Sessions & Classes
Group Meeting Times and Classes.
Monthly Schedule
Drumming in Berkeley Springs, WV had been suspended during the Coronavius emergency, we're looking into cautiously resuming.
Learn Japanese Taiko!
Shangö Taiko Player Kurt Griffith is interested in cultivating more local Taiko players. More players, more fun, more DON! Please contact us if you are interested in workshops or regular classes in this dynamic and expressive Japanese drumming.
We're starting a set of practice sessions for the Taiko Performace at the Morgan Arts Council Cherry Blossom event on Satruday April 29th. If you're interested in participating please contact us.
Find out more here. Please Email Us for more information or with any questions.
COVID GUIDANCE – The safety of our drum community is always our first priority. We still recommend to please take all appropriate health precautions and practice good hygiene and steps to prevent illness as recommended by the CDC.
If you’ve tested positive, feeling unwell, or need to isolate, no problem! It's absolutely okay to say home and miss one. We certainly understand, and we do want to protect each other. Recover, get healthy, and we’ll see you next time!
Drum safe! Ashé!
Shangö Percussion Core
The Core Members of Shangö Percussion are intermediate to advanced level drummers who are familar with most of our base rythymns and have reasonable facility on the djembe, doumbek, or their chosen instrument/s. Core Members have made a commitment to learn and study these rythymns. Shangö Percussion was Founded, and untill the Coronavius Pandemic, led by instuctor and facilitator Bob Marggraf, a lifelong drum enthusiast. He is now retired from active participation.
ON HIATUS
Shango Percussion Core members will locally perform from time to time. Typically by request. Contact us if you’d like us to come teach or perform.
Participants are strongly encouraged to have their own instuments, but there are often extra drums and percussion instuments to share.
While we are each keenly aware of our limitations and weaknesses as always-learning drummers, we realize that it's easy for beginners to feel overwhelmed by the “Wall of Sound”, and intimidated by complex polyrythymn. We offer a Beginner‘s Class for new drummers! But if you're willing to push yourself, check it out. Regardless of your ability level, we have a place for you.
We are currently open to new members, so if you can rock the beat, and are willing to study and learn, come on down to a session and check us out!
At the Morgan County Expo, September 2018.
Shangö’s Gate
Shangö’s Gate is our beginner‘s “Boom Camp” for the drum.
From time to time, we offer an entry-level open class in African, Middle Eastern, and World Drumming and Percussion, for new and beginning drummers, or for anybody wanting a dose!
New Classes TBD
All are welcome! No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and willingness to study. Material will consist of fundamental techniques on the Djembe, Ashiko, Doumbek, and related instruments, and basic and classic African, Middle Eastern, and World rhythms, sometimes even Japanese Taiko! We feel new drum-heads are not going to appear by magic, so we need to help build ‘em.
Classes are offered by Shangö Drummer Kurt Griffith, an experienced multi-cultural drummer, sacred bard, and ceremonial singer.
Please bring a drum if you have one, but there will be a few drums available to share. We can also help hook you up with Drum vendors. The Monthly classes are ongoing and new students can start anytime. Drop in whenever you like!
Donations humbly requested to cover use of the space, very much appreciated!
Contact Kurt Griffith for information about the classes. Walk-ins are absolutely welcome!
Shangö’ Mountain Taiko
A project of Shangö Percussion, Shangö Mountain Taiko is forming to be one of the few, if not the first, small town rural Community Taiko group devoted to the dymanic art of Japanese Taiko Drumming in the region, certainly in the WV Panhandle. Shangö Mountain Taiko will debeted on Satruday April 29th, 2023 at Morgan Arts Council’s Sakura Matsuri Japanese Spring Festival to thunderous applauase and community acclaim. So we're going to keep on practicing and training!
Watch this space. More to come!
Find out more about Drumming with Shangö Mountain Taiko here!
The New Earth Granary
A precious and unique local resource in Berkely Springs for performance and creativity. New Earth believes, “that everyone is born with a unique ability, an individual part to play in the orchestra of life. This gift is just waiting to be discovered and developed and NewEarth Now can help you find it. We have created a supportive environment where individuals can develop their gifts and awaken to their true selves with opportunities to perform, experiment, collaborate and share their awakened spirit.”
The converted grain barn offers Monthly Granary Showcases, Open Mics, Tuesday Night Jams, Practice Sessions for Performers and Bands (including Shango!), Classes for Musicians, Community Concerts, Poetry Nights and More.
The New Earth Granary is located at 143 N Mercer St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
A block off of Rt 522, just off the intersection of Merecer and Independence streets, and the next block over from the Morgan Arts Council Ice House, across the street from Black Cat Music. Nice neighborhood!
Call or email Johnny Robinson for more information. | 304 820-8499 | Granary Web Site
The Granary does not charge us for using their space, so donations to the Granary are more than appreciated!
Black Cat Music Cooperative
Right across the street form The Granary, Black Cat Music Cooperative and Black Cat Music Shop are more wonderful musical resources here in Berkley Springs.
Black Cat Music Cooperative offers music classes, personal instrument instruction, mentoring and performance opportunities to young people in a safe, nurturing environment where they can develop and express their personal creativity. We have an active outreach that fosters mutually supporting relationships with other non-profit and volunteer organizations.
Call for more information: 304-500-2696 | Visit Black Cat Music Cooprerative
Black Cat is offering their space, on a rental/donation basis, so donations for our sessions there are respectfully requested and very much appreciated!
BLACK CAT MUSIC SHOP
BCMC is an outgrowth of Black Cat Music Shop, a family owned, independent music shop and studio that opened in Berkeley Springs, WV in 2009, dedicated to serving fellow musicians, and those who want to learn. In the shop you'll find a comfortable, creative environment and a friendly, knowledgeable staff that will help you find the best instrument or accessory for your needs.
Black Cat Studio offers recording services, and great rates on studio time. Black Cat hosts events, and open Mic Nights and the amazing School of Rock. Check them out!
Call for more information: 304-258-4440 | Visit the Black Cat Music Web Site
The Black Cat Music Cooperative and Black Cat Music Shop are located at 155 Independence St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
A block off of Rt 522, on the intersection of Mercer and Independence streets, the next block over from the Morgan Arts Council Ice House, across the street from The Granary. Nice neighborhood!