By Alesha Capone
Rod Pilois has encouraged everyone from beginners to experienced musicians to join a series of African and Brazilian drum sessions he will be running in Point Cook from next month.
Pilois, an instrumentalist, composer and music educator from Beat Factor Music in Seabrook, will impart his wealth of drumming and percussion knowledge to attendees.
“People with little or no drumming experience are welcome, or people who have some experience and want to improve on what they’ve got, to see how they go and how far it takes them,” he said.
“I think, starting as a musician and a little kid drumming when I was young, it’s been part of me for so long –and I think it’s true of many musicians – I just want to share what I know with others.”
Pilois said the group workshops would be run like a structured class, with participants welcome to bring their own instruments or use those provided.
People who attend the sessions will be able to learn techniques to play the African dun dun drums, which Pilois has purchased with a funding grant from Arts Assist in Wyndham.
His drumming sessions will be held on Tuesdays from March 2 to March 30, from 7-8.15pm, at the Saltwater Community Centre in Point Cook. Cost: $15 per class (under 18 years), $20 per class (over 18 years), $25 per class (casual/one-off class). Social distancing will be required, with hand sanitiser provided.
Due to COVID, registration is required via email: info@beatfactormusic.com or bfmusic15@gmail.com
Pilois and some of his students will also perform at the Point Cook Pop Up Park on Saturday, March 27 and Soho Village Pop Up Park on Sunday, March 28, from 3-4.30pm.
Details: beatfactormusic.com/african-beats-new-classes/
