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Sounds of Brazil: A Day with Colleen Haas

  • Women's Drum Center 2242 University Avenue West Saint Paul, MN, 55114 United States (map)

We are thrilled to partner with Colleen Haas, Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, for two exciting co-ed workshops that will focus on the exhilarating Sounds of Brazil!

Haas established the WDC’s premiere ensemble drumHeart (initially called Women's drumHeart) in 1989. Women were free to experiment with world music through percussion and drumming in her studio. When Haas relocated to Winona, Minnesota in 1996, members carried on her mission of sharing the powerful connection of drumming.

It is with great anticipation that we welcome Colleen Haas back to the community. A rare opportunity to meet the founding mother of the WDC!


Introduction to Brazilian Music (Morning Session)

Brazil has a rich history and fascinating culture which create musical styles that embody the very soul of the Brazilian people. In the morning workshop, participants will learn about the sounds of Brazil – including the music of Candomblé, Samba, and Carnaval. This will be a hands-on session focused on the style, playing techniques, and specific rhythms for early samba patterns using pandeiros (tambourines) and congas. Participants will also learn some Candomblé rhythms, using atabaques (conga-like drums), and agogo bells.

When: 9:30 am-noon, Saturday, June 17th

Where: WDC Studio

Level: Beginner

Cost: $30 per participant

Registration Guidelines: The WDC is accepting both email and online registrations for this offering. Class size is limited, and preregistration is required. If you are registering online, this workshop can be found under the WORKSHOP category. Please be mindful when registering to ensure the correct session is selected.


Playing Brazilian Music (Afternoon Session)

This workshop begins by exploring the possibilities for performance both in Brazil, and locally. Then participants will learn to play a Brazilian carnival piece based on the Bloco Afro styles from Bahia. While learning to play this song, emphasis will be on the role of the instruments in the ensemble, common musical strategies for live performance in community settings, and developing expressive communication between players and with an audience.  

When: 1:00 - 3:30 pm, Saturday, June 17th

Where: WDC Studio

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Some experience with percussion or music is required. However, taking the morning session with Colleen will fulfill this requirement.

Cost: $30 per participant

Registration Guidelines: The WDC is accepting both email and online registrations for this offering. Class size is limited, and preregistration is required. If you are registering online, this workshop can be found under the WORKSHOP category. Please be mindful when registering to ensure the correct session is selected.


Additional Information

 
  • Participants can register for either one or both sessions. The cost for one session is $30 per participant, or $50 for both sessions per participant. Registration can be done by email or online. Please be mindful when registering to ensure the correct session or “package” is selected.

  • Both sessions are co-ed and are suitable for people ages 14+. Instruments are provided.

  • A light lunch will be offered for a free-will donation, or people are welcome to bring their own food.

  • Snacks will be provided at no charge.

  • Please email us with any other questions, and a member of the WDC leadership team will be in touch!

We hope you can join us!

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May 19

Feel the Beat: May’s Co-ed Drum Circle

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June 23

Summer Solstice Drum Jam: June’s Co-ed Drum Circle