About me
I am a community percussionist, composer and performer with a passion for bringing rhythms to adults and children from all backgrounds and abilities. Using both traditional rhythms and my own compositions I form drumming groups where people can learn this amazing way of making music together.
Based in West Yorkshire I am known for my energetic workshops, compassionate teaching style and for the vibrant drum groups I have created that bring pounding carnival rhythms into the community. I travel across the UK, teaching groups, organising workshops and performing for events ranging from christenings, wedding and funerals to charity fundraisers, corporate events and huge carnivals.
I am a writer who enjoys creating music that is out of the ordinary, not rhythms to be listened to but instead to be felt, moved to and smiled about. By fusing different styles including Bhangra, traditional English, Brazilian, 70s Funk and ideas from other collaborators I create performance pieces that stand out from the crowd.
Based in West Yorkshire I am known for my energetic workshops, compassionate teaching style and for the vibrant drum groups I have created that bring pounding carnival rhythms into the community. I travel across the UK, teaching groups, organising workshops and performing for events ranging from christenings, wedding and funerals to charity fundraisers, corporate events and huge carnivals.
I am a writer who enjoys creating music that is out of the ordinary, not rhythms to be listened to but instead to be felt, moved to and smiled about. By fusing different styles including Bhangra, traditional English, Brazilian, 70s Funk and ideas from other collaborators I create performance pieces that stand out from the crowd.
Banda Na Rua
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I formed this group as a few members playing a few instruments 2014, then called Honley Samba Band. Now they have grown into a vibrant a 30-strong percussion band with people travelling from across Yorkshire and beyond to experience this unique group.
An article about us as Honley Samba Band has been featured in the Huddersfield Examiner: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/lifestyle/honley-samba-band-shows-how-10303945 |
My arrangement of a Jungle Boogie with Samba Funk, performed at Small Seeds, January 2019.
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Commissions
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As Musical Director of SlickStick Sambastic I was commissioned to write two pieces - an upbeat Bhangra fusion to perform with local Bhangra dance group Versa and a slow respectful piece for the Holocaust Memorial Parade 2018, commemorating the lives lost to holocaust and genocide. Now as leader as Banda Na Rua I arranged an additional piece for the 2022 parade, featured by ITV Calendar News here.
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Sharing Memories is an intergenerational project which brings communities together through the arts. The project Museum of Curiosities was hosted by the historic Holmfirth Tech. I worked with elderly members of the Sharing Memories group alongside those suffering with serious mental health issues to write a song about their memories of the town. We performed this supported by Valley Beats band members, including those with learning disabilities.
See 1:10 in the video. |
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Changing lives in the community
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In April 2018 I formed a new group “Valley Beats” in Holmfirth especially aimed at adults with health conditions and disabilities. The groups was so successful that in November 2018 a second group was also started in Denby Dale. In the two groups adults learn music side by side, including those with learning disabilities, carers needing a break and those who just want to learn a new skill.
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"I find that for the time I spend there I am able to relax and recharge from my responsibilities as the carer of someone with serious health issues... The drumming workshop for me provides pure enjoyment and time out from the pressures of being a carer.” - Dot who is a Carer
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"Samba drumming has been a huge part to my recovery taking steps back in to the community and socializing with others....one phone call led on to so many positive things. I'm so happy to be a part of samba and have met and become friends with wonderful people." - Becky who has mental health issues
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Reinventing the Honley Feast Parade
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The Honley Feast is a celebration with over 100 years history but had died out in recent decades. The Honley Business Association approached me to organise a parade which was similar to the historic parade through the village. I worked with The Children's Art School charity to create a group of costumed drumming families to signal the start of the Feast in as it re-emerged for the first time in 2017.
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Other Projects
Staff Wellbeing Days with Leeds College of Building
Arts days in primary schools with Satellite Arts
"I Can" days in high schools with Claudio Kron and Drumming 4 Business
Celebrating the achievements of looked after children in Kirklees
Drumming fun for Learning Disability Week, Picnic in the Park through Cloverleaf Advocacy
Forming a 45-strong percussion band for Holmfirth Folk Festival
Arts days in primary schools with Satellite Arts
"I Can" days in high schools with Claudio Kron and Drumming 4 Business
Celebrating the achievements of looked after children in Kirklees
Drumming fun for Learning Disability Week, Picnic in the Park through Cloverleaf Advocacy
Forming a 45-strong percussion band for Holmfirth Folk Festival