OUR HISTORY |
Umoja is a world drumming group from Jack MacKenzie School in Regina, Saskatchewan. The group was founded in the fall of 2003 by artistic director and retired educator Marlene Hinz. Currently the group is managed by Alicia Reschny, Arts Education teacher and Grade 7/8 teacher, Angela Scott. Although the group has only been in existence for fifteen years, they have an impressive history!
Umoja has performed at provincial and national conferences as well as numerous school concerts including Regina, Moose Jaw, Lumsden, White City, Pilot Butte, Humboldt, and Muenster. The members have gained a wide range of fans by performing in various locations including retirement homes and shopping malls. Umoja is always thrilled to entertain at community functions like school barbeques and fundraisers such as the Tim Hortons Camp Day in June of 2015. They have made regular appearances at the Regina Jazz Festival as well. The largest audiences for which the group has performed include the 2006 Tim Hortons Brier at the Brandt Centre and the 2007 Regina Teachers' Convention at the Conexus Arts Centre, where they earned a standing ovation. Auditioned students from Grades 7 and 8 rehearse weekly. They enthusiastically prepare music influenced by various workshop leaders and seasoned drummers who have studied throughout the world. Working with talented and accomplished drummers has enriched the group's repertoire. Musically, the group's main focus is African drumming, but the students have also worked in Afro-Cuban and Samba styles. Various non-pitched percussion, Orff instruments, dance, and drama are often incorporated into their performances. This multicultural show is diverse and well-suited to audiences of all ages! |