BERNICE HARRISONon alternatives to movies and the mall
Wassa Wassa drums
Any amount of studies show the therapeutic value of drumming. For stress relief it’s up there with yoga – though quite a bit nosier. In Galway this weekend, as part of the festival for the Volvo Ocean Race, children are invited to take part in a drum circle tomorrow on the beach at Palmers Rock, opposite Salthill Park. It’s organised by Baboró, experts in putting together children’s arts festivals, and they have roped in the Wassa Wassa Drummers, a professional percussion outfit, to help get the children started.
A limited number of drums and other percussion instruments will be available to use on the day; if children have their own drums or shakers, they should bring them along. Or, better still, spend today making one. Baboró know how: “Use two empty food tins, washed and dried well and half- or quarter-filled with lentils, dried beans or tiny stones. Tape them together and you have a long shaker, perfect for providing that shhsshing sound that makes you think you’re on the beach,” they say.
“Or collect the inner tubes of tinfoil, cling film or paper towels, half-filled with some dried lentils or beans, and cap both ends. You can decorate them, too, maybe with colourful fabrics, or paint them.”
The event is free, a great deal of noise is guaranteed and the fun starts at 3pm.
www.baboro.ie