Canya Conga?

Introduction

Here's what Chris has to say about her new book..

Wow, what a great project this has been! Canya Conga? includes conga songs with activities, lessons plans, objectives, and a CD with full color visuals in .bmp, .jpg, and .tiff formats for your interactive whiteboard or for making transparencies. Two versions of each visual are included, one with rich color for your whiteboard, the other lighter in color for transparencies. Full scores are included in .tif, .eps, and .pdf formats. Each full score can be imported into your presentation software or printed using one of these formats if you wish to emphasize note reading.

Many of these songs extend from writing lessons which were incorporated within the classroom.

All of the songs in this book are played by unpitched percussion (UPP) and drums in the Conga family: Quinto (High), Conga (Medium), and Tumbadora (Low). Small, medium and large Tubanos® are excellent substitutes. If you don’t have enough drums, use other options. Use body percussion (stomp, patsch, clap, pat shoulder). Other timbres (UPP) will also work (metals, woods, skins). Another option is to set your barred instrument in a pentatonic scale and transfer parts. Typically, the Low Drum part would transfer to the Bass Xylophone or Bass bars. Transfer High Drum to Soprano Xylophone and Medium Drum to Alto Xylophones. Actually, this would be a great extensions project for your ambitious class!

If you are limited with drums and unpitched percussion, then go to found objects. Big trash cans, empty five-gallon blue water jugs played upside down, pots and pans (played with a drum stick), and 3-foot-length 2” x 4” sections of wood are also fun! Another easy transfer is simply using the classroom chair. Turn the chair around, kneel on floor and transfer “Open Tone” and “Bass Tone” sounds to the chair seat. (See page 33 for more about Bass Tone and Open Tone.) Hits closest to body are the Open Tones and hits closest to the back of the chair are the Bass Tones. Using chairs is also a great way of reviewing a drum piece without getting out all of the drums. Additionally, you can use an old classroom set of books for individual “lap drums.”

Have a blast! Drumming is exhilarating, engaging, mesmerizing, and addictive; it builds discipline, community respect, and trust; it provides a wonderful outlet for musical expression! Go for it!

Chris Judah-Lauder

Here's a Review:

Hi Chris,
I just wanted to let you know that I love the new book, "Canya Conga?". My drum group has already performed one of the pieces! They put some creative movement with the "Flavors" ensemble. We used 3 sizes of hand drums plus shakers. They started out in a freeze position, then each section had their own movement around the stage. This was a big hit at our Talent Show!
I really like the visuals on the CD, this makes this collection instantly useable! I am looking forward to using this with my classes and my drum group next year.
Have a great summer!
Elizabeth Hinkley, Handley Elementary