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Here you will find information on all workshops currently running and those for the future. Also how you may book Chas for private tuition or to host a group workshop.

Click on the following to reach categorized links : 

Local Drumming Classes in S. West    National Drumming Workshops   Personal Tuition   Workshops for Dancers

 
LOCAL CLASSES - BRISTOL, BATH, FROME.

BRISTOL

N.B. - I will be teaching percussion at this workshop - if you would like to come along.

Middle Eastern Music Workshop

Saturday 13 October - Middle Eastern Music Workshop
Victoria Rooms, Bristol
With Maren Lueg - experience the music of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and the Gulf-area in this hands-on workshop. Instrumentalists are welcome to bring their instruments and will learn Middle Eastern melodies and scales, either by ear or from sheet music (provided) and learn about the basic principles of ornamentation and melodic improvisation used in Arabic music.  Anyone without an instrument will learn to play traditional rhythms on a selection of Arabic percussion instruments such as the Egyptian Darbuka and Duff (provided). As the day progresses all students will join together for a fantastic combined performance of music from this exotic and fascinating culture.

10am-4pm - £22.50
For bookings and info phone Ruth Hill 0117 954 5032
Full details at www.bris.ac.uk/music/events/2007/lifelong20071013a

REVIEW

"The Lifelong Learning Programme got off to an exciting start last week. On Saturday 13th October over 60 people converged on the Victoria Rooms to take part in hands-on workshops on both Arabic Music and the Music of Motown.

Maren Lueg and Chas Whitaker brought a dazzling array of Arabic instruments to tutor nearly 30 enthusiastic students, some of whom were taught traditional techniques and patterns on their own instruments. It all made for a fantastic kaleidoscope of sound which echoed through our corridors all day long."

A photo of an Arabic percussion class

Philip Harper
Director of Lifelong Learning - Music Dept. Uni. Of Bristol.

 

Regular weekly drumming classes in Bristol / Bath / Frome are being finalized and details will be posted as soon as they are confirmed. If you would be interested in attending please mail me at chas@arabicdrum.co.uk

Take a look at Chas' Drum group performing one of Chas' compositions and get an idea of what you can learn in Chas' Drum workshops. N.B. the footage is very dark but the sound is good !

 

NATIONAL DRUMMING WORKSHOPS

I am available to run workshops for up to around 40 people. I provide all authentic traditional drums and percussion as well as teaching material and can cater for all levels and experience. For costs and availability please contact me at chas@arabicdrum.co.uk

 
2008

      Fitzhead Tythe Barn - 14th March 2008.

 

        Workshops and performance - please see attached flyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLASTONBURY - MAJMA 2008 - Saturday 1st March 9.30 to 11.30 - "With clear, relaxed instruction and providing traditional drums Chas will introduce the basic techniques for playing rhythms of Egypt, Turkey and Morocco. (Chas can be booked for more advanced or private lessons during Majma by calling 01761-420664 in advance.)"  see MAJMA for further info.

FROME - SIROCCO DANCE FESTIVAL 2008 - April 18th - 20th -  "Drumming: rhythms and techniques (lunchtime session)" see SIROCCO for further info.

FINDHORN - SCOTLAND  26 Oct 2007, 20:00 - Findhorn the Park, Findhorn near Inverness, Morayshire, near Inverness, Scotland IV36.   Middle Eastern Music and Dance Festival. Concerts and Belly Dance, Middle Eastern Percussion and Music Workshops. With Chas, Maren and Karine Butchart.
"Middle Eastern Percussion Beginners Saturday 2pm- 5pm~£20 (£12 concs)
This workshop is particularly suitable for those with no previous drumming experience. We will explore the basic rudiments of rhythm, developing this into basic Arabic rhythms especially those related to Raqs Sharki~( “Belly Dancing”)

Middle Eastern Percussion Improvers Sunday 1pm-5pm £25 (£16 Concs)~
This workshop is suitable for those with some drumming experience . We will look at more complex techniques and rhythms and ideas for working with dancers.
Both workshops require participants to bring small djembes/darabukas/frame drums. Some drums may be available. Enquire in advance.

Music Workshops with Maren~Maren was born and raised in Germany and is now resident in the UK. Inspired by the sounds she heard from the Turkish and East European communities. She performs regularly with British and Middle Eastern musicians around the UK [ http://www.arabicdrum.co.uk ]www.arabicdrum.co.uk
Middle Eastern music Workshop Sunday 1-5pm £25/£16 concs
This workshop provides a unique opportunity for musicians to learn about Middle Eastern music and simple melodies either by ear or from sheet music (provided). Participants need to bring their own melody instruments."

see FINDHORN FOUNDATION for further info.

