The workshop will present traditional songs, games, chants, sound signals, and improvisations from West Africa, which educators/facilitators can use as educational tools in groups and classrooms. Participants will also be introduced to African percussion, basic playing techniques, and important cultural background information related to the provided material. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore the rhythms, songs, and stories passed down through generations in West African communities. The workshop follows the techniques of a tradition that believes "everything is rhythm" and that "there is no movement without rhythm" (Moumoudou ‘Mansa Camio’ Camara, FOLI, 2005).

Workshop Objectives:

(a) To promote cultural awareness and engagement with the musical and kinetic elements of African culture.

(b) To enhance teamwork through participation in group games that foster communication and collaboration.

(c) To develop rhythmic perception and familiarity with rhythmic patterns based on fundamental African rhythms, such as "Soli Ba" (Grigoriou Lefteris, 2012), using percussion instruments and body percussion.

(d) To strengthen creative expression through movement, singing, and improvisation.

(e) To emphasize the widely used "Call and Response" technique in African music, applied in both percussion and vocal practice. This technique involves a "leader" presenting a rhythm or melody and the group responding.

Workshop Structure:

Introduction to the music and rhythms of Africa, with a focus on West African traditions.

Learning songs through vocalization, percussion playing, and improvisation exercises.

Movement and dance, including basic steps of African dance.

Traditional African games, interactive games, chants, and rhythmic call-and-response activities, incorporating cultural elements—such as the musical games "Eh, Zimama" and "Sambo Kuaya" (Theodoridis Nikos, 2017).

Traditional West African songs connected to cultural elements, such as "Ninio," a song in the tiriba rhythm, and "Moribayassa." "Moribayassa" (Mamady Keita, 2010) is a ritual of wishes from Guinea that combines improvisation, movement, singing, percussion, and community participation.

Introduction to African percussion instruments, including the djembe, dunun, and others.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained foundational knowledge of West African rhythms, songs, and dances. They will also have developed an interest in exploring a different culture through an experiential approach, fostering a deeper appreciation for music, play, and collective creativity. No prior musical knowledge or experience is required to participate in the workshop.

• Music and sound education experiences, values, and practices
• Social musical settings
• Historical and cultural perspectives and contemporary educational practices
• Meaningful musical experiences
• Music and communities

Marianna (Marianthi) Erkekoglou is a music educator, percussionist (Diploma, Thessaloniki State Conservatory, 2019) , conductor of the Street Band, and teacher at Kroustophono, as well as in nurseries and kindergartens. She has studied African percussion with renowned teachers such as Lefteris Grigoriou, Antonis Papadopoulos, Harouna Dembele, Dino Chinopoulos, Mare Sanogo, and Famoudou Konate, while also attending seminars on African dance and improvisation. Since 2012, the Kroustophono music workshop, which includes its educational activities and the Street Band, has been under her direction.