Trevor Salloum

Trevor was a licensed naturopathic physician in Kelowna from 1986-2006. He now pursues music full time in the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver. He has played music professionally for over 35 years and taught drumming for over 30 years. He produces books, CDs and DVDs on percussion for an international publisher. Trevor has also worked in various capacities combining health and drumming (Schools, Colleges, Universities, Boys and Girls Club and a First Nations Centre). In the late 1990's he was a founding member of "The Rhythm Project" which brought Barry Bernstein RMT to Kelowna. Although Trevor primarily teaches specific styles of percussion (Latin, African, Middle Eastern, jazz) he also utilizes these cultural approaches to evoking the healing potential of drumming. See www.trevorsalloum.com.

AFRO-CUBAN DRUMMING: This course will focus on the fundamentals used to create the exciting and exotic sounds in Afro-Cuban percussion.(Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Mozambique, Bolero etc.) The workshop will include an overview of the main instruments and rhythms. Participants will have the opportunity to play these instruments in an ensemble setting.

MIDDLE EASTERN DRUM WORKSHOP: This workshop is for drummers/dancers of all level who would like to gain some experience and knowledge of the Doumbek, Dar and Riq. This course will focus on the rhythms and techniques used in creating the beautiful sounds on these unique instruments. Learn to unlock the mystery of these ancient rhythmic patterns that have intrigued generations since antiquity.

Jim Copeman

Jim is a world fusion percussionist and a Drum Circle Facilitator. He has played drums professionally and recreationally most of his life. Jim has been working in the mental health field for the past 30 years and is excited about combining these two areas of his life into being a drum circle facilitator. He has been steadily growing in the Okanagan as a Drum Circle leader in the community, and performer with his band Small Change. see http://www.feeltherhythm.ca/about.php

Drumming & Health and Wellness: This workshop will be presented in the form of a Drum Circle so that participants will be able to experience and discuss the health benefits of drumming. The focus will be on; 1) What a healthy community is and how a drum circle reflects these concepts. 2) The health benefits of a drum circle for the individual.

A community is any group of people with a common goal. this can include a community celebration such a Canada Day or a block party, a corporate community that wants to strengthen team work, Young adults at risk learning to socialize, or the educational community, to name a few. The drum circle it self is a community where the goal is to create rhythmical music. It is in this setting that we will explore the dynamics of a healthy community.

The circle provides a safe environment for the individual to share their spirit with others. In doing this, he or she may experience such benefits as; decreased stress and anxiety, increased confidence, develop a sense of camaraderie, broaden communication and listening skills, emotional release, and personal empowerment, to name a few.

Bobby Bovenzi, BS African Studies, MS Elementary Education

Bobby has been a student and teacher of West African and Arabic drum and dance since 1994. He has the distinct honor of studying and performing with several Master drum and dance teachers, including Khalid Saleem, Clyde Alafiju Morgan, Mamady "Wadaba" Kourouma, Kpani Addy, Famadou Konate', Mamady Keita, Arthur Hull and Youseff Koumbassa. Bobby currently leads the troupes Harambee West African Drum and Dance, as well as The Barefoot Profits Arabic Orchestra and Dance. He has toured Canada, the United States and Japan, performing and teaching. see http://www.nankama.com/Nankama.com/Home.html

West African Drumming: Open to all levels. We will explore a rhythm names Bao that includes 3 dundun drum parts (stick drums), 2 djembe patterns, and a layering in technique cued by a call from the lead djembe. A handout and CD of the rhythm will be available for small donation.

West African dance: The class will be accompanied by live drumming from Nankama West African Drum and Dance troupe. This session will be open to all levels and will get your heart pumping for sure. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing. All levels welcome.

Donnalee Davidson

Donnalee is an accomplished performer and instructor of Middle Eastern Belly Dance and Maori Fire poi spinning. Born in the South Okanagan, she has made her way across the world and back again bringing her experiences to her dance. Donnalee has been performing and teaching in several countries including Turkey, New Zealand, Ireland, Greece and Nicaragua. Donnalee is also involved with visual art as well, she is an active model for life artists and sculptors both in the Okanagan and abroad. As a way of giving back to the South Okanagan communities that have supported her, Donnalee donates performances to Penticton and Area Womens Center South Okangan Victim Assistance and Penticton and District Multicultural society.

Poi Spinning: Learn how to transform balls on cords into weaving circles and colourful spirals. Learn the rhythm and art of poi with Donnalee! This workshop is aimed at beginners but welcomes spinners of all levels to join in and learn some new moves.

