Testimonials

Just see what the kids are saying!

Here are some random remarks heard during (and after) school workshops:

"Drumming is my favourite subject!"

"I've been looking forward to this class all week."

"Whenever I can't fall asleep at night, I sing our songs from drumming."

"You should be on Britain's Got Talent!"

"YOU SAVED MY LIFE!!!" :-)

Comments from staff and clients

"Thank you so much for your work at the Samhain Winter Festival last weekend. The whole day was a huge success and was enjoyed by all; thank you again for helping to make this possible."

- Clare and Luca, Celtic Harmony

"I just wanted to say thank you for the drumming workshop you did at the school fete on Saturday. It was really good and everyone wants me to tell you how much they enjoyed all the drumming."

- Susan Lambert, Teacher and Autism Co-ordinator, Oakleigh School, Barnet

"The activity was enjoyed by students. The team managed to engage large numbers of students throughout the day and produced some wonderful outcomes. Thank you for being part of our school Winter Wonder Day."

- Lucy Harrison, Assistant Headteacher, Hertswood School, Borehamwood

"The drumming, dancing and singing was fantastic. It was amazing to watch and listen to 70 girls all drumming together and the discipline and concentration that went with it. The girls really enjoyed the experience, they enjoyed the taster drumming session at the Centenary camp in the summer and agreed it would be a good idea to have the opportunity to do it again for our 20:10 20/10 2010 celebration. Thanks to Malcolm and his team it made our evening rather special."

- Sandra Cove, Guide Guider, Bedford South Ouse Guides

"Thank you for a wonderful morning at St. Albans South District Girlguiding Centenary Celebrations. Being able to hold the African Drumming sessions outside in the shade of a tree made it so authentic. All ages enjoyed their drumming sessions very much, from 5 years through to adults, and we would love to have you back."

- Janet Edwards, Secretary, St. Albans South District Girlguiding UK

"Thank-you for entertaining our daughter and her friends at her birthday party. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I've had positive comments back from parents I've spoken to. Most importantly (to us!) was that our daughter enjoyed it, as did her three year-old sister!"

- a parent in Berkhamsted

"I was so pleased with the African Drumming Experience, and know the students (and staff!) loved it. From the offset the dynamism and enthusiasm of Malcolm and Justine was infectious and, equally as importantly, they delivered the instructions to the students clearly and calmly. The students seemed to love being part of a huge circle of drumming and picked up the beats quickly. The dancing was another fantastic addition and meant that those that wanted to could get up on their feet and embrace the tribal experience!! The final performance by the two leaders and a selection of students was wonderful and a brilliant climax to a fantastic day. Thank you."

- Philippa Noble, Key Stage 3 Coordinator, St. George's School, Harpenden

"Thank you so much for joining us for our theme day today. The input from you [Justine] and Malcolm was invaluable and inspiring for our pupils and teachers. I personally would like to thank you for your flexibility which helped me enormously. I hope you might be back to work with us again sometime."

- Ros Shorrocks, ICT Coordinator, Alfriston School, Beaconsfield

"Malcolm, we gave you a tough gig (110 students in a sports hall for 1 hour) and you came up trumps. Despite the enormous group all students experienced taking part in an uplifting drumming workshop. Your suggestion to use a smaller group of students to lead the workshop was genius. Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive."

- Kayte Judge, Good Things (organised an event at Shuttleworth College), Bedford

"Students were very impressed with the workshop and largely enjoyed it. I would be happy to use you again."

- Biddenham School

"Well presented. Fully engaged with audience. Good entertainment. Delightful to know musician. Would have again."

- Richard Hodgson, Parkinson's Disease Society, Bedford

"Feedback has been extremely positive. Everyone enjoyed it. We would certainly invite you back. It was professional and fun."

- Sally Petterson, Homestart, Potters Bar

"The workshops far exceeded our expectations. Every child was fully involved and really enjoyed it. Different parts and elements ensured all children could access at their own level. The performance added something even better - a real occasion and a fantastic opportunity! It was amazing to see every single child really concentrating and so determined to get it right! I would absolutely have Malcolm and Justine back - in fact they have been invited to return for a very special class assembly! Many thanks."

- Rachel Bennett, Year 6 teacher, Lordship Farm School, Letchworth. Here are some pupils' comments:

"It was really good fun."

"I liked performing - it was scary but great!"

"It was original and different. It really gets you going."

"It was nice because it is so different to what we normally do."

"I liked how enthusiastic Malcolm and Justine were."

"He was so individual. I liked that he wore clothes to go with his drumming."

"The children thoroughly enjoyed the three workshops that they participated in. Every pupil was able to feel a sense of achievement due to the carefully structured and supported environment in which they worked. I know that adults that had the opportunity to take part with the children thoroughly enjoyed it too! They were tapping the rhythms on the tables for days after! Thank you very much. A very worthwhile activity."

- Sasha Lees, Class Teacher, Grange Junior School, Letchworth

DRUMMING - "This was very popular, with Malcolm and Justine having to get out extra drums for children. Those in [wheel]chairs were given smaller ones that could be placed on laps. Children listened really well and were able to follow instructions. When we all played together it sounded really good and surprisingly in tune; we also learnt a few songs using African words which sound good with the drums."

"Week 2 started with the arrival of Malcolm Smith who brings African drums and other strange instruments to CHIPS. The children loved exploring the sounds and the feel of the instruments. Some joined Malcolm for sessions of rhythm making, heard all over the school as the sound of Africa came to Hertford."

- Reports from CHIPS (CHildren's Integrated Playschemes) in Bishops Stortford and Hertford

"The children thoroughly enjoyed the session, and all the children were able to take part in the activities despite their difficulties. We would welcome any further visits from Drumming Is Fun."

- Greg Ivison, Playleader, CHIPS (CHildren's Integrated Playschemes), Cheshunt

"I just wanted to say a big thank you for yesterday, everyone really enjoyed the drumming and it was a real stress reliever!"

- Jo-Anna Jackson, Student Support Manager, Helena Kennedy Foundation

"Two workshops were booked for activity weeks during the summer holiday period 2008, at Margaret Beaufort School and John Gibbard Lower School. The age ranges of the children were 4.5-8 years and 9-13 years. Some children from the older age range had some experience of drumming however for the younger group this was their first experience. Malcolm worked extremely well with all of the children and explained the background and history to both the drums and the music in such a way that the children of all ages could comprehend. The workshops certainly were fun and we would definitely use this activity again if and when further activity weeks are planned."

- Jo Allen, Extended Schools Coordinator, Bedfordshire County Council

"Malcolm was in Lincroft for the majority of the 'Arts week' and worked excellently alongside the pupils. He worked diligently beyond his contracted time to give up lunch hours and enrich the pupils' experiences. The children had a wonderful week and participated enthusiastically as a result of the superb tutoring. The week culminated in a presentation assembly in front of the whole school; all 700+ pupils joined in with the drumming/singing presentation - it was a fitting and enjoyable culmination to the week's activities - a great celebration of drama, dance and music on the theme of 'Rhythm Nations'."

- Paul Wildman, Head of Performing Arts, Lincroft Middle School, Oakley, Bedford

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