2006 In School Workshop
World Rhythms in Pop Music Workshop

This dynamic cultural workshop offers middle and high school students an experience into the rich history behind Pop Music in the Western Hemisphere. Pop music has been influenced by and developed out of the melding of African folkloric music and European song forms. The Blues in the United States, the Salsa in Cuba and Samba in Brazil would never have come about without the African slave trade and European Colonization by the English, French and Spanish. The workshop is an entertaining blend of music history and live performance.

While these influences have been combined in many ways to form new styles of music, it is the rein fusion of these folkloric rhythms that has given Entrain its unique sound. The African influence is evident in the drums which are prevalent in the music of Entrain. The Conga drums, which originated in Africa, developed further in Cuba and are now a staple of American pop music. The Djembe from Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming ever more popular in the United States for its high clear sound. These are combined with the Timbales from Cuba and the American Kit or trap drums which evolved to take the place of an entire ensemble of drummers. The polyrhythmic nature of many of the song forms, the call and response and rhythm patterns also reflect the Afro-Caribbean influence. All this of course is combined with the modern electric guitar, bass and keyboard instruments. Other instruments include: Bongos, Cowbell, Guiro, Claves, Maracas, Djun djun, Pandeiro, Talking drum, Frotoir and Shekere.

The live performance portion of the program is captivating. Songs performed include: Hear That Long Snake Moan - This is a song with strong groove based on the Haitian rhythm known as Congo and Jamaican Dance Hall style. Mother Street - Written with a beat we like to call the "Bo Diddley Beat" it is the most fundamental rhythm to come from Africa. House On The Hill - This song features the Samba, the national rhythm of Brazil. River Run - Based on the "Second Line" groove of New Orleans this song reflects the melding of diverse influences to create a truly American sound. Dance of the Cuban Cigar - Inspired by the rhythms of Cuba it features the Mambo and Mozambique rhythms. Rise Up - This song bridges the gap between traditional Djembe rhythms of Africa and Hip-Hop.

Entrain locks in the groove By Don Wilding / dwilding@cnc.com Friday, February 3, 2006

Download a letter of recommendation from Michael J. Kelley, Asst Principal   of the Profile School

Download an MS Powerpoint presentation of the workshop