School Of Beatbox Visit Farnham
The streets of Farnham reverberated with a new, energetic rhythm last week as the sounds of beatboxing filled the air. This auditory transformation was all thanks to a series of engaging workshops led by Danny Ladwa, the founder of the School of Beatbox. These lively sessions, which took place over two days on August 19 and 21, were more than just an introduction to beatboxing; they were an opportunity for the community to come together, share in a creative experience, and explore the power of vocal percussion. The four dynamic sessions were designed to cater to participants of all ages, ranging from toddlers just discovering their voices to senior citizens embracing a new challenge with enthusiasm.
The 'Maltings At' Project
The workshops were a central part of the "Maltings At" initiative, a community project spearheaded by Farnham Maltings. This initiative is dedicated to providing free summer workshops aimed primarily at young people throughout the town. However, the beatboxing sessions led by Danny quickly gained traction with a much broader audience than initially anticipated. The beatbox workshops attracted participants across a wide age spectrum. Attendees as young as three years old joined in with as much excitement as those in their seventies, all eager to learn and participate in this unique form of musical expression.
How It All Went Down
On Monday, August 19, the first two sessions kicked off at St Mark’s Church on Alma Lane and Brambleton Hall on Talbot Road. These venues, typically reserved for community gatherings and quiet reflection, were suddenly transformed into hubs of creative energy. The sounds of rhythmic beats and intricate vocal patterns echoed through the halls as participants immersed themselves in learning new techniques. Danny guided them through the fundamentals of beatboxing, offering tips on how to create beats, rhythms, and sound effects using only their voices. His approachable style made even the most complex techniques seem accessible to beginners, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or experience, could keep up and enjoy the process. Workshops culminated in Danny sampling participant's voices to create a soundtrack using his loop station.
The beatboxing tour continued on Wednesday, August 21, with workshops at St George’s C of E Church in Badshot Lea and Hale Community Centre on Upper Hale Road. These sessions were equally well-received, with the enthusiasm of participants reaching new heights. Each venue was filled with a sense of community and creativity, as people from different walks of life came together to explore this new art form. The towns councillor, Chris Jackman was in attendance at one of the workshops and he had nothing but praise for the sessions. So much so, that School Of Beatbox and Chris are now in touch for future Farnham beatbox projects. Stay tuned!
Reflecting on the Workshops
Reflecting on the workshops, Danny said, "It was incredible to see people of all ages getting involved and having fun together. The energy in the room was full of excitement and fun. It was electric, and I loved seeing how everyone, from kids to grandparents, connected through the power of their unique voices." His words captured the essence of the event—a celebration of creativity, community, and the universal language of music. The workshops not only provided a platform for people to learn a new skill but also served as a reminder of the joy that comes from shared experiences and collective creativity.
School of Beatbox have been collaborating with The Farnham Maltings since April 2023 and in
Community & Breaking Down Barriers
The "Maltings At" project is deeply rooted in the belief that creativity and learning should be accessible to everyone in the community. By offering these workshops free of charge, Farnham Maltings aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage in the arts. Danny’s beatboxing sessions were a perfect embodiment of this mission. The diverse crowd that attended each workshop was a testament to the inclusive nature of the project and the universal appeal of music as a medium for connection. Through these sessions, participants not only learned the technical aspects of beatboxing but also experienced the joy of coming together as a community to create something special.
Conclusion
The overwhelming success of the beatboxing workshops highlighted not only Danny Ladwa's exceptional talent as a teacher and performer but also the vibrant and welcoming spirit of the Farnham community. Events like these underscore the importance of community arts initiatives in nurturing creativity, fostering connections, and providing a platform for people of all ages to learn, grow, and express themselves. Farnham Maltings, through the "Maltings At" project, continues to play a vital role in ensuring that creativity remains an integral part of the community's fabric. By offering opportunities for engagement and expression, they help to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the chance to be part of something truly special.
Danny Ladwa, founder of School Of Beatbox, beatboxing outside The Farnham Maltings in October 2023.
Did you attend one of these beatbox workshops?
Care to share a comment of your experience?
Would you like to bring beatbox workshops to your town? Get in touch here
