Since the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year some strange sounds have been coming from the general music room at Oxford Middle School.
Loud thumps, high clanks and rattlesnake-type buzzes have been drifting through the air in coordination with synchronized rhythms and fast tempos.
The drumming reminds one of a group of African tribesmen performing a ritual in the middle of the school building, but in reality, the rhythmic melody is the result of music instructor Jan Flynn and her exploratory music students.
“Since September we have been working with a program through Remo Drums called World Music Drumming,” explained Flynn. “And it’s a lot of fun, really just a great program.”
The World Music Drumming program contains 30 sequentially structured lessons that have been researched and tested nationally by music educators. The lessons incorporate easy-to-play hand percussion instruments and are geared so that sixth through eighth graders can participate in a “hands-on” cross-cultural learning experience.
“This program was specifically designed for a middle school curriculum by Will Schmid, a Wisconsin music educator,” explained Flynn. “He realized the importance of the discipline of music in life and how it needs to be kept in the schools.”
Flynn, who is a first-year teacher in Oxford Schools, found that the middle school exploratory music curriculum was lacking in structure and instrumentation. Before beginning in the district, the new music teacher was impressed by a conference on the World Music Drumming program and felt that the curriculum was what the class needed.
“This kind of music does what I call ‘level the playing field,'” said Flynn. “It’s not a band class, it’s not a choral class ? it’s a different doorway into the world of music.”
After presenting her curriculum to school officials, Flynn was approved to use the program, so she provided the 15 Tubanos, one Djembe, two Gankoguis, two Shekeres and two cow bells.
Since exploratory music is a 10-week course required for all sixth and seventh graders, every student in those grades will have an opportunity to use the equipment and enjoy the program.
Flynn focuses on the drumming for the first two weeks of class and then sprinkles the coursework throughout the semester.
“I think it’s fun and it’s neat to learn because it’s another culture,” said Kathryn Burt.
“Sometimes it gets confusing with all the instruments put together,” added classmate Joel Fortier. “I thought it would be boring at first, but it’s been fun to do.”
“I like it,” said Davis Dryer. “Sometimes they get loud and confusing, but it’s a lot of fun.”
In fact, the program has become so popular among the students that Flynn has begun teaching between eight and ten students in an afterschool drumming program. The group performed before the school board meeting on Jan. 28.
“It’s still new and it’s still growing,” she stated.
Flynn added that her ultimate goal is to create a dynamic music course where students can try something alternative to band or choir while developing their human potential through the music.
“The kids are really enjoying it,” she said. “Some students who would otherwise not get this type of opportunity are getting to explore making music for the first time.”
In addition, the students learn how to become an important part of a whole unit. They learn about leadership, listening, teamwork, respect of the instruments, respect of their classmates and respect of the cultures and traditions they are studying.
“They really bond and blend as a class,” said Flynn. “It’s just so energetic, exhilarating, rhythmic and fast.”
“The schoolboard and faculty have been very positive and encouraging about this program.”
Flynn not only plans to continue the program in years to come, but also to expand upon the curriculum.
“By the third week we are learning about melody so I plan on adding some keyboards and xylophones, something we can start playing melodies and harmonies on,” she concluded.