2018/12/23

2019 Schedule of Drumming, Drums Alive and Buckets!


Drumming Through Courtenay Recreation (register: 250 338 5371 or 250 338 1000)

Intermediate Level African Hand Drumming
Mondays, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Upper Native Sons Hall
January 7 – March 25 (no class February 18)
April 01 – June 24 (no classes Apr 22, 29, May 20 & June 20 – to be confirmed)

Beyond Beginners Level African Hand Drumming
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, Upper Native Sons Hall
January 9 – March 27 (no classes February 20 & 27)
April 03 – June 19 (no classes May 8 & June 12 – to be confirmed)

Beginners Level African Hand Drumming
Thursdays, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, Lower Native Sons Hall
January 10 – March 28 (no class February 21)
April 04 – June 20 (no classes Apr 25 & June 13 – to be confirmed)

NEW!! Adapted Programs for adults with disabilities: Let’s Jam! Drumming For Every-
Body!
(based on HealthRhythms protocol)
Thursdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, Lower Native Sons Hall
January 17 – March 14

Drums Alive Power Beats
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Upper Native Sons Hall
January 9 – March 27 (no classes February 20 & 27)
April 03 – June 19 (no classes May 8 & June 12 – to be confirmed)

Drums Alive Golden Beats
Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Upper Native Sons Hall
January 10 – March 28
April 04 – June 20 (no classes May 9 & June 13 – to be confirmed)

Drumming in Errington (register through Kim: kimlongmuir@telus.net)
All classes Mondays, February 25 – April 15 (no class March 25) & May 6 – June 24 (no class
May 20 th )

Beginners 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Beginner Duns 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Beyond Beginners 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Drumming at the Royston Community Hall (register through Monica:
drumdeva@gmail.com or at the door)
****NB: there are now scheduled classes in January and February of 2019!!***

Sundays (drumming) January 13 – February 24 (7 weeks)
March 3 – April 14 (7 weeks)
April 28 – June 16 (no class May 19) (7 weeks)
Wednesdays (buckets) January 9 – February 27 (8 weeks)
March 6 – April 24 (8 weeks)
May 1 – June 19 (5 weeks only *** no classes
May 8, 15 or 22***)

SUNDAYS:
Beginner Duns 4:00 – 4:45 pm
Intermediate Level African Hand Drumming 4:45 – 5:45 pm
AdvancedDuns 5:45 – 6:30 pm
Performance Ensemble 6:30 – 7:30 pm

WEDNESDAYS:
Beginner Bucket Brigade 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Advanced Bucket Brigade 1:00 – 2:00 pm

NB: Balafon students please contact Corinne for dates! (corinnedurin@hotmail.com)

2018/10/21

BRAND NEW BEGINNERS BUCKET BRIGADE!

Hello everyone!
Buckets are becoming very popular! I am offering a session of Bucket Drumming for brand new bucketeers from November 7 through December 19th. This 7 class session will serve as a way for "newbies" to learn the basics without being thrown into the advanced class without the benefit of having had a beginners class behind them!  At some point, the two groups will likely merge: but in the meantime, let's have some fun at our respective, appropriate levels!
Classes will be Wednesdays from 12 noon - 1 pm! Please round up some friends! This class will only run if there are enough participants!
Drumming is so great for the brain! Come out and see why you feel energized, balanced and full of smiles after a bucket drumming session! So accessible, all you need to bring is a bucket of any size (from bathroom-sized garbage cans to yard-sized, and anywhere in between!)......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKMUNfq7pQ

KOCA and SASHA are back! Workshops in West African Drum & Dance!

The Royston Community Hall will be rocking to West African rhythms Nov 2 - 4th when, once again, we are privileged to have Guinean Master Djembefola and Griot Kocassale Dioubate and his partner Sasha Belle Hunt join us for a full weekend of drum and dance workshops! Open to all levels, see details by clicking on link!  https://www.facebook.com/events/521630744968284/   I encourage you all to attend -- no experience necessary! There is nothing quite like learning from a master!!! And moving your body to authentic, live African drumming! Pre-registration and payment in advance is necessary to hold your spot! See you there!

2018/08/26

JOIN THE BUCKET BRIGADE!!!! Bucket drumming is so much fun!

BUCKET DRUMMING - what's THAT?!
Well, why not come out and give it a try! Everyone can do it! The CV "Bucket Brigade", a wonderful energetic group that meets for class and practice every Wednesday in Royston, is looking for new members! In order to join, however, you need to have the basics under your belt! So here is your opportunity to learn enough to get you a spot "on the team"! Once you've tried it, you won't want to stop! Such fun, and so good for the brain!
INTRO to BUCKETS Sept 5 & 12, 1:00 - 2:00 pm at the Royston Community Hall at the lights on the Old Island Hwy -- FMI and to pre-register: contact Monica --drumdeva@gmail.com

CHECK THIS OUT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKMUNfq7pQ
(copy and paste into your web browser...)

