The Buzz of a Batala Manchester Taster Day- A day you'll never forget!

Written by Claire Miller - Batala Manchester Finance & Projects Support

Having moved to Manchester during lockdown, I was looking for ways to connect within my community, have fun, learn something new and make new friends! I could never have imagined falling into the opportunity to do all that and so much more, and the journey began with this taster day! Before I'd even stepped in the room, I felt supported and welcomed to take a peek at a world I truly had no idea existed and join a community right here in Chorlton Manchester that reaches its hands across the globe!

About the day

• Introductions

• The line up

• Sharing experiences

• Becoming familiar with kit

• Trying the drums

• Recommendations

Introductions

Everything about the day was so well organised and thought through. All the participants were soon chattering and giggling and getting to know each other as we were welcomed by the band directors and a great bunch of experienced players who were ready and waiting to show us what to do!

The line up

The room was buzzing with nervous energy and excitement! We learned a little about the Batala ethos and the creation of Batala Manchester itself, and a little about each of the drums we were about to get the chance to (try to) play!

Sharing experiences

Everyone in the room shared their experience of music, dance and drums from zero to kit-drum hero!- they were all in this room! but we were all new to Batala Manchester and all in this day together!

Becoming familiar with kit

We were shown the kit and how to use it correctly, belts, drums, shin pads, sticks and beaters. Help was on hand to get the kit right and understand how to wear it well for a beginner! We saw and heard what an amazing sound the drums could make when played together by these awesome experienced band members, and we got the chance to try for ourselves! We got it right and we got it

wrong, together with smiles and patience we had so much fun-all new and all playing together as a band! OMG- I was in a band, I’d never done anything like this in my life before!!!

Trying the drums

My heart was beating wildly and I was grinning from ear to ear! I got the chance to try each of the drums and made my connection on that first day with the drum of my dreams! I felt a little bit like Goldilocks! Too big, too small, too loud and ‘just right’ each time with a guiding hand, and ear of the experienced players… and they were smiling and full of the joy too! I had my eye on the ‘Dobra’ from stepping into the room- despite no dance or musical experience!

Going to show what a safe place this was to take a taste of Batala and a whole new world of connection, fun, learning, friendship and adventure!

Recommendations

If you are tempted, then do it! The Batala Manchester Taster Days are the perfect opportunity re-ignite a musical spark or try something new! 2 years on I could never have imagined the world that it has opened up, I’ve never looked back.