Classes for Tots to Adult Begin March 24!

Featuring renowned African Drum & Dance Master Tacuma King

The Healdsburg Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to team up with the Healdsburg Jazz Festival to bring Tacuma King to Healdsburg for a series of classes for ages 18 months to adult. K-8 students who attend the City’s after-school program will also be treated to his special classes courtesy of the Jazz Festival.

African drum and dance master Tacuma King has been part of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival since it was founded in 1999. He is a musical charmer and master educator who has a very special way with children, teaching them musical technique, song, dance and story, with an emphasis on traditional African culture, using a variety of percussion instruments. Whether teaching a drum rhythm, a dance step, a chant or a respectful appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures around the world, he always makes it a joyful experience for his students.

Download the Class Flyer (PDF): <click here>

Register today for classes: <click here>

Movement and Music (18 mos. to 3 yrs.)

Session #1:  Tuesdays, March 24 – April 21
No class April 14 – Spring Break

Session #2:  Tuesdays, April 28 – May 19

Time & Place:  10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Hbg. Community Center
Fee: $60

Parents and children will learn to play various small hand percussion instruments and drums using Afro-Caribbean rhythms from Tacuma King.  The children will also learn to use their voice and body as an instrument.

Movement and Music (3 to 5 yrs.)

Session #1:   Tuesdays, March 24 – April 21
No class April 14 – Spring Break

Session #2:   Tuesdays, April 28 – May 19

Time & Place:  11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Hbg. Community Center
Fee: $60

Parents and children will use body mathematics, moving to rhythmic sequences and will also learn to play hand percussion instruments and drums from Tacuma King.  They will then come together and learn to play as an ensemble.

Bantaba Percussion, Song, & Dance Workshop (6 to 15 yrs.)

Sessions:  Tuesdays, March 24 – May 19
No class April 14 – Spring Break

Time & Place:  4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Hbg. Community Center
Fee: $75

“Bantaba” is an African circle where all important events are held. It is a gathering place for musicians to share information and music. In this percussion workshop students will learn to play hand drums and other percussion instruments with an emphasis on learning rhythms from African and Caribbean cultures from Tacuma King. Beginners as well as advanced students are welcome. Students will be invited to perform in the Plaza as part of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival concert on Tuesday, June 2.

Bantaba Drum Circle (Adults and Teens 16+)

Sessions:  Tuesdays, March 24 – May 19
No class April 14 – Spring Break

Time & Place:  7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Hbg. Community Center
Fee: $120 for 8 week session

“Bantaba” is an African circle where all important events are held. It is a gathering place for musicians to share information and music. Afro-Caribbean rhythms will be taught using a variety of hand drums and percussion instruments from Tacuma King.  The class will explore advanced poly-rhythms and students will learn to play in an ensemble. Students are welcome to bring their own instruments.

For more information, or for registration assistance, please call the Healdsburg Parks & Recreation Department at 431-3301 or visit us at the:

Healdsburg Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave.
Mondays – Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learn more at www.healdsburgparksandrec.com or register now online.