"Around January last year, back in good old 2019, I was contacted by the W.I., Hebden Bridge
The Women's Institute were asking if I might like to deliver a Drum Machine workshop to their 30 or so members.
I was a little unsure as to what to expect. I did feel unnerved by the prospect I would be the only male in a room full of women.
They went through their agenda and I realised it was for their entertainment at the end of the meeting. Of course I would go: I love bringing what we do at Drum Machine to people who wouldn't normally get the opportunity to play.
A few weeks later, in Hebden Bridge Town Hall, I stood in the centre and ran through a brief history of the drum and how Drum Machine was born and how it's roots formed.
Not too much chat and then down to it...
Smashing out some heavy drum n bass grooves, which every member took to with bundles of energy…… It was an amazing night.
So i was very happy to receive an invite to come and deliver another workshop this year.
This time I knew the drill and took a female accomplice, Drum Machine’s Kati Edwards with me, for support and extra energy.
The workshop was just as great. I did a bit of chatting about the history of repetition and how repetition moved through Europe and through South America.
And I talked about about the healing power of repetition and the drum.
We started with a clapping exercise to highlight how by just moving one little note, we can breath new life into a groove.
And we finished off by embracing and celebrating our 4 to the floor roots.
Once all were locked in, the healing was apparent.
The joy in the room was overwhelming and ALL were totally engaged.
Another great workshop.
And I hope, something that becomes a regular in the Drum Machine diary.
Bless the WI and all her sail in her."
Aid x
Aid Todd is the Creative Director of Drum Machine.
If you would like a Drum Machine workshop for your event, workplace, club or organisation, please email aid@drummachine.org.uk
We run adult or children's workshops and can cater for very large groups on request.