BOGNOR REGIS - International Bellydance Congress -  Sept. 28th - 30th. I am teaching Introduction to Arabic Rhythms at this event - see BELLYDANCE CONGRESS  for further info.

Near TAUNTON  - TRIBE OF DORIS Intercultural Summer School  -  August 22nd - 27th August. For more info. on TRIBE OF DORIS - CLICK HERE.

Near LYME REGIS - MIDDLE EASTERN MUSIC AND DANCE CAMP - Wed 30 May - Sun 3 June 2007  - 

" 3 days of dance, music making and community on a beautiful field in Dorset two miles from the sea. The aim of the camp is to bring together dancers, drummers, instrumentalists, performers and friends to create a unique experience where we all learn from each other, get to have fun and celebrate together as part of a community living lightly on the earth. Workshops will be led by International teachers:   Workshops will be aimed at people for all levels of dance/musical ability and run in a supportive and inclusive way. There will be three main workshop sessions per day – the main workshop being held in the large marquee - with additional workshops being held in a smaller space. Drumming will be offered at different levels. The programme will be available at the camp."

 

 

PERSONAL ONE-ONE TUITION
 

I am available to give private one to one tuition for the complete beginner and for students with experience who wish to learn more about playing the instruments and rhythms or playing for dancers etc. Lessons can be recorded and tailored so the student has plenty of information to work on for the future. For costs and availability please contact me at chas@arabicdrum.co.uk

See part of a one to one lesson I gave at Tribe Of Doris 2006 covering Saiddi and Malfuf improvisational techniques and the Karsilimas rhythm. For the full DVD including split-finger technique, please contact me at chas@arabicdrum.co.uk - a copy of the DVD is £10.00 plus P+P.

 

 

 

SCHOOLS WORKSHOPS

Chas is available to teach students of all ages and abilities up to approx. 40 students in one go, presenting an Introduction to Arabic percussion.

Chas teaching pupils at Sheldon School:

 

"Thank you for such fantastic workshops last week. The content was really accessible, your approach was excellent and the pupils were really able to engage with what was expected of them on the instruments. Many thanks for a great day" -       Jane Dobson - Head Of Music - Sheldon School.

 

 

 

WORKSHOPS FOR DANCERS

Chas can provide workshops for the dancer to understand more about the relationship between dancer and musician, for all levels.

  •  Workshop for dancers to recognize commonly heard rhythms from across the Mid East/N. Africa/Turkey - learning on traditional drums, zills and handclapping.

  •  Workshops for dancers to learn how to interpret different rhythms in their dance. ( with dance teacher ).

  •  Workshops for dancers to learn how to dance to melody on traditional wind instruments - Ney, Zurna, Turkish Clarinet, Saxophone and silver Flute. ( with Maren Lueg - see OTHER BANDS )

  •  As above but with drums too.

  •  Workshop for more experienced dancers to learn the basics of working with a drummer - rhythms, drum solos, phraseology, rolls etc.

  •  Joint drum and dance workshop - Workshop for dancers to learn a choreography whilst drummers learn the rhythms to accompany the dancers.

  •  As above but with melody too.

As you can see we can cover a vast area of topics and combine them in many different ways - these are just examples - please contact me on chas@arabicdrum.co.uk if you have special requests or for more information on detail, availability, cost etc.

 

Workshops which include melody or dance instruction will be led by Maren Lueg (music) see OTHER BANDS

and Karine Butchart or Carmen Jones - you can see all of us working together at LINKS.

 

26/10/2007 FINDHORN - SCOTLAND
Findhorn the Park, Findhorn near Inverness, Morayshire, near Inverness, Scotland IV36

Universal Hall
 
MIDDLE EASTERN FESTIVAL
See the following 3 events from Fri 26th Oct - Sun 28th Oct

The Middle Eastern Festival includes a full workshop programme of Middle eastern Dance with Karine Butchard plus workshops in percussion, melody instruments and Rumi poetry - all listed below:

WORKSHOPS

Dance Workshops with Karine Butchart
Known for her inspiring, passionate dance, Karine has taught and performed Middle Eastern dance for many years, bringing playfulness and depth to her work - seeking to celebrate all through dance. [ http://www.arabicsouldance.com/ ]http://www.arabicsouldance.com/

Baladi Basics Saturday 10am-12.30 £17 (£10 concs)
This lovely earthy Egyptian dance is perfect for learning basic dance movements~with its slow sensual style~and lively hip work.~ Snakey arms will be included.

