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World On Your Street: The Global Music Challenge
Hands On
History
Join Johnny Kalsi to learn the story of the Dhol drum. Then take the video workshop or try the Dhol Drum Player on your keyboard.
Dhol drum
Dhol drum Dhol in India: Watch
The dhol drum dates back to the 15th century. It was used in war and the later in Punjab, North India, to keep farmers going at work. This drum became the ground roots of Bhangra music as we know it today.
PlayDhol drum player
Dhol drum Dhol in the UK: Watch
In the early 60's people would bring their instruments with them from India. At first their dhol would mostly be kept locked up, but later people got together and played them at parties. From there Bhangra dance groups were formed.
Video workshopDhol Drum video workshop
Video workshopVideo workshop
Johnny's drum: Watch Traditional dhol drums were dome shaped to maintain rope tension. As England has such unpredictable weather, Johnny invented the first straight dhol drum. Dhol drum
Dhol drum

Learning the dhol drum: Watch
When Johnny wanted to learn there was nobody around. Instead he took 6 classical tabla lessons but being young he wanted more danceable rhythms. Later on he transferred tabla rhythms over to his syllabus for teaching the dhol.



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