Master Classes

School Programs

Team Building

Mr Arrucci’s presentation celebrates the rich diversity of percussion traditions from around the world. He demonstrates and discusses instruments from Brazil, Cuba, Nigeria, Guinea, India, Egypt and China.  Instruments presented include but are not limited to: Berimbau, Cuica, Udu, Tabla, Shekere, Dumbek, Djembe, Conga, Don Don and Mbira. Guaguanco, Samba, Comparsa, Angolo, and Bembe are among the many diverse rhythms that are performed.

The variety of instruments are stressed by their unique construction and playing techniques. Percussion instruments are struck, scraped and shaken and can be made of a wide range of materials from animal skins to metal.  In addition to their obvious rhythmic function, the melodic and harmonic capacity of percussion instruments is shown. 

Please contact jarrucci@comcast.net for more information

Samba Workshop:

Workshops in Brazilian Samba drumming are also available.  Students will learn to play together on Agogo Bells, Tamborim, Ganza, and Reco-reco.  John provides the heartbeat pulse of the Surdo drum.  Students experience the joy of ensemble music making while learning the importance of teamwork, responsibility and listening.

Using a Samba whistle for cues (calls), John guides the ensemble through a series of breaks as well as opportunities for individual improvisation.  Movement (marching or walking in place) is encouraged in order to reinforce each player’s sense of an internal pulse.

These are among the many schools that have enjoyed Mr. Arrucci’s programs:

The Chapin School, New York, N.Y./  Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff, N.Y./  Blue Mountain Middle School, Montrose, N.Y./  The Garrison Art Center, Garrison, N.Y./ Haldane School, Cold Spring, N.Y./  Boscobel, Shakespeare Festival (Youth program) Garrison, N.Y./  Newton Elementary and Middle Schools, Newton, N.J./  Tuxedo Park School, Tuxedo, N.Y./  Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, New York, N.Y/  Presbyterian Choir School of New Canaan, New Canaan, CT/  Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn, N.Y./  Horace Greeley High School, Chappaqua, N.Y.  

“…a  brilliant musician and composer…an inspiration.”

Anna Ostrovsky, District Coordinator/Orchestra director, Briarcliff public school, Briarcliff, N.Y.

“Engaging, informative…entertaining…dynamic, energetic…we are really looking forward to having John Arrucci come to our school again next year.”

Naomi Cohen, Lower school music teacher, The Chapin School, New York, N.Y.

“John Arrucci’s performance was perfectly geared for his young audience. You can tell he knows a lot about children as well as about music. My first grade girls were completely enthralled and so was I!”

Karen Katz, Class One teacher, The Chapin School, New York, N.Y.

“John Arrucci mesmerized the children…several months after the workshop, the children remembered the rhythms that John had taught them”.

James T. Burger, Headmaster, Tuxedo Park School

“He adds an element of enjoyment which completely engages the children and enhances the learning experience.” 

Elizabeth A. Turnock, Executive Director, The Garrison Art Center

“…considerable abilities in exciting young children about the world of music.”

Robert A. Pauline, (Retired) Superintendent of Schools, Elmsford, N.Y.

“Mr. Arrucci is an enthusiastic and energetic musician who captivated our K-8 students with his performances.”

Colleen Gialanella, President, Andover Regional PTA, Newton,N.J.

“…it was exactly the type of experience we strive to expose them

(the students) to…”

Brian Kearsey, Director, Crossroads School, Brewster, N.Y.

“...a unique performer who connects with the audience through his passionate playing and compassion for children”.

Eric Neumann, Supervisor of Instruction, Andover Regional Schools, N.J.

“His program has been enormously popular with our young people, enabling many without prior musical training to experience the thrill of an accomplished public performance in a very short time.  As a well traveled student of ethnomusicology, John brings the music of other cultures to life for our students with a fascinating array of instruments and insights.  John is able to communicate, in an informal way, the spiritual qualities of music as an art that transcends ordinary experience. “

Sean McCarthy, Director, Presbyterian Choir School of New Canaan, CT.  

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