ABOUT US
ABOUT US
OUR VISION
Our vision at Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm is to have a school improv rhythm program at every school in Alberta.
OUR FACILITATORS
LUCAS COFFEY
Founder & Managing Director
Lucas Coffey’s love for drum circles came from witnessing a group of strangers become one with each other through the magic of musical improvisation. Born in Ontario and labelled a “troubled” youth throughout his academic career, Lucas found a fresh start in Edmonton, AB with the unwavering support of his high school drama teacher, Bev Barss. Belonging to something greater than oneself in a drum circle, and the gift of a positive adult role model in school both transformed his life. He sought a way to take his musical talent and difficult experiences as a youth, to be of service to young people and the teachers who care about them. And so, Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm was born.
Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm is a sold-out artist-in-residence program that has shared improvised music with over 100, 000 students in Alberta and throughout North America. He is the co-founder of Rhythm for Youth, a training program designed to assist youth educators in launching or enhancing their own improv rhythm programs. He is a global drum circle trainer for Arthur Hull’s Village Music Circles. He has presented at the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild conference in 2017, 2021 & 2022, at the GETCA teachers conference in 2017, Seattle World Rhythm Festival in 2018, and the REMO Centre for Music in 2018. He is the author of the upcoming e-book “4 Principles of Ensemble Improv.”
SIERRA JAMERSON
Artistic & Administrative Director
Sierra Jamerson (BCYC) is a singer/songwriter, artist-in-residence, and holistic vocal coach based in Edmonton, AB. As a youth worker she has worked for ECSD as part of the Braided Journeys program, with youth in foster care, and as a group facilitator running youth programming and restorative circles. Her favourite part of working in schools is being what she calls a “school auntie”— building close relationships and filling a traditional role by being part of the village that helps raise a child. Inspired by the knowledge that the healing power of music and music education is available to us all, Sierra loves to spend her time using music, culture and creativity to empower others. When she isn’t holding down the fort at Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm, you can find Sierra performing with her band, travelling, and taking very long naps! https://sierrajamersonmusic.
DEBORAH BORTSCHER
Facilitator
Deborah Bortscher is a certified drum circle facilitator and soundscape artist who loves nothing more than gathering community in to experience the wonder of nature with music, story, songs and adventures.
Using the principles of masterful drum circle facilitator trainers including Arthur Hull, Christine Stevens, Simon Faulkner, Cameron Tummel, Lucas Coffey, and many others, Deborah found a way to combine her skills as a naturalist with facilitating drum circles and soundscapes to inspire creative in the moment interactive musical experiences and deepening our connection with nature. Deborah has studied various forms of traditional drumming but has an affinity for West African ensemble with special thanks to Bill Mitchell who has inspired her on her journey in djembe playing. She also has a deep love of songs, chants and drumming and flute playing of indigenous cultures from around the world and has learned from many elders and knowledge keepers along the way.