Poly-rhythmic explorations

David Pleasant will present the workshop Poly-rhythmic explorations. Mr. Pleasant’s workshop highlights the unique percussion approaches of Gullah/Geechee (Ring Shout, ring play, Juba, hand jive, tambourine, Janissary, hambone, banjo/banja, rhap etc.) that predate other acknowledged styles. It is a hands-on, intensive music and movement master class that is accessible to all skill levels. Pleasant’s work incorporates peculiar poly rhythms, voice and/or harmonica into a pre-trap-set form. Folklorist Bessie Jones coined the term Drumfolk to describe the poly rhythmic music and movement of the region (low country and sea Islands Georgia and S. Carolina).

The Stono Rebellion and the Slave Act of 1740
Too few Americans really know the reason why most African-American cultural traditions do not employ the drum. This little-understood piece of history will give hints to the almost exclusive focus on body percussion by early African-Americans. Participants will learn specific hand clap forms and techniques that engage sophisticated rhythmic layers. These rhythms will be shown to enhance and enrich conventional approaches in Jazz rhythm.

1. Pitched hand claps
2. Floor stomps
3. Concurrent meter
4. Antiphonal voice and body percussion

A Review of Performance Traditions:
Percussive movement styles including Patting Juba, Hambone, Ring Shout will be emphasized. Those styles will be paired with vocal approaches that make the best use of rhythmic exploration, tone and texture (i.e., scat). Discussions on the history of each of these traditions will be offered as well as mini-performances. Examples that define each tradition will be taught to workshop participants.

Mini-workshop
After learning the histories and seeing demonstrations of the above styles, a short workshop will be provided to participants, encouraging them to actively participate in the traditions.

1. Body percussion orchestra
2. Poly rhythmic tambourine
3. Percussion ensemble

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