THURSDAY – Music Lessons at the Chocolate Church
with Freddy Larrosa

Led by: Freddy Larrosa, Transportation to the Chocolate Church provided by Brightfield
Grades K–8
Dates: November 5 – December 17
# of Sessions: 6
Pick-up: Pick-up at The Chocolate Church between 4:20pm and 4:30pm. All students must vacate the building by 4:30pm.
Cost: $22/day

SIX-WEEK PERCUSSION LAB: Discover joy in music through percussion! Students will learn to listen, lead, and play together on simple percussion instruments, including but not limited to djembes, a frame drum, an udu drum, a bombo, shakers, and claves. By week 6, students will be able to keep a steady pulse, enter and stop on a cue, play contrasting rhythmic parts at an appropriate level, listen across the ensemble, introduce or perform a short group arrangement, and share a short ensemble piece. Older students will also be able to read a simple rhythm grid, design a variation, and lead a rehearsal. The final song “Wichita Do Ya” is an Anishinaabe blessing song for the waters (additional songs assigned as time permits). The students will learn songs by ear and build a percussion arrangement around them.

More about Freddy Larrosa
Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Music Production, Voice

Freddy Larrosa is an Ecuadorian singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His music is deeply inspired by South American folklore and iconic Latin American troubadours such as Silvio Rodríguez and Facundo Cabral, shaping his distinctive sound. At 19, Larrosa embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, traveling to Uruguay, his father’s homeland. There, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Candombe, exploring its African roots, Murga, and drumming, which profoundly influenced his musical style. This artistic journey has taken his voice and talent around the world. Notably, he shared the stage with Bob Marley’s legendary band, The Wailers, in Woodstock, NY, performing alongside renowned percussionists Gerald Ache (Drums of Freedom) and Juma Sultan (Jimi Hendrix’s percussionist). Within the Latin music scene, Larrosa has opened for celebrated acts such as Duncan Dhu, Ella Baila Sola, and Sergio Sacoto. In 2020, Larrosa participated in a collaborative album featuring over 30 artists, including Tubby Love and Amber Lily, recorded in Boulder, CO. That same year, he released his debut album, Children of the Light. The album showcases a unique fusion of musical genres, including Trova, folklore, hip-hop, jazz, Candombe, pop, and world music. Its powerful lyrics explore themes of healing, introspection, meditation, and the human experience, honoring life and the memories of ancestors. Larrosa is the founder of Gardenhouse Records and the visionary creator of Gardenfest.

View Percussion Lab Curriculum HERE.

Please note, due to the nature of this program, there is a slightly increased cost.