Residencies and Workshops

In 1988 Mr. Labriola developed a training session for the development of basic hand drumming technique. Hand Drumming refers to a system of rhythmic techniques applied to various cultural/ traditional Percussion instruments. Each instrument  has a specific country, region, or culture of origin, and sometimes the instrument can encompass several regions simultaneously.

Along with the instrument’s place of origin, there exists a specific set of variables of approach and maneuverability i.e. a technique very specific to each instrument. In addition to the musicality of the instrument, one must also consider cultural sensibilities. Ethnic customs, demeanor, attitude and cultural context are vital in understanding an art form derived from a specific culture of peoples.

Rhythm Roots Workshop combines traditional drumming techniques with a sense of cultural awareness and appreciation. To elaborate more fully, this means to learn intellectual variables (technique) by means of honoring and respecting the founders of this knowledge.

Rhythm Roots Workshop has a variety of teaching formats according to duration. The Workshop(s) can vary from a one hour session to a full length Residency Week (4 to 6 classes per day) culminating into a final day Residency Performance by the students.

Residencies generally consist of two categories;  with an option of creating a custom Residency at the Schools request.
  1. Developmental or Core Group Residency-Working with a class in multiple sessions.
  2. General Overview Residency/Workshop-Working with a class in only one session.
Percussion instruments for Residencies & Workshops up to 35 students
  • Congas-3 sizes Tumba-Conga-Quinto Cuban Style. Gon Bop, Valje & LP.
  • Bongos-Cuban Gon Bop & LP
  • Dumbecks-Egyptian Alexandria
  • Djembes-Remo
  • Fonde, Keta, Buf/Baandu-Jamaican
  • Cajons-Spain
  • Tupan/Davul-Bulgaria, Surdo-Brazil or Bass Drum
  • Claves, Cowbells, Tambourines, Maracas, Cabasa, Guiro, Sherkere etc.

Past Residencies

Prairie Elementary

Worthington, MN · 2010

Highland School

Crookston, MN · 2011

Kittson Central Elementary Camp Art Summer Program

Hallock, MN · 2014

Clear Springs

Minnetonka, MN · 2016

Hillcrest Community Elementary School

Bloomington, MN · 2016

Volunteers of America of Minnesota Elder Day Program

Minneapolis, MN · 2017

Harriett Bishop Elementary

Savage, MN · 2018

Partnership Resources Inc

Minneapolis, MN · 2018

PRI Partnership Resources Inc Performance

Minneapolis Institute of Art · 2018

Wilder Community Center for Aging

St Paul, MN · 2019

Mt Zion Picnic

Mounds Park, St Paul, MN · 2019

VA Adult Day Center Memory Care Unit

Minneapolis, MN · January, 2021

RTR Public Schools

Tyler, MN · April, 2022

Walker Methodist Health Center

Minneapolis, MN · July / August 2022

Tasks Unlimited Training Center

St Louis Park, MN · September, 2022

Lincoln Elementary School

Ivanhoe, MN · March 2023

Cerenity Humboldt Senior Care

St. Paul, MN · April / June 2023

Ebenezer Park Loring Assisted Living Senior Care

Minneapolis, MN · June / August 2023

Ebenezer Tower Independent Living Senior Care

Minneapolis, MN · June / August 2023

Jewish Family & Children Service

Minneapolis · July / August 2023

Rum River Library

Anoka, MN · August 2023

St Therese

Ox Bow, Brooklyn Park & New Hope, MN · August 2023