BIYA BIYA presents Rhythm Workshop: An interactive percussion circle with Reckless Darling
This rhythm workshop is designed to help musicians develop a strong connection with their inner clock through the study of constructed rhythms and creative methods of working with the metronome.
This is a beginner-friendly workshop and the complex concepts will be presented in a way that is easy to grasp and apply. If you have been looking for a way to try out your chops in a drum circle, you’ve come to the right place! The rhythms we are learning come from the Arabian Peninsula and have been transcribed from the book The Percussion Ensemble of the Arabian Peninsula written by Tarek Yamani & Rony Afif. Music sheets will be provided for you to keep!
This workshop is geared towards percussion instruments. Students are encouraged to bring their own drums/percussion. Some percussion instruments will also be available at the studio.
WORKSHOP GOALS
Learn a collection of khaliji constructed rhythms written for percussion ensembles of 5-6 instruments.
Develop a strong connection with your mizan or internal clock by maintaining your part of the collective rhythm and then taking solos.
Identify culturally significant rhythmic patterns and the history behind those patterns.
Apply the concepts in a non-judgmental space.You are more than welcome to try new things, make mistakes, and express yourself.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Karl El Sokhn aka Reckless Darling is a multi-instrumentalist musician on drums, riq, and guitar. He is also an educator based in Chicago and has collaborated with a variety of artists across the city. Karl began his music career at the age of twelve in his home country of Lebanon performing in heavy metal cover bands during his formative years as a musician. Over the next twenty years, he has expanded his musical repertoire and influence to include maqam, rock, jazz, and funk.
Since then, he has developed strong connections in the Chicago music scene working with musicians such as Ronnie Malley, Wanees Zarour, Funkadesi, Billy Joel Jr, TAYF, Jamila and the other Heroes to name a few. He is currently the drummer for the Chicago Reader’s 2024 best emerging band, the guitarist/drummer for the U of C Middle East Music Ensemble, the riq player/guitarist for Sumoud Collective. Karl is currently offering drum and percussion courses and workshops in collaboration with creative agency BIYA BIYA Productions and Solidarity Studios.