A great line up of teachers in a pristine location.
Workshops for all levels, communal bonfire jams, and great vibes!
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Our Spring Drum Retreat offers drum classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with a variety of awesome teachers!
♪ Special Saturday Night Show with WALA
Direct from Ghana come Wala – A dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion and soaring vocal harmonies. 5 passionate, exuberant and talented performers present audiences with an exciting display of Ghanaian culture.
♪ Teachers
Djembe & Dun: Boubacar Gaye, Mohamed Camara, Simon Fraser, Davey Hickey
Dance: Appiah Annan & K Nortey
Welcoming: Valanga Khoza
Valanga will kick off our camp with his joyful vocal and kalimba melodies.
♪ Drum with Bouba, Moh, Simon and Guests
Such a great opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s best players and teachers.
We will have classes in djembe and dun for all levels, so you’ll be pushed to learn and grow your playing as much as possible across the weekend.
Learning in this environment will do wonders for your drumming: the djembe always repays the time you invest in it. A weekend of drumming will challenge you in terms of stamina and retention, as well as the content you tackle. You’ll actually notice the difference in your playing most after the event – Your technique will have improved remarkably and you will find your ear can pick up the polyrhythms more clearly.
♪ Dance with Appiah & K Nortey
Enjoy an awesome high energy dance session on Saturday arvo facilitated by Appiah Annan (with live drumming!). On Sunday morning K Nortey will shift the energy down a little with a flowing traditional Ghanaian dance to warm us up for the day. Whether you were born with rhythm or you have two left feet, our workshops are fun, educational and stimulating for participants of all ages, levels and backgrounds – no prior dance experience is necessary! Definitely for anyone who is looking for a fun way to keep fit as well as enjoy an invigorating cultural experience!
♪ Testimonial
“Just wanted to say what a great weekend Crystal and I enjoyed. What a fantastic group of people. Across the board from Masters to Beginners we found everybody to be so pleasant. Also the teachers that I encountered were fantastic. Laura is so amazing at teaching and explaining clearly. We learnt so much from all including yourself. Once again thank you for all you did to make the weekend successful and amazing. Cheers.” – Cliff Strobel
Friday 🌲
♪ Arrival: Anytime after 4pm
Casual dinner, followed by an informal bonfire Jam 🔥. Be warned, this Jam normally goes for hours and hours – such a great warm up to the camp!
Saturday 🌲
♪ 9.00am: Registration/ Retreat payment
♪ 10.00am – 10.45am: Opening Ceremony with special guest Valanga Khoza (South Africa)
♪ 11.00am – 12.30pm:
Beginners Djembe with Davey
Intermediate Djembe with Bouba
Advanced Djembe with Mohamed
♪ 12.30pm – 1.45pm: Lunch
♪ 1.45pm – 3.15pm:
Beginners Djembe with Davey
Intermediate Dun & Djembe with Bouba
Advanced Djembe with Mohamed
♪ 3.30pm – 5.00pm:
Beginners Djembe TECHNIQUE with Bouba
Intermediate Djembe with Davey
Advanced Dun with Mohamed
♪ 5.00pm – 5.30pm: Tea Break
♪ 5.30pm – 6.30pm:
Dance Class with Appiah and live drumming (take your pick!)
♪ 6.30pm – 7.45pm: Dinner
♪ 7.45pm: “Wala” from Ghana in concert
♪ 9pm: Bonfire Jam
Sunday 🌲
♪ 8.15am – 8.45am: Body Awakening Stretching
♪ 9.30am – 10.30am:
Dance Class with K Nortey and live drumming from Wala & students
♪ 10.45am – 12.15pm:
Beginners Djembe with Davey
Intermediate Djembe with Bouba
Advanced Djembe with Mohamed
♪ 12.15pm – 1.30pm: Lunch
♪ 1.30pm – 3.00pm:
Beginners Djembe with Davey
Intermediate Djembe with Bouba
Advanced Djembe/ Dun with Mohamed
♪ 3.15pm – 4.00pm: Final Group Show/ Jam
Communal Pack up & Leave
** If everyone can chip in and help clean up the campsite & kitchen that would be AWESOME!
Location
Set in a peaceful valley, we’ll be completely surrounded by the pristine Great Otway National Park. At 90 minutes out of Melbourne, it’s far enough to feel like a real getaway, but still an easy journey by car.
