| Slap Happy by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby is an | | | | You won't find any hokey kids rhythms here - |
| illustrated instructional book that teaches rhythms to | | | | instead, you will learn popular West African and |
| groups of youth. The book comprises of 72-pages in | | | | Cuban rhythms that can be heard in today's music. |
| total, 3 of which are blank charts at the back of the | | | | There are parts that may be fairly advanced for |
| book that readers can photocopy and use to chart | | | | preteens, especially the one-bar clave with feet, but |
| their own songs using the rhythms from the book. | | | | most of the rhythms can be easily attained by 8 |
| Sources for further study can also be found at the | | | | year-olds. One of the best aspects of this instruction |
| end of the book including CD's, books and videos for | | | | manual is there is no need to invest in instruments at |
| West African rhythms for djembe drums and | | | | all. |
| Afro-Cuban rhythms for conga drums. Beginning with | | | | The talented artist, Toni Pawlowsky, created the |
| simple practice patterns, the authors gradually | | | | cover art as well as some of the illustrations along |
| increase the difficulty level. | | | | with contributing artists Jay Kendell and Robert |
| The book is accompanied by a play along CD with 64 | | | | Jackson. Printed on recycled, acid-free paper using |
| tracks ranging from 20 seconds to a few minutes; | | | | soy ink - Slap Happy is definitely an environmentally |
| the last track is a sample excerpted from the | | | | friendly choice. |
| authors' band called Jaguar. (Based on the sample I | | | | Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby have authored 8 |
| am looking forward to ordering a copy of that CD.) | | | | books - at least 2 of which were given the "Best |
| The quality of drumming and sound of recording on | | | | Percussion Method Book Award" by Drum Magazine. |
| the play along CD for Slap Happy were exceptional. | | | | Interestingly, the authors were born only a few |
| The authors perform all of the rhythms on the CD - | | | | blocks from each other during the 1950's in |
| while Alan Dworsky and Marc Anderson play the | | | | Minnesota. Thirty years later, they married and have |
| drum sections. The extended recordings are | | | | been collaborating on producing music and books ever |
| accompanied with real djembe, conga and other | | | | since. |
| traditional instruments, making the experience much | | | | I can think of a myriad of places that could apply this |
| more whole and with a lasting impact. | | | | book: schools, programs for youth, churches, and |
| I think the book is guaranteed to bring peals of | | | | organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Brownies or |
| laughter. Certainly a physical workout, the activities in | | | | Cubs. Sleepovers, birthday parties and groups of |
| the book are a great way to burn energy, increase | | | | siblings can get a lot of enjoyment out of Slap |
| coordination and build group interaction skills. Youth | | | | Happy, as well. |
| will be pleased with the very funky sounding rhythms. | | | | |