Slap Happy by Alan Dworsky & Betsy Sansby

Slap Happy turns drum rhythms into body rhythms you can step, clap, and slap with a buddy. Right from the start, you’ll be learning how to slap traditional rhythms from West Africa and the Caribbean; Kuku from Guinea; Sunguru Bani from mali, Kpegisu from Ghana, Bomba from Puerto Rico, and Conga from Cuba. And you can hear how every pattern sounds on the slap-along CD that comes with the book. You can do Slap Happy in pairs or in groups, indoors or out, at home or at school. The rhythms are written in easy-to-read charts requiring no knowledge of music. If you’re a parent, it’s a great way to do something fun and educational with your kids that doesn’t require any previous musical training. If you’re a music teacher, you can use Slap Happy to give your students a hands-on experience of world rhythms without having to buy any instruments. It’s physical, it’s funky, and it’s fun!