Dance Workshop Live Music Saturday 2-5.30pm £24 (£14 concs)
Working with live music, dancers will learn more about the rhythms and melody in Arabic music with guidance and direction from Karine in interpreting the music through dance.

Sagat workshop Sunday 12-2pm~~£14 (£10 concs)
Bring a zing to your finger cymbals and gain confidence in an easy way, learning a playful, simple dance. (please bring sagat)

Spirit of Turkey Sunday 2.30pm- 6pm £24 (£14 concs)
We shall dance to a range of Turkish music, including the deliciously slow Chiftetelli, the spiritual ney and the wild fiery gipsy Kasilama with its up-lifting 9/8 rhythm.~ Bring a big skirt.

Drum workshops with Chas Whitaker
Chas has been teaching and performing Middle Eastern percussion for over 12 years and is known for his clear and relaxed teaching style. He plays in several bands and accompanies many dancers. [ http://www.arabicdrum.co.uk ]www.arabicdrum.co.uk

Middle Eastern Percussion Beginners Saturday 2pm- 5pm~£20 (£12 concs)
This workshop is particularly suitable for those with no previous drumming experience. We will explore the basic rudiments of rhythm, developing this into basic Arabic rhythms especially those related to Raqs Sharki~( “Belly Dancing”)

Middle Eastern Percussion Improvers Sunday 1pm-5pm £25 (£16 Concs)~
This workshop is suitable for those with some drumming experience . We will look at more complex techniques and rhythms and ideas for working with dancers.
Both workshops require participants to bring small djembes/darabukas/frame drums. Some drums may be available. Enquire in advance.

Music Workshops with Maren~Maren was born and raised in Germany and is now resident in the UK. Inspired by the sounds she heard from the Turkish and East European communities. She performs regularly with British and Middle Eastern musicians around the UK [ http://www.arabicdrum.co.uk ]www.arabicdrum.co.uk
Middle Eastern music Workshop Sunday 1-5pm £25/£16 concs
This workshop provides a unique opportunity for musicians to learn about Middle Eastern music and simple melodies either by ear or from sheet music (provided). Participants need to bring their own melody instruments

Rumi Workshops with Ashley Ramsden and Duncan Mackintosh

In the 1980’s Ashley and Duncan were the first speakers of Coleman Bark’s translations of Rumi in the UK. Their work is endorsed by Barks and celebrated for their sensitive, Passionate and humorous performances. Ashley is the director of [ http://www.emerson.org.uk/index.php?id=21 ]The School of Storytelling at Emerson College and Duncan teaches at [ http://www.artemisspeechanddrama.org.uk/ ]Artemis School of Speech and Drama.

“Speaking the Heart of Rumi” Sunday 1.00 – 5.00 £25/£16 concs
“Listen to the presence inside these poems, Let them take you where they will”
To speak Rumi’s words is to enter into a process of transformation. Ashley and Duncan will guide you into experiencing the inner artistry necessary to embody the inspiration behind Rumi’s poetry. Rumi’s poems are passionate beautiful and yet also precise. We will allow their wisdom to guide our inquiry and illumine aspects of our life experience. Through guided meditation and simple exercises we will deepen our contact with our true nature.

For workshop booking contact Universal Hall 01309 691170 or email [ mailto:uhall@findhorn.org ]uhall@findhorn.org and see web [ http://www.universalhall.co.uk/ ]www.universalhall.co.uk
Weekend ticket to all Workshops : £70/£45 concessions

All Dance Workshops in Hall Auditorium.
Drumming in Recording Studio (meet in Hall foyer to be directed).
Music Workshop in Music Room in Hall basement (or Dance Studio).
Rumi Workshop in Park Lecture Room (opposite entrance to Hall).
For accommodation see http://www.findhorn.info/whatwedo/visit/bandb.php

Sun 11th Nov. 2008 - YMCA, Bath

£20-£16 concs. 2-5pm

WORKSHOP

'Dance to live music' with Chas Whitaker and Maren Lueg on drum and various wind instruments. Carmen leads the dancers.

 

 

For all enquiries about rates, bookings availability, queries etc.  

chas@arabicdrum.co.uk