THIS CLASS IS A PART OF THE WILD ADVENTURERS SUMMER NATURE CAMP (AGES 10-12).
ABOUT
Let's go on a rhythmic expedition! Imagine a guided hike for the youngsters where we venture out into the wild, discovering the many rhythms and creative possibilities nature provides us. We'll notice the tempo of our feet as we hike together, and the different rhythms of the natural world around us. Along the way we can collect small stones, seeds, sticks, etc. and fashion them into various musical instruments:
Fallen sticks and needles can be turned into drum sticks or brushes that can be used to experiment with playing on our surroundings. Trunks of fallen trees, stumps, rocks, and different types of ground all make different sounds!
"Nature shakers" can be made by experimenting with what sounds are produced by filling recycled bottles with some of the smaller stones, seeds, sand, sticks, etc. we find.
"Rustic xylophones" can be fashioned from stones supporting various lengths of sticks.
We can combine our creations and jam together in our newly-discovered musical environment!
This experience is a perfect time to practice mindfulness too. Hikers can take a break by a stream or lake where they will be invited to practice being still, becoming aware of breathing, and simply listening. The soothing sounds of a kalimba or a hand pan fading into the natural soundscape provide a backdrop for us to allow ourselves to clear our minds, allowing sounds and thoughts to pass by as we connect to ourselves and our surroundings.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Kirk Kubicek (Teaching Artist, Facilitator, Drummer)
BA Music - Jazz Studies - Percussion Performance- University of MD
His teaching philosophy: Music provides an essential medium for community connection, collaboration, healing, and empowerment, offering an accessible and universal means of natural communication and self-expression. Sharing the gifts of group drumming and other forms of musical expression allow me to help both individuals and communities to explore a holistic range of experiences and emotions, from joy to trauma, offering a safe space for processing, coping, creating, and healing. I believe music provides a safe and natural way to develop teamwork, group responsibility, and trust by exploring each other’s perspectives. Music unites us to help each other to lean into our own vulnerabilities to discover and embrace our individually unique gifts, enriching our communities and promoting dialogue through artistic expression.
Qualifications: Seven years as classroom percussion, Teaching Artist for students of all ages, Additional experience as: General Music Teacher, Director of Brass/Bucket Bands, After-School Club Coordinator, Drum Circle Facilitator, Twelve years teaching drum set privately, Trained in Responsive Classroom, Cultural Competency, SEL approaches, Champion of modern and culturally relevant approaches to teaching music, he has worked with hundreds of students!