On February 24, Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School students from the Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program took part in an enriching experiential learning workshop led by World Music Specialist, Mr. Steve Mancuso.
Steve Mancuso is a Toronto-born drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist who has been an active educator and performing artist since 1988. In 2008, Steve earned his MA at York University in Ethnomusicology (Cuba, Africa). He is presently completing a PhD (ABD) at York University under the guidance of South Indian master drummer Dr. Trichy Sankaran, focusing on the art of Konnakkol–the spoken rhythmic language of the Carnatic musical tradition.
Steve is currently a faculty member at Humber College School of Performing Arts (FMCA), Centennial College (MIAP), The Royal Conservatory of Music (Oscar Peterson School of Music), and Humber Polytechnic Community Music School (CMS), where he instructs Drum Set, World/Classical Percussion, Masterclasses, and Performance and Pedagogical Ensembles. In addition, Steve is an educator and clinician endorsed by Bosphorus Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Remo Drum Heads, and Remo World Percussion.
Our SHSM students were inspired throughout Steve’s workshop. They were able to drum, sing, and move with the music as they explored the vibrant musical traditions of Africa, Indigenous Brazil, Cuba, and India. The entire session offered our students an exciting and interactive learning experience, weaving together rhythm, language, song-form, culture, and history. Students gained a deeper appreciation for global musical traditions, and the ways music connects communities around the world.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Mr. Steve Mancuso for providing an inspiring opportunity and for broadening our students’ understanding of music from around the world!
