Natalie Richy has studied with master drummers in Australia and overseas including two intensive study tours in Cuba.
She works professionally as a Percussionist, teaching and performing; her musical style ranging from the African and Latin traditions, to contemporary Jazz/Funk fusion.
Drumming energizes, relieves stress and
strengthens confidence.
Drums align the natural rhythms in our bodies, calm the mind and balance our whole being.
Drumming builds community, the social power
of the Drum Circle creating a fun and unified space for all who participate.
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Upbeat Rhythms
School of African and Latin Percussion
Group Workshops/Private Tuition
Live Performance
Bands for hire *World Music
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Upbeat Rhythms offers rhythm training, to individuals and groups of all ages and cultural backgrounds, to school art programs, festivals,events, health retreats and to businesses aiming to encourage team building and creative skills in the workplace. Natalie Richy's sessions empower groups to work together, promote well being and discover the joy of musical expression through the use of vibrant African/Latin polyrhythmic music.
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Over the past 13 years, workshop leader, Natalie Richy has been a passionate scholar of Afro roots rhythm ensemble music, passing on her traditional drumming knowledge to students all over the Sunshine Coast.
Upbeat Rhythms tuition is based on a solid knowledge of traditional and modern drumming techniques and rhythms.
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Group Workshops
Upbeat Rhythms can be booked for Drum Circles.
*Sessions typically run for 1-2 hours, throughout the week
*‘tailored to your event’
Festivals and events encourage participants to bring instruments enabling larger groups.
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West African/Zimbabwe Traditional Drumming
Traditional high energy polyrhythm’s from various regions of Africa with an emphasis on music made for dancing and celebration.
African/Cuban Folkloric Drumming
This workshop explores the joyous traditional of African and Cuban rhythms, with a focus on music used for healing and to uplift the spirit.
Afro/Cuban Carnival Workshop
This latest Latin cultural workshops being offered by the
‘Upbeat Rhythms’ school shares the exciting 11 part ‘Congo’ rhythm, famous to the Carnival celebrations of ‘Santiago de Cuba’. This fun and interactive group workshop invites participants to learn some of the techniques of Cuban drumming and put together this exciting music in the making of a Conga band.
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Natalie Richy's "Cuban Carnival Rhythm Workshop" was a great success at the “Celebrating with Mary Festival ‘08” The workshops was extremely popular with over thirty people taking part. Both experienced and novice percussionists learned the eleven part rhythm over the two-hour workshop. Later that evening, they performed at the main stage as the climax of the Twilight Parade. To take part in this expert workshop and perform was a great buzz for the participants.
Ande Foster Co-coordinator "World Music Stage and Workshops"
Celebrating With Mary Festival '08
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Private tuition
@ Upbeat Rhythms school, Witta (near Maleny, Qld)
Students can choose to study African or Latin style drumming; the school offers a wide range of rhythms in both styles.
Work in a patient and fun environment, tailored to individual needs and levels.
Class times can be booked from Monday-Saturday,as suits student lifestyle.
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Introductory offers available to new students responding to this site / Gift Vouchers available
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The OBI ABATA big rhythm band offers performance opportunities
for students of the school.
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Mentorship
Upbeat Rhythms also offers professional guidance to adult and youth rhythm ensembles from rehearsal to arrangement and performance stages.
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BANDS FOR HIRE/WORLD MUSIC
Upbeat Rhythms has great live music available for private functions, clubs, festivals, and events
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MURRAY WALL & NATALIE RICHY DUO
vocals, guitar, percussion
Lyric and melody interwoven with lush rhythm
originals and choice covers
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CANTA LA TUMBA
This exciting quartet celebrates the rich music
stylised in the Afro Cuban /Latin traditions.
Inspired by the sounds of greats like the Buena Vista Social Club, the bands use of Latin song, guitar, double bass, congas and brass, evokes the haunting and playful vibe of the Havana cafe.
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OBI ABATA
percussion,vocals,dance
Draws its inspiration from the folkloric roots of African and
Afro-Latin tribal ensemble music.
This hot dance band of up to 10 players, presents a deluxe show of lush polyrhythm, song and dance, creating an irresistible
energy that’s gets everybody moving to the rhythm
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WASABI
vocals, guitar, percussion, saxophone
Spicy and Soulful. A deluxe mix of original contemporary upbeat Funk/Jazz music blended with Afro/Latin groove and rich vocals
