Teambuilding with the Goatworks

It’s easy to get good players. Getting them to play together, that’s the hard part.

Casey Stengel

Drumming is one of the oldest forms of team-building.

In Africa and many cultures around the world before any major tribal decision is made the community gathers together at the center of the village to make music.

By breaking down the barriers and putting everybody on the same page communities are more effective in their decision making.

The Goatworks provides successful companies and organizations with a unique and innovative corporate team building and training solutions, all designed to break down barriers of community and culture, build morale, enhance productivity, and increase profits by aligning every one to a common purpose and embracing diversity.

The Goatworks uses an unique, hands-on approach (literally) to teambuilding, learning, and motivation that, simply put, draws the parallels between what it takes to make music and how that relates to working together in an organization, community, village, or “tribe” to achieve a unified goal!

It is an interactive event – each individual is not a spectator, but a performer who is involved at the same level as his/her colleague, enforcing a cooperative, non-competitive relationship amongst the group. Organizational charts are vertical or hierarchical, while drumming circles are ‘flat’.

“The use of rhythm-based events in a variety of government, healthcare, community and corporate settings, meetings, and retreats is rapidly expanding. Weekly employee drum circles are now being held by leading Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, BMW, and Microsoft as well as numerous Government and Public Service organizations, who are firmly committed to team-building and employee satisfaction. The utilization of rhythm-based protocols in these settings has resulted in a substantial reduction of personal barriers that impede optimal communications, creativity, and team-building.”- Corporate Training Magazine – Connecting Teams and Organizations Through Corporate Drumming Vol 2 Issue 1- Jan 2006

“…current cutting-edge research has shown a remarkable impact of group drumming on our physical well-being. Employees are more content and satisfied on a day-to-day basis, which in turn shows up in a reduction in stress leave as well as higher awareness and decreased levels of work-related depression.” – Advances in Mind Body Medicine Fall/Winter 2003 Vol. 19 No. 3/4

Why Interactive Drumming Works:

Drumming is a universal expression that transcends all boundaries: personal, organizational or cultural. The Goatworks teaches staff to increase productivity and efficiency through better team work.

This unifying experience creates the perfect platform for teams to experience the power of all working together to achieve a common objective.

Team building has never been so effective! Each individual brings their unique sound into the mix to create a one-of-kind percussive orchestra-one that wouldn’t be the same without the people who are taking part. This is truly a case of unity through diversity.

The Goatworks Team Building activities transform and unite groups of people through rhythm! With a drum for each participant, the group is led on an exhilarating rhythmic adventure. Within minutes energy levels are heightened as the participants work together to discover the rhythm of their team.

The Goatworks taps into rich universal traditions of using music and rhythm as a tool of communication. Rhythm is innate within us all – the beat of our heart, the way we walk and the clapping of our hands. Everybody has the ability to express themselves rhythmically in a positive way.

Working collaboratively is not only fun, productive and inspirational, but it creates a space that transcends barriers of communication and culture, and it is from that place where the magic happens.

Through the universal expression of music and rhythm, your organization will discover that the whole is greater than the sum of all its individual parts.

The Goatworks Program Is Designed To:

Break down barriers to create a more open organization.
Align to a common goal, mission or vision.
Improve Communications through accurate feedback.
Accelerate Productivity by motivating staff and getting them to listen to each other.

First , we break down barriers and level the playing field. Music is a universal language that allows us a way to break down barriers and transcend the difference among us as humans and individuals. In Africa and in many other cultures around the world, drumming has been used for centuries to bring people together. The drum call is the summoning of the tribe, to come to the center of the community, because something is important is about to happen. It could be to celebrate a birth, a marriage, or a meeting of the minds to make a community decision. The group comes together to make music, engage and dance, to get connected, put behind the differences and allow an opening for everyone to feel a part of the community.

Second, we align everyone to a common theme through the bass note, the foundation of the music. In every organization, before true success can be realized, there needs to be alignment of some sort. This alignment could be to the vision, mission or values of an organization. It could be alignment to a common goal or challenge. We use the power of the bass note, the alignment of the music, as the metaphor for demonstrating the power of alignment with in the group.

Third, we explore the diversity, in each and everyone’s unique and individual contribution. Organizations these days are made up of a diverse array of individuals. Different nationalities, religions, cultures, ages, gender all within different departments; dispersed geographically through out a region or around the world. Different voices can translate into different thoughts and feelings, different ways of doing things, different departments, and different unique contributions. We learn to embrace the diversity with in the group to understand that it takes a variety of different voices, channelled along a common vision in order for the group to achieve success.

