Drumming Classes

Learn to Drum!

To hear drum music, check out Aimee Gelinas w/ Gaia Roots on Spotify & iTunes!

Pittsfield Drum Classes:
~ONGOING year round weekly MONDAY Drum Classes
at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Pittsfield
6pm Beginner/Intermediate for teens & adults
7pm Intermediate/Advanced for teens & adults
*Int/Adv level students should have a strong command of Tone/Slap/Bass, at least
1- 2 years experience and an ability to hold drum & percussion parts independently.
~$10 per class, Drums provided/ or bring your own

Easthampton Drum Class
Upcoming Class Dates at Riverside Industries, 1 Cottage St Easthampton
~Fall Thursdays from 6:30-8pm September 8th (More Fall Dates TBA)
~Summer Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm August 24th
****PLEASE RSVP for each class you plan to attend - classes must meet a
*6 person class minimum - pre-registration required
~$15 per class, Drums provided, Bring your own if you have one.
~All levels welcome
~Visit www.rsi.org for directions

Longmeadow World Music
~Fall 2016 Thursdays 3 - 4pm, September 8 – December 22
(performance 12/22 & no classes 9/15; 10/20; 11/24)
Fee: $275, includes the use of drums/instruments
~Thursdays at Olde Town Hall, Route 5 Longmeadow
~For mature youth/teens to adult - Beginner/Intermediate 3-4pm
~All instruments and drums provided for student use
**Visit www.lprd.net or call Longmeadow Parks & Rec (413) 565-4160

Housatonic Youth & Teen Drum:
~With BERKSHIRE PULSE, Housatonic, Great Barrington
~Tuesdays 5-5:45pm intermediate / 5:45-6:30 advanced
~Finale spring concert event at Simon’s Rock College Theater Great
Barrington, Contact Berkshire Pulse to register and for current class info www.berkshirepulse.com

Drum Class/Residency Descriptions
Youth/Beginner drumming, percussion and singing w/ Aimee Gelinas
Through hands-on participatory classes, learn folkloric and contemporary Afro-Caribbean and West African drumming, percussion and singing. The class includes basic hand and instrument technique, an understanding of how drum and percussion patterns fit together, the cultural context of the music and how it relates to the accompanying dances, fun and challenging drum patterns and exercises, accompanying songs in many languages and the opportunity to develop, arrange and perform a mini finale presentation. Traditional instruments such as the Conga, Djembe, Clave, Bell and Shekere provided. Youth Class at Berkshire Pulse Tuesdays 3:30-4:15pm. www.berkshirepulse.org
Intermediate/Advanced drumming, percussion,singing for experienced students
Immerse in Afro-Caribbean and West African drumming and percussion skills on a more advanced level. Learn complex drum technique and hand patterns, layered rhythms, challenging drum exercises and how to drum and sing traditional songs simultaneously. Build an advanced rhythm “vocabulary” and develop ensemble, performance and soloing skills. Learn how to arrange rhythms and play lead drum patterns for dancers. Traditional instruments such as the Conga, Djembe, Clave, Bell and Shekere provided. Students must first complete the beginner level class or already have solid drumming experience and and sound technique. Young Adult/Youth Class at Berkshire Pulse Tuesdays 4:15-5:15. Adults welcome~

World Music English-Language Arts Curriculum for Schools/Grades K-8
Connecting with the Mass State Standards, students will learn the traditional, folkloric rhythms, songs, stories and historical/cultural context of music from the Caribbean and West Africa. Students will cultivate a finale performance and presentation of the material learned. Single day programs, residencies and year long instruction available. Collaboration with folkloric dancer educators available for a collaborative drum and dance residency. Collaborators include Afro-Caribbean Drum and Dance with Tracy Vernon & West African & Caribbean Dance with Kim Waterman.

Gaia Roots Residencies, Workshops & Performances
The all women world music ensemble, Gaia Roots, presents a unique live, educational and inspirational performance that blends traditional, folkloric drumming and singing with original creations and arrangements. This interactive concert features soaring vocal harmonies in multiple languages, intricate percussion and drumming rhythms accompanied by traditional dance movements. Gaia Roots has been traveling, studying, and performing together for over ten years. In their travels to the Caribbean, West Africa and other parts of the world they have collected a sizable repertoire of songs, dances, stories, traditional clothing and instruments. Gaia Roots is available for performances, workshops, residencies, schools and other venues.

Aimee’s Drum Programs & Performances provided for these organizations:
Canyon Ranch of the Berkshires, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Omega Institute,
The Colonial Theater, Cambridge International Carnival, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts,
Berkshire Pulse, Hillcrest Education Centers, Berkshire Community College, UMASS Amherst, Pittsfield Third Thursdays, Adams Youth Center, Berkshire College Internship Program (C.I.P.), Mt Greylock State Reservation, Charter & Public Schools throughout Western MA, MASS Cultural Council programs, Pittsfield Athenaum, and more...resume available upon request!

Berkshire Drum Classes

Weekly classes w/ Aimee Gelinas & Daniel Cohen

Monday evenings at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts

28 Renne Ave. Pittsfield (no classes 9/2/24)

Class cost: $10 per class / Drum rentals $5

Email aimee@gaiaroots.com for info/to register

~5:30pm Beginner/Intermediate teen/adult

~6:30pm Intermediate/Advanced teen/adult

Valley Drum Classes

~LONGMEADOW Tuesdays 3-4pm Fall 2024 at St Andrew’s Church, Longmeadow (intermediate level class) *class enrollment per instructor discretion/invite

w/ Aimee Gelinas & Daniel Cohen

*Per Instructor approval (intermediate level class)

*Semester tuition - no drop ins

Email aimee@gaiaroots.com to register & for info

5:30 Beginner / 6:30 Advanced

St Andrew’s Church, Longmeadow St Tuesdays 3-4pm