Gotta Love Drumming!!!

Drumming is good for the body, mind and soul! Scientifically proven to reduce stress, enhance immune-function and increase endorphin production (natural pain killers). Creating new neural pathways, left-right brain integration, team- & community building and feeling more relaxed are just a few more benefits of getting "into the groove"! 
Classes in African Hand Drumming at all levels, beginner through intermediate/advanced, bucket drumming (join the Bucket Brigade, so much fun!) as well as Drums Alive (cardio/dance/drum fitness class: Drums Alive Comox Valley on Facebook), all facilitated by Monica Hofer, are starting up again soon in Courtenay, Royston, Qualicum Bay and Errington!
See page 81 in your Fall CV Rec Guide and my previous post (below) for more details! :) 

Monica's Fall 2018 Schedule of Drumming, Drums Alive, Buckets, Balafon and other rhythm events!


COURTENAY RECREATION CLASSES:  To register, phone 250 338 5371 or 250 338 1000

Intermediate African Hand Drumming:
Mondays, Sept 10 – Oct 22 (no class Oct 8 or Nov 12) and Oct 29 – Dec 17
 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Upper Native Sons Hall

Beyond Beginners African Hand Drumming:
Wednesdays (**Note change in day, venue & time**), Sept 5 – Oct 24 and Oct 31 – Dec 19
5:30 – 6:30 pm  Upper Native Sons Hall

Beginners African Hand Drumming:
Thursdays (**Note day, venue & time change**), Sept 6 – Oct 25 (no class Sept 20) and Nov 1 – Dec 20
5:00 – 6:00 pm Lower Native Sons Hall

****Tentative: New class!!! Stay tuned for details!****   Intergenerational Jam: Shared Drumming Experience: this weekly meet-up, facilitated by local African Hand drumming instructor Monica Hofer,  offers  participants the unique experience of sharing the joy of rhythm between generations. Young and older are welcome to bring a friend, a family member, a neighbour or even just someone you’d like to get to know better to this circle where we will experiment with communicating across the generations using djembes and hand held rhythm instruments.

Drums Alive:  all classes at the Upper Native Sons Hall (please go to “Drums Alive Comox Valley” on Facebook to see what this exciting and fun fitness class is all about – combining cardio/aerobic fitness with dance and drumming, it’s a combination that can’t be beat! J )
PowerBeats:   Wednesdays, Sept 5 – Dec 19   7:00 – 8:00 pm
GoldenBeats:  Thursdays, Sept 6 – Dec 20 (no class Sept 27)  10:30 – 11:30 am


ERRINGTON CLASSES:  held at the Errington War Memorial Hall 
To register, contact Kim Longmuir --- kimlongmuir@telus.net

Mondays, September 17th - December 3rd (No class October 8th or November 12th)

Beginners:  4:00 – 5:00 pm
Beginner Duns (African Bass Drums):  5:00 – 5:30 pm (tentative, dependent on registration)
Beyond Beginners:  5:30 – 6:30 pm


LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY HALL (Qualicum Bay):   We are meeting now on Tuesdays at Deb's house (contact Monica for more details!) -- Drumming 5:30 - 6:30 pm and Sing Out Community Choir! 6:35 - 7:35 pm (Qualicum Bay area)!!! Thanks Deb!!!


ROYSTON CLASSES:  All classes at the Royston Community Hall, at the lights on the Old Island Hwy in Royston

Registration is at the door, or via email correspondence  (drumdeva@gmail.com).

Sundays, Sept 9 – Oct 21 (no class Oct 7) = 6 weeks & Oct 28 – Dec 16 (no class Nov 4 or Nov 11) = 6 weeks
And for those who like to plan far in advance: Mar 3 – Apr 14 = 7 weeks & Apr 28 – June 16 (no class May 19) = 7 weeks
*NB: at this point I am tentatively not scheduling classes for January or February 2019; this may change, so stay tuned! J

Beginner Duns    4:00 – 4:45 pm
Intermediate Drumming    4:45 – 5:45 pm
Advanced Duns   5:45 – 6:30 pm
Performance Ensemble    6:30 – 7:30 pm


Wednesdays
NB: I am pleased to announce that Corinne Durin will be taking over instruction of the balafon class for the upcoming session! Please contact Corinne directly with any questions (corinnedurin@hotmail.com).

Bucket Brigade:  
Sept 5 & Sept 12  only  @ 1:00 – 2:00 pm  INTRODUCTION TO BUCKETS (for “newbies”!! J - these 2 classes are intended as an introduction to playing buckets for those interested in joining the bucket brigade – if you are new to this fun, rhythmic experience, you must take these 2 classes before beginning the regular session with the “seasoned” bucketeers!)

Sept 19 – Oct 31 = 7 weeks  & Nov 7 – Dec 19  = 7 weeks  1:00 – 2:00 pm
Balafon:      Sept 19 – Oct 31 = 7 weeks  &  Nov 7 – Dec 19  = 7 weeks   2:00 – 3:00 pm

Winter Solstice Potluck/Drum/Fundraiser:   Dec 21st (NB it’s a Friday!)