We close with a fun high energy percussion set, embracing diversity in an all out celebration of self expression and leadership. This is where we take the drumming skills that we have learned in the beginning to create a unique song. A song that will be  specific to that group. The group is encouraged to contribute as they feel the need. Their only objective is to really listen. Listen to the music, listen to every one around them. They are required to try and follow that single bass beat, the beat that binds the group together. When they feel that for some reason the rhythm has gotten away on them, and they have lost the foundation, they are encouraged to sit back, relax, listen and slowly bring them selves back into the music, allowing their team mates to carry them.

Proven Benefits of Corporate Drumming:

Improve Employee Morale

Enhance Communication

Effective Stress Relief

Positive Team Building

Enjoyable Ice Breakers

Increase Productivity

Reduce Employee Absences

Build Self-esteem

Benefits Following a Goatworks Team Building Program:

Workers work more efficiently together.

Departments start communicating better.

Barriers between staff are broken down.

The gap between top management and workers closes.

Staff is motivated to perform better.

Increased level or productivity.

Decreased level of sick days.

Turn your company or department into a community. Learn more  by requesting a proposal today.

Testimonials & Clients


NS Environmental Center

Precision Biologic

Maritime Travel Conference

Halifax Regional School Board

“The Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre has enjoyed learning the mesmerizing rhythms of West African drumming under the able guidance of Chris Kennedy of The Goat Works for well over three years. In addition to the pure joy of the drumming experience, our group has appreciated the benefits in the area of team building in terms of enhanced communication and collaboration among the various members of the multidisciplinary team. Thank you Chris!”

Tara Sampalli, Manager

Nova Scotia Environmental Health Centre

Capital District Health Authority

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Dear Chris,
We greatly enjoyed the drumming workshop you offered in Tatamagouche, at the Fraser Cultural Centre.  You have a very relaxed way of teaching that allows a person to gain their confidence quickly.  In one afternoon, you inspired us, and got us excited about playing African rhythms. You make the learning not only fun, but clear and easy at every level.
It is important that you provided us with the instruments, and that they were available for purchase.  We appreciate that they were fairly traded, and you described the community that the drums were made in. Along this line, you also have a wonderful knowledge of African rhythms, and we appreciated your personal experiences that you shared with the group.
Over the past two years you have managed to draw in a large crowd to the cultural centre which we value as it brings people to the centre.

We look forward to seeing you again on August 27th!

Sincerely Lyn Sutherland and Karen Shepard (participant)

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“Goatworks facilitated an awesome drumming workshop at our annual corporate retreat.  It was a fun way to break up the day’s sessions with something completely different.  Chris is a great instructor and an engaging facilitator.  He helped us bring out our inner musicians…even those who thought they had no rhythm!  It was certainly a good team-building session – great for promoting effective communication and working together.  I will definitely spread the word!”

Thanks again, Deb.

Tracy Rands

Human Resources Manager

MT&L Public Relations

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Dear Chris,
We greatly enjoyed the drumming workshop you offered in Tatamagouche, at the Fraser Cultural Centre.  You have a very relaxed way of teaching that allows a person to gain their confidence quickly.  In one afternoon, you inspired us, and got us excited about playing African rhythms. You make the learning not only fun, but clear and easy at every level.
It is important that you provided us with the instruments, and that they were available for purchase.  We appreciate that they were fairly traded, and you described the community that the drums were made in. Along this line, you also have a wonderful knowledge of African rhythms, and we appreciated your personal experiences that you shared with the group.
Over the past two years you have managed to draw in a large crowd to the cultural centre which we value as it brings people to the centre.

We look forward to seeing you again on August 27th!

Sincerely Lyn Sutherland and Karen Shepard (participant)

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Chris is a talented and professional djembe player who demonstrated a genuine passion for the African music culture.
Chris did great a job of breaking things down into simple soundbytes so that all 28 of us could follow.
No doubt that it was a challenging and absolutely rewarding experience to be able to see the team persist, persevere and laugh with one another. By the end of the 2 hours,  we all came together and actually played a three part song.
Thanks Goatworks!
Jenny Lee, MBA, HBBA
Consultant, Leadership Solutions
2 Bloor Street East, 30th Floor
Toronto ON  M4W 1A8
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Dear Chris,
Thank you for the wonderful session you put on for us at our recent corporate meeting in April.  The team thoroughly enjoyed the history of the drum, the “team build” session was effective and demonstrated the importance of being united.
Thank you for a great afternoon.
Kim Rutledge, Administration
Theatre Support Centre – New Glasgow
Empire Theatres Limited

Drumming Presentations for schools

The Goatworks offers 2 entertaining and educational drumming presentations to schools all across Canada.

