Cultural Study and Drum Tours to The Gambia, West Africa with King Marong

Visit the smiling coast of West Africa for 1 month of music and culture with your host King Marong.

Whether its the sophisticated music, the unique food, the array of traditional textiles or the historical significance of the region that interests you, this tour of a lifetime is sure to please.

Open to all people who are passionate about African music and culture. A great opportunity to experience an intensive rich cultural exchange.Workshops in The Gambia West Africa with host Ebrima King Marong

This tour features several intensive day workshops with musicians, dancers and acrobats from 5 different tribes, all with different and unique performance styles and costumes. No matter what the tribal background, music and dance is an integral part of daily life in Gambia. Participants will have experiences that are unique as they witness what they are learning in its cultural context.

DRUM & DANCE COURSES

The courses will be held in the small coastal fishing village of Bakau . A beautiful area with many long sandy beaches, river estuaries, palm trees and baobab trees. Bakau is within easy walking distance to all amenities.

You can choose between drumming and dance or you can do both. There will be a 2 hour session in the morning followed by a break then a 2 hour session in the afternoon from Monday to Friday.

Other workshops available in conjunction with drum and dance are Kora (a 21 string gourd harp), Balafon (an African wooden xylophone) and Fulani Flute. There is also the opportunity to take lessons in other local instruments including bolombata (gourd bass) and conting/ngoni (lute) at an extra cost.

DRUMMING WORKSHOPS

The Language of the Drum with its different rhythms and techniques will be taught, using both hands and sticks on Djembe, Sabar, DounDounba and Boucarabou drums.

The emphasis will be on learning different structures of rhythms, how to keep time using maracash, palm clappers and bells, the relationship between beat and offbeat and experiencing the feeling of rhythm in your entire body. There will be workshops to cater for beginners and also those advanced students who wish to refine their technique and take on more complex rhythms.

DATES

Annual JANUARY TOUR – commences Jan 2011 (dates TBC), includes a 28 day stay in The Gambia.

COST

1 months accommodation, tuition, meals, ground transfers and special entertainment is $3500. Flights to The Gambia should be arranged separately by travellers; assistance is available. A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment one month prior to departure.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

For bookings and enquiries phone King on (0061) 430 465 133 (Aust: 0430 465 133)

email: kingmarong@yahoo.com or view King\s website: http://www.kingmarong.com/study-tour-to-the-gambia

Gambia is a country rich in culture, the openness and generosity of the people will leave a lasting impression.