This is an interactive show designed for young audiences where the students get to join the band and learn how to keep a beat and make music on marimbas and percussion. Robin Layne is a world-renowned performing artist and educator and brings his passion for rhythm and young folks to bear in this high-energy show. It features the marimba, the big cousin to the xylophone that students might be more familiar with, and takes students on a journey around the globe as it follows Robin on his travels to Cuba, West Africa, Mexico and Colombia.
Marimba Workshop/Camp or Residency
This workshop is designed to give students a chance to learn how to play music together on marimbas and percussion and perform a song with Robin at the end of the day or week! With a set of 7 marimbas (that can accommodate 2 people each) and additional percussion instruments, students will build confidence, community and rhythm.
This workshop can be tailored to varying levels of experience and also to either an afternoon or a five day camp. The marimbas are easy to get started on and Robin has over a decade of experience teaching all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Within an hour you will be making music together as a class.
Robin has been teaching marimba camps and residencies around the province for over a decade and has worked in schools as well as not-for-profits such as Jam Camp, Instruments of Change, Miscellaneous Productions and Sarah McLachlan School of Music. He has taught marimbas outside on Saltspring and in Tofino, and worked with the youth at the detention centre in Burnaby. Through all of these experiences he has seen how music and marimba can have a positive effect on young people’s lives.
Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers
With roots in rhythmic traditions around the globe this groove heavy ensemble delivers music that transcends the bounds of tradition, blurring the lines between jazz and folk as they carve out new territory for the marimba at the forefront of the sonic landscape.
Over the past decade and a half, percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world from Cuba to West Africa to Mexico and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. Robin has worked with many of Canada's finest global artists and toured throughout China, Europe, Mexico, USA and Canada. Highlights include Nanjing Jazz Festival, Hildesheim Jazz Festival, Victoria Jazz Fest, Arts Wells Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Vancouver Folk Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
The Rhythm Makers are renowned percussionist Liam MacDonald, bassist Derek DiFilippo, drummer Daniel Ruiz and Malcolm Aiken on trumpet. Collectively these musicians have played with everyone from David Hidalgo to the Hamiltones and have an on stage chemistry that is a joy to witness.