Belfast Boys Model School

The first outing relating to the Ulster Scots project in music took place on Monday 17th November. A group of 14 boys went to the home of Dennis Morrow - a lambeg drum maker, to watch our very own lambeg drum being made. All of the boys watched with interest as Dennis showed them how the wood is steamed to boiling point and then turned in a rounder to make the "heads" of the drum. He demonstrated how the goat skin would be attached and then gave the boys opportunity to pull a drum themselves. This technique needs alot of muscle but thankfully we had enough boys well able to do the job!!! This was an experience enjoyed by all and we are currently in the process of creating our own design to paint onto our own school drum.

Mark Anderson from the Ulster Scots Agency continues to teach the boys how to play the lambeg drum each week. We are looking forward to the next outing when we will have the opportunity to see the drum being painted and would welcome any suggestions!!!