11:00 am: Boomtaka (A): Intro to Hand Drumming on the Djembe with Chris Weekes - $30

Join Chris Weekes for a fun and engaging introduction to hand drumming using the West African djembe, where you will learn the foundations of rhythm. This workshop is open to all ages and skill levels – no experience necessary.

12:00 pm: Percussive Playground with Terry Martyniuk - $30

Join us for an experiential journey into the world of rhythm where music becomes play and exploration is the key. This workshop offers a taste of the full Soundboxing: A Percussive Playground program regularly offered at the Academy of Music, making it a perfect opportunity to try it out and see what it’s all about!

1:00 pm: Boomtaka (B): Take the Djembe Beat Further with Chris Weekes - $30

This workshop builds on Boomtaka (A). Using the techniques and rhythms introduced earlier, Chris will guide participants through more dynamic and creative group drumming. This is a great chance to deepen your drumming skills in a fun, supportive, and high-energy atmosphere. You did not have to attend Boomtaka A to join. Everyone welcome.

LUNCH BREAK

3:00 pm: Health Rhythms with Abby from Pulse Play Circles - $30

Raise your vibration, reduce stress and boost your mood as you experience the healing power of Group Drumming - the Healing Energy Algorithm.

This is a facilitated rhythm circle where participants of all levels are coached in listening, connection, and concentration, and encouraged to create balance based on basic rhythms that we build upon. Drums, body percussion and vocals are involved for a whole-body drumming experience.

Beginners and seasoned drummers will enjoy the experience of building community together and creating amazing energy and music leaving you feeling refreshed and energised! Drums and percussion are provided, but you are always welcome to bring your own.

4:00 pm: Found Sound Rhythm Improv with Abby from Pulse Play Circles - $30

Discover Found Sound Rhythm Improv. Abby Greene Bull spreads the joy of percussion through the discovery of found sound. The Found Sound Rhythm Improv Workshop gets your creative juices flowing as you discover everyday things that make a sound – chairs, water bottles, windows -, including body percussion and voice. Bring your “discovered instrument” to class. We will use these in creative instruments in rhythmic games that encourage listening, interacting, connecting and grooving to the pulse. Abby’s workshop is a powerful form of active meditation - yoga for the brain - that ignites inner rhythm, fires up your creative mind, brings out the playful inner child and leaves you feeling refreshed and energized. Fun for all ages.

4:00 pm: Bucket Beats for kids aged 7+ with Lyell - $12
4:30 pm: Bucket Beats for kids aged 3-6 (with an adult) with Lyell - $12

Join the Academy’s own Lyell Woloschuk for a fun, hands-on sound adventure where kids get to bang on buckets and create awesome beats! Bring your own earmuffs, we’ll provide the buckets and sticks. Bucket Beats kids are invited to kick off the festivals closing concert at 5:30 with a short performance!

5:30 pm: Interactive Concert featuring Participants & Professionals – $30/person, kids free (under 18)

Kicking things off, Bucket Beats kids will bring high-energy rhythms to get things moving and grooving! Then, enjoy performances from participants of each workshop, featuring the collaborative leadership of Abby, Terry, Chris, and Lyell. Expect a lively showcase — and maybe even some spontaneous jamming to wrap things up!