Announcing Zimbabwean Drum, Dance & Song workshops with Jennifer Kyker in Hotchkiss, Saturday July 21st and Sunday July 22nd 12pm-4pm, Hotchkiss Memorial Hall. Click the poster at right for a larger version, or click here to download the printable PDF version of the poster (suitable for printing and posting on your refrigerator or at a nearby cafe or bookshop). For more information, call Adam at 970-872-4413.
Jennifer Kyker began to play marimba in 1990 and mbira in 1992. She has lived and studied in Zimbabwe for over three years. Jennifer has performed with various artists in Zimbabwe and the US, including Kudana Marimba Ensemble, the Chigamba family’s group Mhembero, Wagogo, and Chris Berry and Panjea. With Musekiwa Chingodza, she released the CD “Tsunga,” and also performed on Musekiwa’s solo album, “Chingodza Budai Pachena.” Jennifer has been teaching at Zimfest since 1995.
She is currently working on a PhD dissertation in ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jennifer will be offering a weekend long Dinhe intensive:
Come and learn dinhe, a harvest rhythm from the northern, Korekore speaking region of Zimbabwe. This series of intensive workshops will introduce drumming, singing, and dance for the dinhe rhythm. Workshops are open to all levels of drummers, dancers, and singers.
Saturday, 12 noon: Dinhe drumming: 1.5 hours
In this workshop, we will learn two supporting parts and one lead part for dinhe, a rhythm which involves challenging cross-rhythms and syncopation. Please bring a drum. As some drumming parts for dinhe are played with both sticks and hands, a dunun or other drum which can be hit with a stick is ideal, although djembe and conga drums will also work for some of the parts for dinhe.
Saturday AND Sunday, 2 pm: Dinhe dance: 1.5 hours
Dinhe dance involves stylized movements that represent activities related to the harvest, and can include props such as baskets and hoes.
Sunday, 12 Noon: Dinhe song & Hosho: 1.5 hour
This workshop will introduce a song commonly sung to the dinhe rhythm. This workshop will also cover basic hosho technique for the tsaba, muchongoyo, and mbira hosho patterns, with special emphasis on mbira hosho. We will learn how to produce the desired sound quality for hosho playing, and how to hold a steady rhythm to accompany mbira or marimba music, with an emphasis on fitting together the hosho pattern with various mbira parts.
All classes will be held at Hotchkiss Memorial Hall, 1st Street, Hotchkiss. (Noon – 4pm Sat & Sunday)
Price is $55 for all classes, or $15 for each class in advance, $18 for each class at the door.
Mbira classes also offered, please inquire. Camping available, call for details.
More Information, Questions: Call Adam @ 970-872-4413.
To pay in advance, send chacks made out to Jennifer Kyker to Adam, PO Box 969, Hotchkiss CO 81419;
