As part of our TCI Heritage Month learning, Y4 were asked which area of the Island’s history and culture they would like to know more about. After learning about traditional bush medicines and the history of navigating the country’s 40 islands and cays, the children were very excited for their final session – we were going to learn to “Ripsaw!”
We were fortunate to have David Bowen and friends join us for an afternoon of traditional music and dance. Children were taught the history of “Ripsaw” and “Rake ‘n’ Scrape” in the Caribbean and how this music has its origins in African percussion music. Children had the chance to see and play a range of percussion instruments that demonstrated how people had used everyday household objects to create rhythm and beats.
The Turks and Caicos Island’s “Ripsaw” music is played by scraping an object (sometimes a knife, screwdriver or nail) against a long saw. With the saw held against the leg or hip, the musician is able to accompany a melody with this percussive instrument.
Of course, the children were eager to have a go for themselves! So, equipped with harmonicas and percussion instruments, David and his band led the class for a traditional song. And, soon enough, the class joined him on stage for an impromptu traditional dance lesson!
Many, many thanks to David Bowen and friends for a wonderful afternoon!
