Musician Peter Kennard says he is delighted with the response to his drumming and rhythm workshops, to train a percussion group for this year’s Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival.
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Mr Kennard is the director of ‘Drumming Up Country’, the music and dance finale of the October 25-27 festival.
The Forbes-born musician hosted two workshops at the festival’s Rankin Street headquarters in late July, with about 20 people attending both sessions.
“It went spectacularly well. I have about 20 people interested in our street percussion ensemble, which is super encouraging, and there were people across age groups which I really like,” Mr Kennard said.
“I really like the idea of the older folks hanging out with the younger folks… we have drummers from about six to 66, which is terrific,” he said.
Peter says he would welcome more people, but they should act soon, so they can join the group and learn at the same pace.
“I could do with more,” he said.
“We still have more instruments to build, but I would encourage people to come soon because the later they come, the more they will have to learn.”
Most of those who attended the initial workshops are beginners to drumming and percussion, he said, but the group quickly found their rhythm.
“The group that came were mostly beginners, but we soon got some really good routines together.”
Mr Kennard said he would hold workshops each fortnight in August, with weekly sessions planned in September and October.
Workshops will continue at the same times – 2pm on Sunday and 6.30pm on Monday at 81 Rankin Street.
He said the ensemble will perform twice and possibly three times during the festival, with the group currently concentrating on ‘Rhumba on Rankin’, a street parade to open the festival on Friday, October 25.
The ensemble will also feature heavily in ‘Drumming Up Country’, to bring the festival to a close the following Sunday evening.
“I’m pretty pleased with them actually. I’m hoping after a certain time that the group can get together and rehearse without me,” he said.
“It is a lot of work for them but I’m sure they are up to it. They are quite keen.”
See the festival website for more information – www.riverartsfestival. org.au.