PRESENTATION 1: Spirit of West Africa

A 100% hands-on experience for all students at your school!

We arrive at your school with 15 (or more if needed) authentic, handmade African drums in tow. Set us up in classroom and classes visit 1 at a time all day long.
Each class consists of learning the history, construction and proper sounds of the drums.
Then we move on to learning 1 or more traditional African Rhythms, and their cultural relevance.
Nothing is made up, and we teach the rhythms the same way we were taught them by our teachers from Africa.
If time permits students also do some improvisation of solos.

This hands-on presentation is high energy, interactive and designed for students of all ages and abilities.
We have received tremendous response from both students and teachers alike, and it is designed for everybody…from special needs students to high school band members.
Everybody gets to play and everybody is successful at making sound on the drums!

If we’ve been fortunate enough to have visited your school in the past, we can easily build on the rhythms and techniques we taught previously. We can tailor your drumming experience to each class as you see fit, while still maintaining a fun, relaxed learning environment.
This presentation is also a great idea for PD days and/or after school team building with teachers & admin staff

PRESENTATION 2: Rhythm Assembly

An assembly style presentation using laptop and projector as well as hand made, traditional drums.

We arrive at your school with an assortment of drums from Africa and Cuba.
Set us up in the gym and with the aid of a slideshow, we demonstrate and talk about our drums from Africa, their cultural relevance, construction, and sounds (we also have a student or 2 come join us on stage to help us demo some drums).

We then move on to talking about and demonstrating our drums from Cuba. We talk about the slave trade and how the rhythms and instruments changed from African to Cuban (& modern), over time and how, certain rhythms we now hear on the radio are actually age old African rhythms brought to Cuba and now have become part of our Western musical fabric.

This presentation is designed for 200 students at a time. Show length is 1 hr.
Designed for grades Primary to 9

We have done well over 1400 presentations all across Canada, and both shows have received tremendous response for their high educational value as well as being highly entertaining and interactive.

We look forward to visiting your school!

For bookings, pricing and more information please contact us.

Testimonials

“Chris had the students eager to participate and experience the joy that comes from learning musical facts new skills.  The use of the powerpoint slideshow enabled the students to see a visual connection to the instrument that was being discussed.   As a presenter to an audience of children, Chris was engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic.  He was quickly able to bring the group back on task and kept them entertained with a perfect mix of humour, musical history, and interactive opportunities.  Our students who were chosen to demonstrate their drumming techniques were thrilled to follow the rhythms and perform for their friends. We were very pleased to have had Chris present his African Drumming presentation to our school.” – Janet Miller – Principal – Quispamsis Elementary School

Thanks Chris for the professional and educational presentation you made to the students at East St. Margaret’s Elementary this morning.  You were very well spoken, committed, humorous, timely, and very well prepared for the event.  The students loved the information your presented.  Their engagement and active participation was delightful to watch. Our students loved the format you used.  With a blend of electronic visuals, knowledgeable “conversation” and group participation – you captured them all.  This event was a History, Music and Science lesson – all within the same 75 minutes.  Your and your presentation, were well received by the staff and parents who were present at the school.  All who viewed this event, could feel your commitment and enthusiasm for the art of drumming.  We all gained an appreciation for the roots of the art of drumming along with a real sense of who you are as an artist.  A sincere thanks!

John Dobrowolski
Principal, East St. Margaret’s Elementary

I can not tell you how much my students enjoyed the drumming workshop with Chris Kennedy of The Goat Works! The session was very informative and the students really appreciated the knowledge and skill Chris brought to it. The hands on experience with the drums was particularly impressive. Everyone had a chance to learn the beats and techniques to participate in an amazing performance. There is nothing like the sound of a room full of drums and being able to feel it in you own body. The reflections my students wrote on their experience were heartfelt. I was glad I took the time to bring Chris in to help bring African culture alive for my students. A very worthwhile experience!

Colette Lambert, African Canadian Studies 11; Lockview High