Introducing the Percussion Plus Bali Djembe pre-tuned Djembes make fantastic classroom instruments, and Percussion Plus Slap Djembes offer some of the finest on the market. Utilising an innovative, patented design from the world’s leading djembe factory in Bali, these djembes combine booming resonance with top-tier build quality and a striking, classy wrap! The classic instructive ‘Slap’ drumheads offer valuable technical guidance, making this djembe an ideal choice for educators. Built to withstand classroom environments, the strong yet lightweight design enhances accessibility without compromising sound. With a powerful bass as a foundation, complemented by crisp slaps and deep, resonant tones, these Percussion Plus favourites bring the dynamic range needed for engaging group music lessons. Supplied pre-tuned or rope tuned and available in various sizes, these djembes invite you to start your own djembe circle. They are exceptional tools for SEND learning, Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET), and can even support CPD programs for teachers aiming to broaden their musical skills and resources! Superbly made in leading Bali factory Made in the world-leading djembe manufacturing facility in Bali, these djembes are subject to rigorous quality control and feature a sophisticated one-piece body construction. They are made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), popular in the construction industry for its durability and versatility, which ensures that they remain resonant in the long term to safeguard your investment. PVC is also very lightweight, making the drums easier to carry around for even the youngest pupils, and they’re also fitted with a rubber ring base to act against slippage. An innovative teaching tool Slap Djembes are not only sturdy and attractive but also provide great teaching aids. The screen-printed, instructional drumheads make classroom music teaching that bit easier by showing students exactly where they need to hit the drum to make different sounds. This helps to speed up the learning process, allowing more time to focus on rhythm, ensemble, dynamics and other musical elements. Beautifully wrapped, these make for excellent teaching tools, stimulating interest, helping learning to be engaging. Durable Mylar drum head The Mylar composite ‘Fiberskin’ drum head is precisely tensioned for optimal resonance, offering exceptional durability for even the most energetic players. Mylar is an extremely robust material, often used in aerospace engineering; for drum heads it provides excellent all-weather protection, resisting excessive stretching, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. This helps prevent tuning issues and keeps the head from drying out over time, ensuring a consistent and true sound. Superb production values like this make Slap Djembes the pinnacle in educational and sustainable drumming, supporting hundreds of lessons over many years to come. Goes perfectly with Andy Gleadhill’s Slap Djembe book Whether you are a percussion expert or have never taught music before, Andy Gleadhill's Slap Djembe is the best introduction to playing and teaching the djembe. Utilising an innovative, accessible notation this award-winning resource features 15 rhythms from around the globe with insightful performance notes and 10 weekly lessons that can be applied to any tune in the book. That's 150 lessons, planned for you! What’s more, a raft of additional content is provided alongside the book, including video guides, audio samples and interactive whiteboard-compatible resources, designed specifically for the classroom. Click HERE to find out more. Decorative sarong wrap design Djembes originated as community instruments in West Africa and have featured decorative elements for most of their history. The Bali djembe features a stunning sarong wrap design, adding a beautiful and traditional touch. Sarongs are large pieces of fabric commonly worn in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, known for their intricate prints and cultural significance. In this case, the sarong wrap lends a unique aesthetic appeal while also offering good protection for the drum shell. Why are djembes so good for education? Good djembes can cater for so many different levels of player. For beginner musicians, simply whacking a basic rhythm can be tremendously satisfying. As you progress, being part of a class djembe ensemble is a great way to develop musicianship, and you can continue to develop skills by learning extended drumming techniques and complex rhythms to become an advanced player. The high-quality nature of the Bali Slap Djembes means that they can be enjoyed by a student throughout their musical progression. A brief history of the djembe The djembe is a traditional West African drum with origins dating back to the 12th century among the Mandé people of modern-day Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Its name comes from the Mandinka phrase meaning "gather in peace." Originally used in sacred ceremonies, storytelling, and community rituals, the djembe played a crucial role in African culture. Over time, it spread across West Africa, with each region developing unique rhythms and techniques. In the mid-20th century, African musicians introduced the djembe to global audiences, making it a popular instrument in world music, classrooms, and performances worldwide. A djembe for every scenario Bali djembes are available either pre-tuned (incredibly lightweight and convenient), rope tuned (more adaptable and traditional) or mechanically tuned (a perfect middle ground), allowing you to select the right type of drum for your circumstances. These pre-tuned djembes allow precise pitch adjustment, letting you find the perfect sound. You can also buy Bali djembes with a traditional plain drum head available here in a range of sizes - 7", 8", 10", and 12” - they bring added versatility to your djembe circle, creating a rich soundscape with varied pitches and dynamics to engage the entire ensemble. How to play the Slap Djembe The design on the drumhead shows examples of hand positions that can be employed to obtain a fabulous variety of tones from the drum, from punchy bass to cracking highs. When you hit the skin, let your hand bounce back allowing the sound to ring. The area in the centre of the drum produces a warm and full bass tone. To play a good bass, the djembe must be struck in the middle of the drumhead with the hand slightly cupped, palm down, and returning quickly from the drum. Use your whole arm and pretend that you are bouncing a basketball; this will result in the perfect action for playing good bass tones! Bass demo Your browser does not support the audio tag. Straighten all your fingers at the same time. Aim to strike the drum so that the joint where your fingers meet your hand (at the first knuckle) is at the rim of the drum. Think of your hand as an extension of your arm and remember not to keep it on the drum, but to let it bounce back from the drumhead as soon as you’ve played the note. This will produce a clear, ringing ‘tone’, with good projection. Tone demo Your browser does not support the audio tag. This is played around the edge of the drum. Relax your hand and arm and hit the drum with a slapping motion. Spread your fingers out slightly when you strike the edge of the drum for a whipping crack sound. For an even more distinctive and muted slap, hold one hand down in the middle of the drum in the bass position, while simultaneously playing the slap tone on the edge of the drum. Muted slap demo Your browser does not support the audio tag. Open slap demo Your browser does not support the audio tag.
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