Description A Journey through Congas, Batás, and Beyond This 5 course series, led by world-renowned percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, offers a comprehensive exploration of congas, batá drums, timbales, and bongos. Giovanni, celebrated for his mastery and innovation in Afro-Caribbean rhythms, begins by teaching foundational conga exercises and techniques, followed by an in-depth study of Puerto Rican rhythms and global influences. The course also delves into Batá drumming within the Yoruba Lucumí tradition, while introducing Giovanni’s groundbreaking methods for playing Batá drums with sticks. Finally, students will learn improvisation and rhythmic exploration across timbales, bongos, and congas, blending traditional and contemporary styles, all under the guidance of a true master of percussion. Includes 5 Courses: Course One: Exercise for Congas – Introduction to Giovanni’s Imperial World This foundational introductory course focuses on essential conga exercises and provides a gateway into Giovanni’s unique techniques and artistic vision. Course Two: Mastering The Congas – Submersion into Puerto Rico and World Rhythms This course explores Puerto Rican rhythms and other global influences, offering an immersive experience of mastering the congas. Course Three: Batás / Ancestral Sounds – The Art of Batá and the Yoruba Lucumí Legacy A focus on the spiritual and cultural heritage of Batá drumming, highlighting the Yoruba Lucumí traditions and their impact on contemporary music. Course Four: Batás with Sticks – Transformation and Innovation in Itótele and Okónkolo Giovanni presents innovative techniques for playing Batá drums with sticks, transforming traditional rhythms and expanding the sonic possibilities of Itótele and Okónkolo. Course Five: Timbales and Bongos — Inner Dialogue / Improvisation on Timbales, Bongos, and Congas This course emphasizes improvisation and rhythmic exploration, blending styles like Plena and Danzón with bongos, congas, and timbales.
