On Thursday, April 17, 2014, the Tindley Prep Band took a
field trip to the Rhythm Discovery Center, a percussion museum located in
downtown Indianapolis. Here scholars had the opportunity to learn from
professional musicians about the origins of percussion instruments. The tour
guides gave some demonstrations of different percussion techniques as far as
striking, scraping, and shaking on different instruments made out of metal,
skin, and wood. The scholars were also asked scientific questions about sound waves
and frequencies and were able to see the connections they have with music.
Traveling through the museum, we were also shown the progression of the drum
set instruments, from the older bebop set-up all the way to the more modern and
electronic instruments. After the tour, the professionals lead the whole group
in a drum circle, letting scholars lead the group while learning the three ways
to hit the African style drums. After the amazing tour, the scholars had an
awesome time exploring all the instruments on the tour, while even seeing a few
hidden gems. All in all, it was a great day of musical learning!
