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Drums - a history

Drums - a history
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Key Info
  • Drums - a history
  • Duration: 05:00
  • Through the magic of time travel we are taken on a journey which marks the key moments in the development of the drum from 790AD through to the present day technology. The history focuses on five specific historical periods in which there were significant moments in the development of the drum, from its use in sending messages to its development as an instrument in its own right. The journey is completed by highlighting the wealth of creative possibilities through the advancement of technology. In each period, there are short relevant musical extracts. Close-ups provide the viewer with visual as well as audio references.
  • Subject:

    Music

       
  • Keywords: donga, tabor, timpani, bass drum, hi-hat, snare, drum, jazz, swing, rock 'n' roll, synthesiser, Eon Straddler, eonstraddler, messages, percussion
Ideas for use in class
  • Pupils should be able to easily explore drum sounds and create their own drum patterns and pieces in school. Some may already have drum kit or djembe lessons. Make sure this practical work enhances the information they have learned from the clip. They could try sending messages to each other across the playground. Encourage older pupils to conduct their own research using books or websites. Pupils can construct their own time lines, choosing their own dates and historical periods and add more detail to fill in the gaps between the five historical moments in the clip. Find out the names of some famous drummers who have played with both jazz bands and rock groups. Listen to a famous piece of music called 'Fanfare for the Common Man' by Aaron Copland. It is a wonderful piece with lots of different percussion.
Background details
  • Clip language : English
  • Aspect ratio : 16x9
Video options
  • Location of Flash Video clip:

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