♪ Comfortable bunk-style log cabins
♪ Camp sites or campervan parking available if preferred (same rate as normal accommodation)
♪ Big communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
♪ Large performance hall with a fireplace
♪ Bonfire area
Sokil – 90 minutes from Melbourne
425 Breakfast Creek Road
Wensleydale
Melways Ref: 611 C10
http://www.sokil.com.au/location_map.html
Take the M1 heading West
Bypassing Geelong, this becomes the A1 (Princes Hwy)
Turn Left onto Cape Otway Rd
Continue through Moriac and Modewarre
Turn left at Wensleydale Station Rd. Wurdiboluc Reservoir will be on your right
Continue approximately 7kms, until the road turns to gravel
At the intersection, follow the road straight into the Great Otway National Park (do not turn left here into Gum flats road)
Continue on the gravel road, past Alsop Track
Turn left onto Breakfast Creek Rd (do not turn right onto Hammonds Track)
Continue 3.5km into the valley
Sokil’s gate is on the left – just over the small bridge!
Rates
Payable in cash on the weekend
We can easily put together a discount for families or large groups – please call or email us for details. Non-drumming friends and family are very welcome.
♪ Saturday & Sunday Tuition, plus Saturday night accommodation: $300/$270 Concession
♪ Non-Accommodation Full Weekend, for those staying offsite: $260/$230 Concession
♪ Tuition only, Saturday 5th including Saturday night concert: $180/$160 Concession
♪ Tuition only, Sunday 6th: $160/$140 Concession
♪ Non-Drummers Weekend, including Saturday night accommodation & concert: $160/$140 Concession
♪ Non-Drummers Day, Saturday 5th or Sunday 6th: $50
** Please note, you are welcome to stay on site in your own Van or Camping set. All facilities will be made available to you and standard accommodation pricing applies.
Drum Hire: $10 (booking required)
Meet your Teachers
Simon Fraser: Djembe & Dun
Simon has been drumming his heart out all his life. Starting with plastic drum-kits and pots n pans as a kid and then graduating to a drum kit, he’s played many styles of music and found his passion in West African rhythms. Annual trips to West Africa since the mid 1990’s have seen him collaborate with some of the regions’ great percussionists. Simon returns to the region every year in search of new music, running a Tour to Africa. His love and knowledge of rhythm translates to his teaching where he focuses on tapping into your creativity, dexterity, honoring tradition and having fun.
Boubacar Gaye: Djembe & Dun
Bouba first laid his hands on a drum in Senegal at the budding age of 14. Inspired by the musical mentors around him he became a member of the infamous Mama Afrika. Under the guidance of ballet professor Joseph-Raphael Bouschanzl, Bouba’s skills and passion grew quickly and soon he was also a member of the renowned Foret Sacre Ballet. In 1997 Bouba ventured to Europe and then onto Japan where he established himself as a leading African percussionists. With an energy and peace of mind that resonates from deep within – Bouba speaks a thousand words with his drum.
Mohamed Camara: Djembe & Dun
Originally from Guinea, Mohamed’s beautiful nature, infectious smile and skill as a performer has led him to become a favourite among young children and students. He is a wonderful drummer and kora player and can be found performing all over Melbourne.
Appiah Annan: Dance
Appiah is a rare talent originating from Ghana, West Africa. His diverse practice spans many forms of dance including traditional African, contemporary, freestyle, hip hop and acrobatics, along with his impressive skills as a master drummer using both stick and hand drums. Appiah maintains a strong connection to community and devotes a lot of his time to working within a range of sectors including performing and operating workshops for youth, the elderly and disadvantaged. Having studied Community Cultural Development at the Victorian College of the Arts, he aims to use the arts to encourage respect, togetherness and understanding among all members of our diverse society.
