SAMBA DRUMMING, AFRICAN DRUMMING or BEATBOX are all excellent choices for black history month but at the request of a couple of our regular schools we have now put together a KS2 BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM.

KS2 Black History Month Program

Each year group have a different workshop with clear progression from one to the next. With our Medium term plan and knowledge organiser you can write the sessions into your music scheme, demonstrate progression and continue work in the class.

What are the sessions?

Year 3 - AFRICAN DRUMMING - Learning about the master drummer we link different drumming elements to create a piece with children leading each section as the master drummer.

Year 4 - BOOMWHACKERS - The pentatonic scale is prolific in African music. This boomwhacker workshop explores this scale and introduces other African music traditions including improvised melody and playing cycles.

Year 5 - IMPROVISING - This session is about learning how to improvise with rhythm (a fundamental in African and Jazz music) A variety of techniques are introduced and the music develops in real time as the children learn new skills. You can link this to African music or to the Jazz history of America.

Year 6 - COMPOUND TIME - This is another key element in the music of Africa and sees the children take part in an advanced African drumming session learning a 6/8 piece.

What’s the cost?

We can bring all instruments in one vehicle so for class size groups (up to 35) this workshop is charged at the same day rate as out standard sessions. All supporting material is free.

What do Rhythm Connections need?

A school hall is the ideal place for the workshop but we can work in a classroom space if tables and chairs are cleared out of the way.

Beyond that a car parking space near to the venue is appreciated and a 15 minute break in the timetable between each year group to reset the room.

Do children enjoy it?

This experience was amazing for the children - Charlotte Cowling 3C Thorpedene 5/10/23

The class was completely engaged throughout the session and absolutely loved it! - Luisa Gale - Ashingdon Primary 4/10/23

Repetition to embed knowledge of pentatonic scale was excellent! The children were clearly engaged and all got a chance to shine!! - S Kittle 4K Thorpedene 5/10/23

All children were engaged and loved the expierience of using the instruments - Megan Steff - Ashingdon primary 4/10/23

Excellent control of a very excited class and held their focus very well, thank you - Megan Grootaers 3G Thorpedene 5/10/23

We've worked a lot with Rhythm Connections and thier sessions are always engaging, inclusive and fun. Workshops are adapted to the need of the group with lots of learning and progression. The rest of the school certainly heard us in action!!

Andrew Withams -  Head of Service, Music on Sea,
Southend Music Service and Music Education Hub