Image - rhythm in schools - boy drumming on bin drum

“Fraser had the children all involved and managed to capture the interest of my more apathetic students. Nice manner with students, allowed them to experiment with sounds as well as beats”
:: Opotiki College

In indigenous, land based cultures such as in Africa, Polynesia or Asia etc, rhythm, drumming, music, singing and dancing are cornerstones to the cohesiveness, celebration, and continuity of their communities.
Not only does it release community and personal stresses, it also bonds members within the community.
It sharpens participants' mental and physical agility through the right and left brain functions that rhythm and music creates, while at the same time producing feelings of wellbeing.

The new wave of teachers are not looking towards musical virtuosity, but provide an opportunity for children to participate in the healing power of rhythm.

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	Rhythm in Schools - Introduction

Image - Rhythm in Schools in action at one of New Zealands many rural schools.

An exciting musical journey for children - developed through practical music-making.

The Rhythm Centre works with educators, primary schools and high schools in the following areas:
:: enhancing creativity, improving physical and mental wellbeing in the classroom.
:: providing a range of options for support, in line with the Achievement Objectives specified in the Arts Curriculum for Music.
Rhythm-making is now a part of the new Arts Curriculum. For more details on some of the Strands that outline how outcomes and assessments can be achieved CLICK HERE

:: Working in Primary Schools

The Rhythm Centre can provide a range of options for support in line with the Achievement Objectives specified in the Arts Curriculum for Music (p.68) - for example:

Available options
•	Working with boys
•	Working with selected class groups
•	Team & syndicate teaching with other teachers
•	On-site staff and teacher development
•	Arts-focus weeks and festivals
•	Lunchtime/afterschool interest groups
•	Staff/team-building excercises

:: Working in Secondary Schools

Available options
•	Providing support for achievement objectives
•	Developing physical knowledge and ideas
•	Communicating and interpreting
•	Musical support for Unit Standards (NZQA 10651, 10652, 10666)
•	Musical support for Achievement Standards (1.1; 1.2; 2.1) in performance at Levels 1 & 2 and Unit Standards (10196, 10872, 10876, 12978) in Performance Production (sound).
•	Direction Skills can be negotiated
•	Staff/team-building excercises

the process

:: We bring an orchestra of sound making equipment and after a brief introduction, give plenty of opportunity for pupils to experiment and find their own rhythms which we all get to play.
:: We show how different sounds go together and what a difference tempo and tone makes.
:: We often record as we play so that pupils get instant feedback and confirmation of their wonderful ‘works in progress’.
:: It is a good idea for schools to take digital shots of their pupils in action as they do reveal some startling insights about the players!
:: It is also not uncommon for teachers to find this a little hard to grasp initially compared with the children. This occurs mainly because teachers sometimes are concerned about ‘sounding right’.
:: All that is required is that one relaxes into the process and enjoys it, for the rhythm entrains the hands leading the hands to synergise with the music being made.

OVERVIEW

A tool for unity within the school environment.

Reaches all ages, sexes, religions, races and cultures.

Rapidly eliminates social barriers.

Creates a fun and dynamic environment.

High energy kids activity.

Encourages self expression and self esteem.

Provides immediate gratification and feedback.

Uses auditory, kinesthetic and visual modalities.

The Rhythm Centre also offers:

Training for educational professionals

The Rhythm Centre makes the Rhythm in Schools format available to education professionals through hands-on workshops where non-musicians can learn to facilitate rhythm- based events with kids.

Training for facilitators

In addition. the Rhythm Centre offers workshops for Rhythm in Schools facilitators. These workshops are geared towards people with some experience in music, but are open to everyone. Facilitator workshops are available in locations around New Zealand.

For further information contact Fraser Bruce: rhythmco@ihug.co.nz
or go here for more contact details.

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