EP.16 - The art of body percussion

Summary

In this episode of the Music Teachers in International Schools podcast, host Chris Culmer interviews Ollie Tunma, a drummer, percussionist, and educator known for his work with 'Stomp' and 'The Lost and Found Orchestra.' Tunma discusses the power of body percussion, its accessibility in education, and its potential for creativity and cultural exploration. He shares his experiences with international schools and offers insights into his organization, Beat Goes On, which provides resources and workshops for rhythm and percussion education. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging students through body percussion and the adaptability of this art form in various educational settings.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The podcast 'Music Teachers in International Schools' explores music education in the unique context of international schools, aiming to support music teachers who often work in isolated communities.
• 🤝 Ollie Tunna, a drummer, percussionist, and educator, is the guest on the show, known for his work with body percussion and his contributions to the 'Stomp' show and 'The Lost and Found Orchestra'.
• 👤 Body percussion is considered one of the oldest forms of human communication, involving using the body as an instrument, which is accessible to everyone and can be done without additional instruments or technology.
• 📚 Ollie is the director of 'Beat Goes On', an organization that provides resources and workshops for students and teachers, primarily focused on body percussion and other percussion techniques.
• 🎭 'Stomp' is a theater show that combines rhythm, movement, and comedy without the use of traditional instruments or speaking, using everyday objects to create rhythmic and comedic performances.
• 🎓 Ollie studied music performance at Kingston University and has a deep knowledge of Samba, which he has incorporated into his workshops and teaching.
• 🌐 Ollie and 'Beat Goes On' have worked with international schools around the world, offering conferences, workshops, and online resources to support music education.
• 📘 Ollie has released a book called 'Body Beats', which provides a comprehensive guide to body percussion and is used as a resource in his workshops.
• 🔗 The 'Beat Goes On' organization offers a free body percussion scheme of work and other resources on their website, which can be accessed by educators for teaching purposes.
• 💡 Ollie emphasizes the importance of making connections and supporting music teachers and students, suggesting that even without a budget, creative solutions can be found to provide support.
• 🎉 'Samboroki' is a unique concept by Ollie, which combines mass karaoke sing-alongs with a live Samba band, offering a fun and interactive musical experience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Music Teachers in International Schools' podcast?

The podcast explores music education in the unique context of international schools, aiming to support music teachers who often find themselves in isolated communities.

Who is the host of the podcast and what is his role?

The host is Chris Culmer, the founder of the MTIIS community and beginner Orchestra, who engages in conversations with various guests to discuss music education topics.

What is Ollie Tunma's background and how did he contribute during the COVID-19 lockdowns?

Ollie Tunma is a drummer, percussionist, and educator. He was a former cast member of the London and European tour cast of 'Stomp'. During lockdowns, he provided free body percussion follow-along videos that were popular with primary school students during online learning.

What is body percussion and why is it considered a good teaching tool for international school music teachers?

Body percussion, also known as body music, is the use of the body to create percussive sounds. It is considered a good teaching tool because it is accessible to all, does not require additional instruments, and can be adapted to various levels of complexity and cultural music.

What is 'Stomp' and how is it related to body percussion?

'Stomp' is a theater show that combines rhythm, movement, and comedy using everyday objects to create percussive sounds. It is related to body percussion as it exemplifies the use of the body and objects to create rhythm without traditional instruments.

What is the role of 'Beat Goes On' in Ollie Tunma's work?

'Beat Goes On' is an organization directed by Ollie Tunma that provides resources and workshops for students and teachers, primarily focusing on body percussion and other percussion contacts.

How did Ollie Tunma's experience with 'Stomp' influence his approach to music education?

Ollie's experience with 'Stomp' inspired him to focus on rhythm and percussion in his teaching. It also provided him with a modern reference point when introducing body percussion to others, making the concept more relatable.

What are some of the international schools and organizations Ollie Tunma has worked with?

Ollie has worked with various international schools and organizations such as the Council of British International Schools, The King's Academy group of schools in Spain, the International Music Education Summit, and the British Schools in the Middle East, among others.

How can someone get in touch with Ollie Tunma or the 'Beat Goes On' organization for workshops or resources?

Interested parties can get in touch through the 'Beat Goes On' website at beatgoeson.co.uk or by emailing [email protected].

What is the significance of body percussion in Ollie Tunma's sessions and how does he incorporate it?

Body percussion is a significant part of Ollie's sessions as it serves as an immediate and accessible way to engage participants. He incorporates it by teaching various rhythms and techniques, starting from simple clapping and stomping to more advanced levels, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.

What is Ollie Tunma's perspective on the potential of body percussion in music education?

Ollie believes that body percussion has a wide range of potential in music education. It can be used as a starting point for rhythmic understanding, a tool for composition and performance, and can be developed to expert levels, as seen in professional performances like 'Stomp'.