elders with dementia and their carers, using the drum as a tool for communication, expression, and relaxation. African mask making and other craft activities weaved members of the group together in their final celebration!  Thank you to everyone for such an inspiring project.



Sacred Heart School, Gorton, Manchester
Using West African rhythms and songs, 35 pupils formed their own troupe, working with Drumroots over several months to create a performance to transport the school to the heart of Africa! Staff, parents and pupils are now keen for us to start a weekly After School Club...




Wythenshawe Drumming Group for Older People
Our longest running project with participants aged 50 to 92 years. Based at The Tree of Life Centre, the group have a great spirit and are becoming skilled performers. Each players confidence has grown since playing their first public performance and they continue to go from strength to strength.  This group is an inspiration to us!

International Women's Week
Hosting women's drumcircles to bring women of diverse faiths, cultures and backgrounds in Manchester together in a celebration of unity.  Supported by Manchester City Council, The Pankhurst Centre and the Lesbian Community Project. Check the women's page for details of drumcircles in March 2009.

Victoria Park Day Centre
In September 2006, Drumroots established a 10 month 'drumming for well being' project with staff and service users at the Victoria Park Day Centre in Manchester. Victoria Park provides a range of activities for adults with mental health issues, including Tai Chi, local walks and pool competitions!  With the support of an Awards for All grant, West African drumming has proved a lively addition to the programme. Each 45 minutes session focused on traditional rhythms, with warm-up exercises to get the players started.  Sessions develop not only drumming technique, but build participants' confidence and a range of skills. The Victoria Park drummers also created their own music on the instrument of their choice (djembe or dunduns).

Leeds School Summer Project
During June 2006 Drumroots worked with teachers at South Leeds High School to deliver a unique and innovative project that would bring pupils together during a difficult transitionary time for the school.  Two sites, with two separate groups of pupils, were soon to be taught in one building.  With serious concerns about future relations between pupils, Drumroots were called in to help find the perfect solution.  Throughout the project, pupils met each week for 2 hour sessions.  Many opted for African drumming workshops, which explored the history of the drums, playing technique and served as rehearsals for a performance featuring traditional rhythms.  Others chose to sweat it out in Sen's African dance class!  The power of the drum and the dance worked to help overcome rivalry and crossed boundaries of age, gender and ethnicity, as pupils worked in unity. The final show involved not just West African drumming and dance, but a spectrum of drama and musical performances, as well as a fashion show. The show involved hundreds of pupils and took place at both sites on the same night, with coaches ferrying children, teachers and Drum Roots from one stage to the next! The drummers and dancers hard work paid off, their performance brought the stage alive. Pupils proved to their teachers that the next term would definitely have an inspired start in the new building. "The pupils learnt about music from another culture and created an exciting end performance which went amazingly well on the night...The facilitators were very friendly, I liked them! They were good teachers and made it fun as well."

       

Drum Roots is supported by:

RNCM
ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE of Music