Hugh Humphrey

Classes

Hugh teaches Caribbean drum classes in the California bay area, and other locations around the world. Hugh's next scheduled Caribbean drumming class will held on Tuesdays beginning on April 2nd, 2002. The class will be held at Hugh's studio at 43rd and Telegraph in San Francisco California. The class time is from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This class will be six sessions and costs $60.00. If you prefer drop in, the cost is $12.00 per class. All level drummers are welcome in this class. For more information on this class, call (415) 527-4295.

Contact Hugh to find out other venues where he is currently performing and teaching. Click here for an MPEG of Hugh teaching a Caribbean conga part.

Rhythms

The rhythms Hugh teaches are traditional secular Caribbean rhythms reflecting the rich musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. Check out Hugh's Résumé for details of his experience and background.

Keg drums

keg2.jpg (7591 bytes) The keg drum is a traditional instrument played in Trinidad. The deep throaty sound of the bass drum and the crisp penetrating sound of the cutter drum balanced with sounds of the fuller are unique sounds unlike any other drum. Each drum is played using bass, tone, rim, and slap sounds giving each rhythm the lilting complexity of Trinidad music. Originally the drum was made from a keg as shown at left.

kegs1.JPG (8205 bytes) The two drums shown at right are raw (unfinished) carved keg drums. When finished, these drums will have much of the same sound as a drum made from a keg but can be tailored to its final size and sound. Since each of these drums is hand carved from a Mango tree, the drum craftsman has much more control over the size and shape than if empty kegs were used. The two drums shown have just been carved and do not have head, rings or lacing yet.

The various sized drums correspond to the part played in the rhythms and are: 3kegs.jpg (14049 bytes)

Cutter - the solo instrument. This is usually the smallest drum. The cutter is the center drum at right.
Fuller - the instrument that plays the fuller part, usually a steady square pattern that the other parts play against. The traditional painted keg drum on the right is the fuller.
Bass - the drum that plays the bass line. The drum at left in the picture is the bass and is same unfinished drum shown at left in the picture above but with rings, lacing, and head.

For more information on keg drums and other percussion instruments, check out the Mountain Rhythm web page at http://www.mountainrythym.com.

Skins

Hugh usually has a wide variety of native Trinidad feral goat skins available. These are premium skins in a variety of thickness and sizes. Check with Hugh at his pager at (415) 527-4295 for availability, as the supply varies..

Updated October, 2008

Hugh Humphrey

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