PRODUCT CHECK

BONGO BAG

This is a must for the percussion player on the move. This is a great way to both store and transport your drums. Padded bag to suit twin Bongo sets. With adjustable carry strap and a carry handle, this bag makes it easy to transport your bongos safely. Also a zippered outer pocket. Dimensions: 450mm x 250mm x 250mm. So visithttp://lenkermusic.info/product/754/

I've bought heaps of drums from Lenkermusic and have been really impressed at the quality of the drums at such an affordable price.

Bongo Drumming
Tutor – Darren Bowyer-Warner
Following on from last years 'Introduction to Djembe drumming', this One-hour 4 week course looks at teaching the basics for playing the Bongo drums, and will serve as an introduction into a range of rhythms from Cuba, through to Trinidad. (Drums provided)
Saturdays 12.45pm to 1.45pm for 4 weeks
Term 4: 8th to 29th November
Cost $60

Drumming packages with Inner-groove Percussion

1-on-1 percussion lessons - Come along and learn the basic techniques of hand drumming for either the Djembe, Bongo's or Conga drums. Sessions are 1 hour.

Taster sessions - If you fancy having a dabble with percussion, then why not try a taster session with the Djembe, Bongo's and Conga drums. Sessions are 20 mins.

Corporate team challenge - As a whole group, you will work together to learn a range of funky drum rhythms. Then, splitting off into smaller teams, each group will have 20 mins to create their own exciting drum rhythm. All teams will then perform and share their groups creations for everyone to jam along to. Sessions are 90 mins.

Corporate team builder - For 1 hour, prepare to be inspired by the art of the drum-circle. The main goal here is to experience as a whole group, the thrill of finding the rhythm, joining in with the groove, and making music together. It's a team thing!

At Charlie Farley's with Al Reeve

Check out singer/guitarist Al Reeve playing on friday nights down at Charlie farley's with percussion accompaniment from yours truly.

Intro to Djembe Drumming DVD

If your interested in learning to play the Djembe drum, there are lots of very good instructional books and DVDs out their that you can buy from most good stores such as http://www.rockshop.co.nz/ or http://www.musicworks.co.nz/ This DVD 'Have Fun Playing Djembe' I picked up from the Rockshop and covers all the basics for learning the Djembe such as developing good hand technique, through to learning and jamming along to authentic drumming rhythms.

Product check

I've recently been on the look out for a set of Timbale drums and came across these little gems at one of the Trade aid stores in Auckland. Although these drums are both small and are not traditional timbales, they pack a great sound and at only $20.00 each there a darn sight cheaper. So if your on the look out for ethnic style drums at a bargain price, then check out a Trade aid store near you at http://www.tradeaid.org.nz/

Welcome Page

Hi I'm Darren and Welcome to my Inner-Groove Percussion Blog page. Here you'll find useful tips on all things percussion ranging from playing techniques for a range of different hand-drums, through to product advise. Inner-groove percussion group offers private and group lessons in hand-drumming for the Djembe, Conga and Bongo drums. As well as tuition, IGP group can provide drum circle performances and group team-building sessions for corporate events. 'So grab a drum and bring out your Inner-groove'.

My interest in percussion started when I was still at school back in the U.K. I had a habit (and still do to this day) of constantly tapping on things like tables, chairs, you name it. At that stage though I never thought that I would develop a life-long interest in percussion. It wasn’t until I was in my mid twenties and I bought a set of Bongo drums and used to spend time jamming along to Ska, Reggae and Cuban music. It was then that I started to get more serious about wanting to become a percussionist.

Over the last eight years I have concentrated on studying the Djembe, Conga and Bongo drums and have played percussion in a number of Ska/Reggae bands as well as taking part in various drum-circle groups back in the U.K. One of the great things about being a percussionist is that it really is a life's work. There are some many other types of hand drums such as the Dombek drum, the Indian Tabla drum or the Irish Bohdran and that's before you start adding the smaller hand percussion instruments. Even after eight years I still haven't even scratch the surface.

So now I'm living on the beautiful Waiheke island off Auckland New Zealand. There are lots of musicians and hand-drummers on the island, and that's what prompted me to set up my own percussion group. So if its percussion your into then 'Watch this space'.