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Artist Statement Mark Barfoot

As a musician and educator with over 20 years of experience, I have devoted myself to the art of West African drumming and playing the handpan. My passion for West African drumming began through a community drumming group called "Drummed Up", which I helped to found in 2001. My experiences expanded through my travels in West Africa – to Senegal, twice to Guinea and Gambia. Since then, I have been dedicated to learning, performing, and teaching others about these beautiful and rich musical traditions.

In 2020, I acquired my first of 3 handpans. These beautiful sound sculptures enable me to create melodies and harmonies and approach music rhythmically. I use them to compose new music both on my own and working with other musicians.

I work very closely with my partner Tracey West, a Dance Artist and Gong practitioner, and we co-direct Sacred Sounds CIC. Together we offer a wide range of workshops and classes for all abilities, including West African drumming, dance and somatic movement with live music, sound healing and gong bathing.

Currently, I am collaborating with Kenyan musician Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno, a multi-instrumentalist whose primary instrument is the eight-string lyre called the Nyatiti. Our music comprises Nyatiti, handpans, djembe, and vocal harmonies, and it has been an inspiring and satisfying process to work with Rapasa. We aim to offer performances and workshops shortly.

I also play with the band 'Live Rhythms', who play for dancers participating in 5 rhythms movement practice. The band comprises percussion, piano and keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and cello.

In my teaching, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that allows students to develop their skills and connect to their creativity. Music has the power to bring people together, and I am committed to helping students of all backgrounds and abilities discover the joy and beauty of West African drumming.

My approach to teaching is grounded in the deep cultural roots of these instruments, and I work to impart technical and cultural knowledge to my students. It is essential to understand the history and cultural significance of the music we play and the technical skills necessary to play it with precision and feel. Through my teaching, I aim to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers to discover the beauty and power of West African drumming and the handpan. These instruments have brought so much joy and meaning to my life; I am honoured to share them with others.

I am involved in several projects, including Braena CIC – Falling on your Feet Newton Aycliffe, where we work with Tracey West and a community of elder dancers. We meet weekly to dance together to live music, socialise and build confidence and skills in many areas. The group has performed at Dance City as part of the 'Inspire Festival' and plans future performances and a tour.

I also collaborate with St Luke's Neighbourhood Trust to offer a monthly evening of sound healing with gong bathing and handpans. The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Additionally, I work with Sunshine Corner Arts, an arts and well-being project funded by National Lottery Community Fund that provides opportunities for dance and movement, music-making, sound healing, and sharing healthy food with community groups across Sunderland.

As a Workers Education Association Tutor, I run inclusive drumming and life skills courses with adults with learning disabilities in Sunderland. I also run a weekly West African drumming course for adults from our Sacred Sounds studio at the Eagle Building in Sunderland.

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