large group ideas

[Teri Shaw]

Hello everyone!

Wondering how many of you felt the 4.8 earthquake on the West Coast?

Also wondering... if any of you would like to throw some 'tips and tricks' for large group facilitating...

Here's the set-up:

160 people - older adult/senior demographic - seated at 12 tables (14/table) - percussion instruments will be distributed prior to facilitating  from stage (with a microphone/headset).

I have some ideas on warm-ups that everyone can do from their tables... call & response, rumble/stop, 'pieces of 8', 4-part rhythm hand out among the tables, etc. 

I have 1/2 hour tops... a quick in-and-out to wow them, although it's more about showing them how fun rhythm can be (I'm not taking djembes but some will have frame drums...). 

It's by far my biggest gig yet and I'm super excited to be a part of it... but also nervous... but mostly excited!

Thoughts?

Regards,

Teri Shaw DCF - Sound Waves Drumming

"Connecting and Creating Communities Through Rhythm"

[Alan Bruni]

Ideally if you can get one or more shills to be your stage band you can focus on facilitation.  Having a bass and and a djembe to cover the range of sound.  If you are doing this alone I recommend playing a bass that is elevated so you can stand and play or my favorite is to facilitate with a Bahia buffalo drum 14 or 16 inch which allows you to move all around.  

You may also want to think about how you will gather your gear..

If they have volunteer or staff to help collect/ that would be helpful.

As much as you can sculp instrument type and by table I always like to sculpt out glasses wearers and also all the single people. Sculpting singles always gives a good platform for humor, especially with older groups. When the singles are playing I bring the volume down and have them look around at each other, i say "you're welcome" and then I count everybody back in.

Best of luck..