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“The
children loved it. Richard arrived with more than 25 African drums,
most of which he had made himself. He
brought some artefacts from Africa which he displayed in the school
and really set the scene. He told the children about his experiences
in Africa, how he had learned to drum and he was very inspiring...”
- Rehana Juna - Headteacher, Ellington
Primary School, Maidenhead
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“A natural
communicator!”
- Association of British Choral Directors delegate |
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“Richard Latham
is...delightful...the synchronicity (of his Rich Rhythms performance
group) continued until the very last beat...an incredible advert for
acoustic music...” - Thanet Gazette |
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Comments from
children at Larchfield Nursery & Primary School, Maidenhead...
“Djembes are cool
enough to be the best instrument in the world!” Billie-Jo
“I like playing
djembes because it makes my hand vibrate.” - Masato.
“I loved djembe
because I like drums, so thank you for teaching me.”
- Kasey
“I loved playing
the djembe because I felt like a real musical person.”
- Zainab
“Curriculum
enrichment personified!”
- Rob Howe - Headteacher
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“You
are so skilled at involving everyone in your workshops, irrespective
of their ability. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces too!”
- Jo Campbell - Head of Section, Personal and Work Skills,
Thanet College, Broadstairs |
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“Absolutely brill
was the response from staff and kids... if you want a reference let
us know!”
- Denise Parrett - Music Coordinator, Briary School,
Greenhill, Herne Bay |
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“Richard’s
enthusiasm and absolute commitment to learning and teaching is
simply stunning.” -
Debbie Townsend -
Senior Advisor (Creativity and Music),
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead |
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Comments from
children at St Michael's CE Primary School, Sunninghill (and after
school club)…
“I always look
forward to Fridays because of drumming. I like it because it's
challenging.” - Joshua
“I enjoyed it
because I was with my friends and family. When we got home we
practised the new rhythms together.” - Joseph
“I prefer it to
art and that is my favourite subject. I have learnt rhythms and
found out about Africa.” - Katharine
“Enjoy
and achieve - African drumming has been a great success at St
Michael's. It provides exciting whole class teaching, the
opportunity to play an instrument from a different culture, and best
of all we enjoy ourselves. The children concentrate, the sound is
wonderful, and Richard has a lovely rapport with children, staff and
parents.” - Val Woods - Headteacher
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To Heads of Schools: Richard Latham regularly leads workshops in
primary, secondary and special schools. The importance of direct
involvement in such a ‘hands-on’ musical activity is becoming
increasingly widely recognised. The pace and complexity of every
workshop is adjusted to suit the ability of the participants, be they
students with special educational needs, mainstream school pupils from
nursery right through to Year 6, secondary music students, teaching
staff (including music co-ordinators), or even experienced drummers and
percussionists. In addition to one-off introductory workshops in West
African drumming, more detailed studies for GCSE and Advanced level
students have helped to meet course requirements in a highly involving
and memorable way.
Though
born and raised in England, Richard has enormous respect and enthusiasm
for the traditional culture of West Africa, most notably because the root
and inspiration of all his teaching and performing lies in his own direct
learning experiences over a number of years with ‘master drummers’ in
both Gambia and Burkina Faso.
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