Indigenous Drumming and Singing Circle
Free Community Workshop (in-person)
Members of the blind and partially sighted community are invited to a free hand drumming and singing circle workshop led by Indigenous educator, musician and artist, Deanna Gestrin. Deanna is a former VocalEye intern, current collaborator, and friend and we’re thrilled to have her back for this wonderful workshop! She will have us laughing and connecting over culture, storytelling, and song.
No drumming or singing experience is needed, just bring yourself and an open heart! Drums will be provided for use in the workshop.
Open to all ages. Family members and sighted companions are welcome to join this multicultural, intergenerational space (youth under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult). A catered lunch will be provided after the workshop. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early!
This workshop is hosted in partnership with the Arts Club Theatre Company.
Deanna Gestrin is a vocalist, choral conductor, clinician, composer, Burnaby music educator, and newly hired Faculty Associate at Simon Fraser University. Deanna spent time with the VocalEye Zoom community as an intern, when she was obtaining her Master of Counselling degree. Her family comes from the St’at’imc Territory in the interior of British Columbia. Inspired by her many wonderful musical mentors, Deanna decided on a career in music education at the age of thirteen, and holds degrees in professional music, jazz, secondary education, and she will soon complete a Master of Counselling degree. Deanna performs in classical, choral, jazz, contemporary, and Indigenous music settings, and has recently joined the award winning Vancouver-based vocal ensemble, Musica Intima.
Community wellness is integral to Deanna’s work. She has designed a community program that aims to enhance empathy, resilience, connection, and communication through Indigenous teachings, drumming, singing, movement, and personal storytelling. She is also the program lead for an intergenerational Indigenous drumming and singing circle called VYC Kindred, sponsored by the Vancouver Youth Choir. Kindred is a free program that brings together immigrant and Indigenous youth with Indigenous leaders to learn about hand drumming, singing, and Indigenous culture. Through her educational, musical, and cultural work, Deanna’s ultimate goal is to increase community wellness by building cross-cultural, intergenerational bridges between people, families, and communities.
Check out Deanna’s Almost Live Zoom event from 2022, Celebrating Indigenous Artists
