Workshops
Mayan Bubalak Gourd Drum Making Workshop
A 2-Day Workshop 3 hours per day (6 hours total)
Description of "Bubalek" Gourd Drum:
This is an ancient drum used by the Maya, Mexica/Aztecs, and Yaqui
musicians. It is struck with a hand held "beater" (mallet) while
the inverted hollowed-out gourd floats in a bowl or container of
water. The size, density and amount of air trapped under the gourd
determine its pitch and tonal qualities the larger and thicker
the gourd the deeper the tone, the smaller and thinner the gourd
(walls) the higher the pitch. The drums can be slightly tuned by
allowing some of the air trapped underneath to escape raising
the pitch. This allows for some flexibility in tonal pitch while
playing with other "tuned" instruments as accompaniment. The drums
can be highly decorative dependent on the skill of the artisan/student
creating them.
Description of workshop:
Students will have hands-on instruction in the making of this ancient
melodic drum. At the completion of the course they will go home with
a completed working drum.
Day 1 of Workshop students will:
- Learn how to select a gourd
- Learn how to clean the gourd
- Learn how to determine where, and how to cut the gourd
- Have reference material available to them with ancient designs and patterns
- Begin to decorate their drum
Day 2 of Workshop students will:
- Complete decoration of their drum
- Learn how to water-seal/water-proof the gourd
- Have the opportunity to perform with me, utilizing their hand-made drum during the last session
Introduction to Indigenous Music of the Mexica/Aztecs1-Hour Workshop
For children ages 4 – 100 years old
Description of workshop:
Students will be introduced to many ancient, native indigenous instruments
of the Mexica/Aztecs in the wind and percussive categories. The history and
use of these instruments will be examined. Samples of music utilizing these
instruments will be demonstrated and student participation will be encouraged
during some of the songs.
Oral tradition stories will reintroduce the symbolism and meaning behind
some of the instruments.
Images from numerous ancient codexes will be presented to show the use of
the instruments along with the traditional clothing worn by the musicians.
The education of students (schools) and the hierarchy of the education system will be addressed. What types of music were performed, at what times, and for whom will also be discussed. How the ancient music was associated with dance, poetry, and singing. Insight into the melodic and polyrhythmic patterns will also be presented.
Many Nahuatl terms, phrases, and meanings will be presented from the indigenous perspective.
This is a cultural/educational/musical workshop that will enlighten you to the wondrous world of the ancient Mexica/Aztecs. Handouts will be available for reference.
Here is a list of the instruments presented:
- Clay flutes, ocarinas, and wooden flutes
- Shakers, rasps, and rattles
- Mayan Bubalek Gourd Drums
- Hand-drums
- Conch shell trumpets
- Huehuetl drums
- Teponaztli drums
- Turtle shell drums
- Frog shells
- Singing stones
- Rain sticks
- Fire sticks