Nov 3 – 4 Weekend: Koca and Sasha are back in town for African Drumming & Dance!!!!!! 
 
Summer Solstice Potluck/Drum/Fundraiser:   June 23rd (it’s a Sunday!)

Drum Camp with Jordan of DrumVictoria:   tentatively scheduled for July 5 – 7 th



This schedule is subject to change, but mark your calendars anyway J
Also, I am available again to facilitate two 6 week school programs in African Hand Drumming OR Drums Alive this fall/winter, so if anyone has children/grandchildren in school (any age level), please let them know that their school simply has to contact me to book a program! FYI: these programs would have to be Tuesdays. Thanks!



2018/06/01

FRIENDLY REMINDER:

LIGHTHOUSE CHOIR IS CANCELLED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS SESSION. WE BEGIN AGAIN IN THE FALL! THANKS!

2018/04/17

Current Schedule of Drumming Classes with Monica

Courtenay Recreation, register: 250 338 5371 or 250 338 1000
African Hand Drumming:
Beginners - Wednesdays, April 11 - June 27, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Native Sons Grand Hall (no class May 9)
Beyond Beginners - Thursdays, April 12 - June 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Native Sons Lower Level (no class April 19)
Intermediate - Mondays, April 9 - June 25, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, Native Sons Grand Hall (no class May 21 or June 11)
Drums Alive:
Golden Beats - Thursdays, April 12 - June 28, 10:30 - 11:30 am, Native Sons Grand Hall
Power Beats - Wednesdays, April 11 - June 27, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Native Sons Grand Hall (no class May 9)

Royston classes: register through Monica

Sundays, April 22 - June 10 (no classes May 20)
Beginner Duns - 4 - 4:45 pm
Intermediate African Hand Drumming - 4:45 - 5:45 pm
Advanced duns - 5:45 - 6:30 pm
Ensemble/Performance Group - 6:30 - 7 :30 pm

Island Drum Camp with Jordan Hanson, June 15 - 17

FMI: google "Drum Victoria"  (more info to follow)

Annual Solstice Drum/Potluck/Fundraiser:

Royston Community Hall, June 24th  5 - 7 pm

Lighthouse Community Hall, Qualicum Bay, register through Monica

Beginners African Drumming, Fridays 5:30 - 6:30 pm  May 11 - June 22 (no class June 15)
Sing Out! Community Choir, Fridays 6:45 - 7:45 pm  May 11 - June 22 (no gathering June 15)

Errington War Memorial Hall, Errington: register through kimlongmuir@telus.net

Tuesdays, April 30 - June 18 (no classes May 21)
Beginners African hand drumming, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Beyond Beginners, 5:15 - 6:15 pm

Sing Out! Community Choir and African Drumming classes continue in Qualicum Bay...

For everyone's info:
our wonderful choir continues to meet and classes in beginner African hand drumming are ongoing at the Lighthouse Community Hall in Qualicum Bay!
We have fantastic, lively groups of keen singers and drummers participating and would love to see more folks come out to see how much fun we are having!
We are just finishing up Session #2 on April 27th, but you can join choir anytime! For drumming it's better to start at the beginning of a session, and the next session starts May 11 and runs till June 22nd (with no classes June 15th due to Island Drum Camp - info to be posted soon!)....
Fridays:
Drumming 5:30 - 6:30 pm 6 classes @ $72
Choir 6:45 - 7:45 pm 6 meet-ups @ $60 or $12 drop in

2018/01/08

SING OUT! New community choir in Qualicum Bay

This community choir aims to put the fun back into singing! Have you always thought you couldn't sing, or maybe only in the shower? Here's your chance to join a supportive and lively group of like-minded individuals who just want to raise their voices in song: no expectations, no performance anxiety, no experience necessary! We will be singing from a variety of traditions: chants, rounds, SATB, folk songs, songs in other languages, improv....you name it, we'll try it -- and have fun doing it!!
Fridays, Jan 19 - Feb 23: 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Lighthouse Community Hall, L'Heureux Room, Qualicum Bay
Investment: $65 for 6 weeks
FMI and to pre-register: drumdeva@gmail.com

NEW!!! Beginner African Hand Drumming in Qualicum Bay

We are all born into rhythm - the rhythms of our bodies, of the seasons, of our day-to-day lives. Join Monica Hofer, local drum circle facilitator and drumming instructor, and (re)discover the joy of "getting into the groove" in a supportive, lively, encouraging atmosphere. Drumming is scientifically proven to be good for your physical, mental, spiritual and social health!
No experience necessary! This class is intended for those with little or no experience playing African djembe. Drums available on request.
Fridays, Jan 19 - Feb 23: 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the L'Heureux Room at the Lighthouse Community Hall in Qualicum Bay
Investment: $72 for 6 weeks
Please pre-register: drumdeva@gmail.com