We headed over to Missoula’s Rattlesnake Elementary School for this Arts and Education report where the kids there are moving to the beat of their own drum.
Drum Brothers members Tracey and Matthew Marsolek were teaching West African percussion and dance through drums to first grade students when we stopped by.
The day started with Matthew and Tracey teaching the students about the drum and then each student got their own, so they could practice different rhythms and beats.
Members from Drum Brothers have been visiting schools in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Alberta and British Columbia for over 20 years -- teaching not only music and drumming technique, but several other lessons, that may not be as obvious.
“There are a lot of different elements that are very positive for children. One is just holding focus, learning how to hold a thought or musical thought,” Matthew explained.
“There is also the part of group dynamics, how do we get along together? How do we make music together? How do we listen to one another? How do we focus on the right thing? And how do we listen together?” he added. “So there are so many different things you learn with this.”
Click here to learn more about the Drum Brothers.
