Roots Of Rhythm Completes Program Expansion Phase With Teacher Training Manual

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David Levine, director of the PMC and NAMM supported Roots Of Rhythm world drumming curriculum, has announced the completion of a major phase the program's development with the recent publication of the Roots Of Rhythm "Teacher Training Manual." The new guide, which was written by Roots Of Rhythm author and leading ethnomusicologist Dr. Craig Woodson, includes step-by-step instructions for the training of Roots classroom teachers and is intended to support significant expansion of the program in elementary schools around the United States.

"The Roots content has been enthusiastically received by both the drumming and educational communities everywhere we have taken it," comments Levine. "However, we have been limited in the number of participating teachers due to the lack of qualified trainers and training locations around the country. The Training Manual is an important step in allowing us to create a network of trainers and will help us build the program in schools all across America."

The Roots Of Rhythm Training Manual includes information on how to organize, facilitate and promote a 12-week series of classes for upper elementary classroom teachers. The guide covers all 15 chapters of the Roots Of Rhythm curriculum that integrate world drumming with social studies, language arts, science, math and physical and visual art, as well as basic information on cultivating local resources and group drumming techniques.

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To implement the Training process, the PMC is currently working to set up weekend workshops on the East and West Coasts where Dr. Woodson will provide comprehensive instruction to Roots Trainers. Once certified, these trainers will be able to return to their communities to set up teacher training classes in conjunction with local schools and music dealers.

In addition to major funding and product contributions from The NAMM Foundation and the drum industry members of the Percussion Marketing Council, Roots Of Rhythm is also supported by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and the Drum Circle Facilitator's Guild (DCFG).

For more information, visit their web site at www.rootsofrhythm.net.