Classes for 3 – 6 year olds, Beat Boxing and the publication of graded training and resources are some of the new facilities added to the David Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) which was inaugurated in September 2010, says André David, founder and principal trainer.
The fledgling academy grew from five to nearly a hundred students in months and now has two centres in Moratuwa and Kohuwela and individual voice training classes at Kalubowila.
Andre who is also the Deputy Director, Deputy Conductor and Choreographer of the Mary Anne School of Vocal Music and its senior performing group the Merry-An Singers, said DAPA’s pre-school age group classes beginning in June will be conducted by vocal music teacher Ashini Wickrema who has been trained at DAPA. Ashini had her initial training under the late Ms. Ruwani Seimon and has also undergone training in performance and voice technique in the UK, studied speech and drama, and worked with children of this age, both locally and in the UK.
‘Beat Boxing’ which is fast gaining popularity in Sri Lanka is also included in the new curriculum offered. Classes in this intriguing form of vocal percussion, will be conducted by Julius Mitchell, also a member of the Merry-An Singers.
“Contrary to popular belief that beat boxing is simply making drums beats with one’s voice and mouth, it has actually grown into being a universal language. It started off just being the 5th element of hip hop. Now it has evolved into a way of making wonderful music just by using one’s voice, mouth and nose! It literally creates a one-man band. I would like to educate people about the value and depth of beat boxing,” Julius said. |
E-mail
