C4C´s new music teachers were enthusiastically received by the children in the Ledce and Klokánek Hostivice orphanages – as were their African Djembe Drums!
Composer Jaroslav Vaculík dug deep into his book of tricks to come up with a recipe to teach children in children´s homes to drum on the African Djembe. It goes without saying that he didn’t quite know what to expect – after all, it was the first gig at an orphanage in his life. His helping hand was Martina Pupcsiková, the lyricist of Jaroslav´s songs. Their visit was meant to brighten up the days in the orphanages, to give the children a chance to feel these heavy musical instruments, to talk about rhythm and last but not least to give them a chance to literally beat the drums 🙂
“The kids were amazing; from the first moment they were enthusiastic – even just to touch the drums. So the class started already with a high level of excitement and curiosity as to what sounds you can get from the drums! 🙂 Then came working with proper technique and feeling the rhythms. An hour was not enough, we had to go for almost two hours,” Martina and Jara remarked.
When the drummers arrived in the Ledce home for the second time, the children were already waiting for them on the sidewalk, hugging them and carrying the drums to their place as quickly as possible. The weather was beautiful and playing in the garden was downright rewarding. The children were learning to accompany on the drums the songs Martina and Jara had composed. The two-hour session was very difficult to end – the children didn’t want to let them go home and chanted, “More, more, more!”
On the third visit to Ledce, one little girl confessed that she was crying because she was afraid they would not come again. They enjoyed another lesson together again in the garden, followed by farewell cuddles and hugs.
“When are you coming again?” children were asking.
Well, of course, we’ll make arrangements so they can come again… In the meantime, we’re sending the drum team to the Klokánek Hostivice orphanage…
“There were smaller children in the Klokánek and only two lessons until the beginning of the summer holidays. Smaller children need less actual teaching of the rhythm, as they have more spontaneity,” explains Martina. “But right off the bat, first they were given an educational lesson: wet kids from the pool are not allowed to the drums – the membranes would crack. Unruffled, the kids dried off and the fun began.”
“The smallest children were drumming like crazy and could even manage two drums at once,” laughs Jára.
Even though the smaller kids listened politely to the instructions given by Jara, but as it turned out – they drummed their own style anyway 🙂
“It was here that we singled out an older girl who showed great talent for rhythm and music. She’s never played anything. She literally glowed when drumming!” Martina revealed.
“I think, given a chance, she could pursue learning any musical instrument,” Jara laughs. “Maybe this will set her on a path of something she will later excel at.”
And maybe, just maybe, someone reading this will send that girl a musical instrument through C4C?
It could be you… 😊
Because you can help us to help!
Our teachers’ lessons and mentors’ activities are provided free of charge to the orphanages. We are supported only by you! Please consider becoming a member of the “Friends of Springboard to Life and C4C” by clicking here.
We need your support to continue to change the lives of disadvantaged children for the better, and we appreciate it immensely! Thank you.
Author: Zuzana Šrámková
