Education

Big Beat Percussion: " Include, Engage, Create "

Big Beat offer exciting junk percussion workshops for schools and other youth organisations. The workshops are devised and led by members of the internationally renowned Big Beat, and focus on developing creativity, self-esteem, teamwork and performance skills.

' Eye opening!! Money well spent!

Royal Shakespeare Company
- Fifteen Minute Theatre Project

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' Absolutely fantastic!! The pupils loved every second.

John Butcher
Primary School Headmaster

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Key elements explored within the workshops include, multi-cultural rhythms, music from recycled junk, how sounds are created and composition. We provide a multi-coloured array of instruments made from gas pipes, plastic barrels, dustbins, shopping trolleys, metal bins, wooden and metal chimes, everything in fact - including the kitchen sink! By the end of the session we will have created an unusual, unforgettable orchestra ready to perform the finest junk funk!

BBC Education have worked with renowned Big Beat on two series of Music File exploring the potential of the many curriculum links incorporated in the workshops. (Copies of this are available on request)

' Fresh, innovative, captivating. The workshops engaged pupils and staff alike.

Rupert Brown
Music Teacher

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Workshop format

Our workshops are highly flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs. The standard format is as follows:

  • 3 x groups in one day
  • max. 35 per group (group size ideally 25 but we can accommodate group sizes most appropriate to your needs)
  • workshop duration - 1 hour / 1 1/2 hours per group
  • Final celebratory performance - 15 mins approx.
  • Age range - 7 years upwards

Things to bear in mind

  • The workshops are energetic, fun and very noisy.
  • When planning your sessions please consider space, who is within hearing distance of the workshop and if any children may be disturbed by very loud noises (It's loud!)
  • If you are planning to continue with junk music after the workshop we can also provide you with a set of basic junk instruments.
  • If the weather allows it is possible to work outside.
  • It is expected that the class teachers / youth workers will be present throughout the workshop.

' [Your] input into the musical development and interest of children in the area and knowledge of composition and performance within different music styles of music was greatly appreciated. The unique contribution that you made to the to the week was enjoyed by all. I am pleased to say that you . . provided access for ALL children into the area of music making - no expense necessary!! Live performance have certainly enhanced the children's musical development and intrigue and helped to promote music throughout the school.

Rachel Jacob
(Music Coordinator), Dundonald First School, Wimbledon

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Junk percussion workshops provide opportunities to enhance and develop many areas of the curriculum

Big Beat can also supply Samba music workshops which bring the infectious carnival rhythms of Brazil to your school / youth group and will again focus strongly upon the development and encouragement of musical creativity, expression and teamwork skills.

If you have any further enquiries about workshops please do not hesitate to telephone us on 07779 595008 / 01822 834339

' I just wanted to tell you how much everyone appreciated the workshop. [The facilitators] managed the children brilliantly and everyone is still buzzing from the experience. Most of the kids had a smile on their faces all day long and now they can't wait to form their own junk band. They left us with a fantastic memory that will stay with us all for a very long time.

Richard Stone
The British School, Wotton-Under-Edge

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