Trash Percussion

Trash Percussion is an exciting, vibrant and all-inclusive style of percussion designed with the view that anything and everything can be a musical instrument. Trash Percussion utilises the philosophy that music is a combination of sound and silence and is promoted in the belief that everyone can play music.

These school incursion workshops are like no others as they put the students in the driver’s seat, empowering them with a unique approach to music. Students are encouraged to actively participate in working together as a team in composing what will result in a truly original piece of music on non-traditional instruments.

By allowing students to be part of the composition process, Trash Percussion gives them a greater sense of ownership, appreciation and involvement.

I have been teaching Trash Percussion for six years now and every piece of music turns out differently.

Other great things about these workshops are:

anyone can participate
they are suitable for all age groups
they involve group learning
students learn to appreciate teamwork
they encourage positive social skills
they encourage peer interaction
they improve co-ordination
they improve memory recall
and they are generally a whole lot of loud fun

Performance Workshops:
Students are involved straight from the start with a very hands-on approach. By utilising some tried and tested compositional tools they can have a piece ready to perform by the completion of these workshops.

One Hour Duration – Composition Performance 1-2 mins

Extended Workshops:
These workshops are similar to the process of the one hour Performance Workshops but with focus on students experiencing a more in-depth exploration into the compositional tools of structure, tonality, arrangement, time signatures and improvisation.

Two-Four Hours Duration – Composition Performance 4-5 mins

Term Workshops:
These workshops are run as weekly Tutorials where students work towards a 7-10 minute performance that can be presented at your school’s end of term showcase, Christmas Concert, special assembly or Open Day. It takes students on a comprehensive journey, building skills of structure, tonality, arrangement, time signatures and improvisation over the term that allows for complex compositional processes to evolve and develop. Some results of these Term Workshops can be viewed below.

Teachers have used the Trash Percussion ensembles as a special advanced program for Senior band members, at Band Camps or as an active musical outlet for students who may not show interest in regular band requirements.

These workshops have also been used by teachers to help the younger band students build stronger rhythmic techniques.

Trash Percussion Term Workshops have been successfully run at Willoughby Public School, Western Sydney Percussion Camp, Nicholson Street Public School, Brookvale Public School, Glebe Public School and Youth Off The Streets. All have proven to be popular, enjoyable and cost effective.

“Our students absolutely loved the Trash Percussion sessions. Every student, every session was directly involved in creating their own beats, rhythms and short compositions. The sessions promoted teamwork and cooperation as well as developing confidence and creativity. Some of the students who are traditionally less engaged with the arts were some of the most motivated by these sessions and our whole school looked forward to our weekly sessions.”

Steven Mead – Principal, Bexley Public School

“Ian has an amazing ability to bring out the creative drummer from all members of our year 6 band group. The performance was a huge success with parents commenting that this was the best trash performance to date.”

Willoughby Public School.

“Highly recommend. Very engaging for the kids.”

Andrew – Truscott Street Oosh

“Ian was fantastic with the children, he engaged each of them in the experience and delivered a fun incursion.”

Louise – Smoosh

“The children loved playing as a group. Kept the children enthralled the whole time. Great presenter.”

Lisa Smith Oakhill Drive YMCA

“(I liked) The performances and when making up your own rhythms, the range of musical equipment and the group activity experience. Great Group connective activity.”

Finbar – Saint Marys OHSC

“Highlights include how much time kids were given with the instruments they were playing for the majority of the time. Great for younger kids who need activities where they are constantly doing things.”

Mel -Truscott Street Oosh

“The children loved it and everyone was really engaged in all the activities.”

Staff – St Marys Oosh Concord