The Rhythm Center

The Beginnings of Mustachia

David Hughes — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:35:58 +0000

My fifth grade students are creating a musical this year. After weeks of brainstorms, debates, votes and plenty of laughter, we now have the beginnings of a great musical. The general story line is in place, characters are developing, songs have been picked and lyrics are beginning to form. These videos show some early steps in our creation of the Land of Mustachia!

The Real Meaning of Reality – How Appropriate

David Hughes — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:22:48 +0000

The last year of life has been one of most difficult years I have ever walked. I witnessed and continue to witness a dearly loved family member walk the thin line between life and death on a daily basis and have learned a great deal about literally fighting for every breath. We never know what tomorrow or the next five minutes will bring so cherish every moment. During part of this last year I was blessed to teach nearly six hundred of the most inspiring first, second, third, fourth and fifth graders I have ever met. Daily I was met with prayers, letters, homemade cards, candy, smiles, encouragement and good old fashioned high fives. There is no doubt in my mind that these children are a major part of how I have been able to get through each day. This post, however, is not intended to be about my personal life but about a fantastic project a group of fifth graders developed. Last school year I challenged my second semester fifth graders to create their own musical and boy did they deliver! They developed a hilarious show called "The Real Meaning of Reality". Here's a little information about the show...

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Things Change…

David Hughes — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 15:34:02 +0000

Things change and that’s what’s happening around here. The site is changing and TRC is something different than originally intended. Life brings new challenges and we have to change to survive. The Rhythm Center is no longer offering classes but will continue posting here related to music, teaching and life in general.

Closed…

David Hughes — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:47:10 +0000

Hello Friends,

All classes and lessons offered by The Rhythm Center have stopped. Thank you for your support of and interest in music education…

David Hughes

A few pics of fun from the Summer!

David Hughes — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:11:18 +0000

Here are a few fun pics from drum fun over Summer 2011!

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Great Time at the Gulf Shores Arts Camp

David Hughes — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:42:17 +0000

I had a WONDERFUL time working with the students at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Arts Camp last week! "Gulf Shores United Methodist Church held their first Fine Arts Camp June 13-16. The camp was free for the south Baldwin community. Children (ages 4-year- old to rising fifth graders) came from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta and Foley."

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A Community Partnership: TRC and St. Mark

David Hughes — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:55:19 +0000

The Rhythm Center has a new room mate! St. Mark’s Early Learning Center and The Rhythm Center are moving into facilities that previously housed St. Mark’s elementary school on Azalea Road. This creative partnership provides the opportunity for all children attending St. Mark’s Early Learning Center to receive exciting music classes every morning as part of their daily curriculum. Monday through Friday every child will play drums, dance, sing and enjoy the wonders of music! Also, every afternoon and evening The Rhythm Center will provide the Mobile community exciting music experiences that will include drum ensembles, a student band program, string and fiddle ensembles, and contemporary worship classes.

Summer Drum Camps 2011

David Hughes — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:40:12 +0000

Don't miss four exciting days packed full of drums, music and fun with friends! The Rhythm Center Summer Drum Camps offer a fun way to learn about a variety of exciting percussion instruments. Students will develop technical abilities, learn foundational music concepts and build teamwork skills while performing music in a group environment. Come join in the fun this Summer while we play drums together! Each four day camp can serve ten to fifteen students. Call 251-635-9102 to register.

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When The Saints Go Marching In

David Hughes — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:40:23 +0000

On a weekly basis I have the opportunity to teach private percussion lessons at St. Paul's Episcopal School. Tammy Nicholas, the intermediate school music teacher, has kindly opened her room to me in the afternoons so I can have enough space to bring different drums to use in the lessons. She also has a wonderful set of Orff instruments in her room and this gives me the opportunity to incorporate mallets into our private lessons. One of my students, a fourth grader named Carson, wanted to learn the melody to "When the Saints Go Marching In". The video below shows the result of his quickly learning the melody and playing it with a very nice syncopated and swinging feel. Nice work Carson!

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The Inaugural Bay Area Percussion Fest!

David Hughes — Sat, 07 May 2011 23:16:28 +0000

Don’t miss three days packed full of percussion, percussion and more percussion! It’s the first Bay Area Percussion Fest! This July at the Larkins Music Center in downtown Mobile. Come experience exciting classes as you improve your technique, learn new skills and enjoy making music with like minded musicians. The Bay Area Percussion Fest is designed to provide a fun and supportive environment to explore the magnificent world of percussion. Registration deadline is June 29th. So register today!

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