Valanga Khoza: Welcoming
Valanga is a consummate storyteller and musician, shaping tales of his life into captivating presentations.
Valanga was born in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. He grew up in a traditional setting surrounded by lively singing, drumming and dancing. The Limpopo area is rich in traditional healers, orators and storytellers, highly respected throughout Africa. These were his neighbours. Their nightly ceremonies carried songs and rhythms passed down through thousands of years. Valanga carries these influences through his songs and storytelling.
He is also influenced by his travels throughout the world which were driven by his struggle against racism and his fight for freedom of the black people in South Africa.
Dave Hickey: Djembe
Davey has been studying & performing (and loving) West African percussion for the past 15 years.
He brings his Irish charm, warmth, and sense of humour to his classes, whilst still respecting the traditions of the music.
What should I bring?
A drum if you have one – if not you can hire one for $10
A comfy drum stool if you are particular (Sokil has loads of plastic chairs which are also fine)
BYO food/drinks (Sokil has a large commercial kitchen with ovens, microwaves, glasses & cutlery etc)
Shoes to dance in
Sleeping bag / sheets / blanket (All beds have a pillow & pillowcase supplied)
Warm clothes
Sun Hat
Accommodation
Can I bring a campervan or sleep in my tent? – Yes, you are welcome to do either and make use of all the amenities at Sokil. There are several great areas for camping and to park your vehicle. Pricing is the same for camping/campervan as it is if you are using a bed.
What kind of rooms/bed options are there? – All rooms are bunk bed style rooms. There are 8 rooms with 4 bunks (8 beds).
We can arrange private room for groups of 6 or more, and occasionally family groups (depending on Camp numbers)
We will generally allocate rooms to you all and keep men/ woman and families together.
I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?
Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. It’s a great chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer and pick up tips and tricks from peers
If I choose to camp, is there power at the camping spots?
There are powered camping spots across the campsite.
Not all camping spots are powered – the ones at the upper oval, above the cabins (and near the bathrooms) aren’t powered.
What’s the address?
Sokil
425 Breakfast Creek Road
Wensleydale
Melways Ref: 611 C10
The Power of African Drumming…
In an article written about African Drumming, Dr Dawn Joseph reached fascinating findings when she visited our spring drum retreat in 2019, while investigating the power of West African drumming.
This research explores why people came together to share music-making and practice at a drumming retreat, and what they experienced as a recreational group music activity.
Two overarching themes are explored: drumming for leisure and cultural connections.
Dr. Joseph argues that West African drumming as a “shared energy” experience has the power to positively impact participants’ lives, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Here are a few of our favourite points from the article:
♪ African Drumming builds bridges and foster dialogue, allowing for a better understanding of the people, culture and music in Africa.
♪ African Drumming brings a positive effect to participants’ lives.
♪ There is a deep sense of belonging in the drumming community, being part of something intangible and ancient.
Wala means LIFE
Abli, Ago Odai, Seth, Ben will give us a soulful evening show on Saturday night. When the power of percussion meets dazzling vocal harmony in the dance of life.
A dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion and soaring vocal harmonies. Three passionate, exuberant and talented performers present audiences with an exciting display of Ghanaian culture.
Odai
To see Wala’s spirited lead-vocalist Odai perform is to witness a genuine love of expression through song. He has performed as vocalist, flute player and percussionist since the age of 8 and won the prestigious National Cultural Award in Ghana in 1984.
Ago
Is a vital and awe-inspiring master drummer from Nungua in Southern Ghana. He describes his music as ‘soul food’ and it is impossible not to be touched by his passion and impressive talent. To see him perform is to witness a display of invigorating power and vitality.
Abli
Has been playing music for 17 years, joining local Teshie group ‘Gye Nyame’ when he was still in primary school as an apprentice to the master drummer! He honed his talent before joining the ‘Wassa African Ensemble’ and touring with them to Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, France, and Italy where they featured at festivals in Catania and Canicatti.
Bookings
Book in early by completing the form below to secure your spot!
Family and group rates are available – please ask us for more info
Payment is made with Cash on the weekend of the event.
[email protected]
(03) 9525 3073
