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g RECREATION: ‘Get away from the computer’ 2y, Feb. 27. 20‘ Bang drums, swing like monkeys in new town programs Latin dancing. family yoga, hand drum- ming and a diflere'nt twist on gymnastics are just some of the new programs being offered by the town this spring and summer. “I think it's important to introduce a couple of programs every year," said Jen McFachen, recreation programmer for the Town of Whitchurch-Stoufi'ville. “Just so there's more variety in the programrmngf 7 bne-da); slimmer workshop last yw YRT BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com proved to be so successful, the town is offer- ing a 10-week hand drumming course for children five years older. “Kids axe natural music makers," said instructor Shara Claire. “Drumming is a won- derful way to feel the openness between a group of people while expressing their indi- viduality." v luuwt’. The course is taught on West African djem- “l was completely hooked I felt like I had be drums, which are shaped like large gob- found a real niche for me. It was an instant lets. ' connection." The course explores basic hand drumming No musical experience is required and all techniques, as well as creative improv, body drums are provided by Ms Claire. Another new program being offered this spring is Monkeynastix. which combines cre- ativity with music and story telling, flexibil- ity, balance, strength, agility and body aware- M .- YI’I‘IM percussion, rhythm games, dance and stories about the drum. “I'm a non-culmrally-specific teacher, who happens to use djembes," said Ms Claire, who fell in love with West African hand drumming at age 14 when a kids’ drumming program was offered at her British Columbia elemen- tary school. . WWW. yn. “We want kids to move," said Vanessa MacDonald, the head instructor and local franchise Monkeynastix franchise owner. Ms MacDonald co-owns the company with her sister Christina Batty. “We want kids to get away from the computer." Monkeynastix is a structure program with a curriculum. While the program is designed to encourage children to do their best, it is not Competitive. “It gives them self-confidence at their fit- ness level ther always successful," Ms MacDonald said. “We'll be challenging the seven and eight year olds a little differently than the three and four year olds." RideNowaork.ca yrt.ca . 1 866 MOVE-YRT