Angela Roy

The founder of Expression, Angela Roy, designed the rhythmic art program based on her year’s experiences as a performing artist and educator. Performing artists, percussionist her performances broadcasted on CBC radio/TV, CHBCTV. Angela has studied African Drum & Dance for several years, performing with the West African, Togo based drum & percussion ensemble“Gamalie”. Dedicated to the arts and education and has studied various dance and percussion styles; Afro-Cuban, African, Garifuna, Indian, first nations… Angela co-founded the Images modern dance co., she performed and choreographed works that toured throughout BC…know for their cultural fusion dance production always performed to live voice & percussion ensemble. Angela has worked with many artists across BC…recording with co-artist on the “Tambour Moving Art Project”. Angela is one the artists featured in the “West Coast Visionary Book” distributed across Canada.

Educator & instructor Angela studied and has worked in the child development/education field for over decade…she has taught & developed courses at the college level in French & English, both in class & online courses. Her creativity & understanding enable her to adapt her instructions and interactions to all ages; children, adults, youth whether the she teaches dance or educational theories… Angela energy and enthusiasm is present!

She received the esteemed Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Education & Development for her work in the community with children and families. She delivers each program with dedication and vitality “you’ll walk away feeling energized & inspired! Today, she performs/presents the Rhythmic Art program to schools, festivals, recreational events & conferences across the country. In July 2009, Angela released her Ana Kupatana Unity Child world music CD for all ages. Rhythmic art kit will be released late fall.

Rhythmic Art: The rhythmic art program is designed by an early year’s educator with years experience working with children. The Kindergarten to Intermediate level program is developmentally appropriate and implemented using a variety of teaching approaches. Expect a high energy and interactive experience with Storytelling through drumming, percussion, movement and world songs!

Lindsay Favell

Lindsay is a wise and skilled Taiko beauty that can dazzle anyone, she makes everyone feel happy. Lindsay looks for the positives in life and tries hard to make the world a better place. Lindsay has been playing Taiko since 2003 with her troupe Yambiko Taiko out of Kelowna. See more on MySpace

Taiko Drumming: Learn the basics styles and technique to create a short drum piece on the various instruments found in Taiko drumming, and by the conclusion of class, be able to perform a short piece. Open to all levels.

Mark Welch

Mark is a drum maker, performer, presenter, and artist…has been making Primero and Segundo drums for international market for over a decade. A Belizean born artist, rooted in the Garifuna and Creole Culture, he has performed throughout Central America, & southern USA, touring with his drum-making demonstration and performance at festivals, retreats and schools. He begins his BC tour in the Okanagan Valley.

Garifuna Drumming: Mark as takes us through a journey of the Garifuna drums & rhythms…vibrant, engaging, powerful rhythms & songs that tell tales his people’s journey to the Caribbean. The messages delivered display the courage, strength, and synergy! Traditional hand-made Primero, Segundo drums carved from mahogany log, with tuning pegs inserted in the rope and nylon string across the top creates unique sound and vibration.

Raven Ritcey

Raven is a teacher, facilitator, and drum circle leader from Kamloops. Raven’s Cree and Scottish ancestors have been calling her to drum for many years and she finally flew at it and her wish came true! Raven’s quest is to introduce people to drumming, to uplift spirits, invigorate the body and mind, and have people djembe django together! Raven’s passion for sharing the drum has quickly started many new drum circles, an e send drum connection list, access to workshops, lessons, and her travelling to rural communities to teach drumming. The drum is a physical and intellectual work out, the drum connects your mind. body, spirit, and community!

Raven’s love of the drum and kinesthetic teaching strategies makes drumming easy and fun. Raven facilitates “Djembe Django” - a Kamloops Drum Circle, “Young Drum”- youth from School District #73, and UJAMMA a Kamloops Community Drum Circle. Contact: djembedjango@hotmail.com

Drum Circle Games and Rockin’ Rhythms: (for teachers & drummers of all ages)

This workshop will give you games and skills to use in a drum circle. Circle rhythms introduced will produce a rockin' layered ensemble for you to use with a drum buddy or a drum circle! Information on how to teach and arrange djembe rhythms will be shared.

Small Change

Fusing World Beat with the original syncopated rhythms of the Deep South, SMALL Small Change has a unique and engaging sound that goes beyond the Blues Genre, they call ‘Cool Blues Fusion’. They have opened for such groups as Alpha Yaya Diallo, Auto Rickshaw, the Montreal Guitar Trio, and like these musicians Small Change have their own unique approach to their music. Check out Small Change on YouTube and on MySpace.