AMERICAN percussionist Jody Linscott shared her talents with the Seaview Gardens Primary School’s drumming group at Hope Garden’s amphitheatre in St Andrew recently.

The workshop was hosted by the J Wray & Nephew Foundation (JWNF) under the theme ‘Expressions through Art’.

Linscott said she was pleasantly surprised when the children began performing a set taught to them by their teacher Everton Pessoa.

“I had never heard this piece before so was glad to learn some of the rhythms they were doing and sit in with them. The talent and the enthusiasm is great … they are really into it and they are wanting to learn, which is such a good thing,” she said.

“I really didn’t know what to expect or what they were learning or even what instruments they were playing on, so it seemed best to see what they could do. They put in a whole performance which was brilliant! They are learning as an orchestra all the different parts. They keep good time with each other, which means they are listening. They also listen to the teacher and they are very good,” she continued.

Linscott, who was vacationing on the island, has worked with musicians such as Elton John, David Gilmour (from Pink Floyd), saxophonist David Sanborn, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, The Who, Swing Out Sister, and Dido.

The percussionist shared some advice with the students.

“Learn other styles of music; learn to take time to listen properly when learning something different than what you are used to. Work on your sound by making sure each tone on the drum is distinguishable from the next [that] would be the three things,” she shared.

The foundation also donated musical equipment, including drums, shakers, agogô bells, rhythm sticks, tambourines, tenor and soprano recorders.

Pessoa, who has been tutoring music at the school of 15 years, hailed JWN Foundation for its work.

“Thanks to J Wray & Nephew for coming on board and doing things and supporting the Seaview Gardens Primary. We really do appreciate their contribution as it relates to our music programme. They’ve given us some nice instruments, some nice percussions, and I’m really grateful because the children are apt to learn and I’m apt to teach. I’m really thankful because these instruments are quite expensive,” he said.

Pessoa also lauded Linscott’s involvement.

“It is like with singers and deejays, anytime they meet someone who is renowned around the world you must leave learning something. She showed the children some things, how to play strong, getting the sound out, the accent on the rhythm, and all those things. It was really a good experience,” he added.