Robin Layne

Discipline: Music
Homebase: Vancouver
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays
Languages: English

Over the past decade and a half, JUNO-nominated percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world. His search for rhythm and folkloric traditions has led him to Cuba, Guinea, Mali, Mexico, and beyond. He brings these influences to bear in his compositions that are inspired by his travels. Robin believes music has the power to connect and bring people together and has devoted his life to that, both through his performing work and also his educational work with young people. He is the senior percussion instructor at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and the Artistic Director of the World Rhythms for Youth Society. He has become a regular fixture on the B.C. festival circuit, and is in demand as a freelance percussionist for recordings, performances and tours. Robin currently performs solo and with his band, Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers, as well as Locarno. Students get to join Robin and his band on marimbas during his school show, "Journey into Rhythm." He also loves teaching young people how to play marimbas during workshops and residencies.

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Performance(s)

Journey into Rhythm

School Year: 24-25
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 45 min
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: Artist will bring own PA and instruments. Requires an outlet and stage or gym floor
Available Formats: In Person

In this interactive and high-energy musical show designed for young audiences, students get to join the band and learn how to keep a beat while making music on marimbas and percussion. Robin Layne is a world-renowned performing artist and educator and brings his passion for rhythm and young folks to bear in this high-energy show. The performance features the marimba, the big cousin to the xylophone, and takes students on a journey around the globe, as it follows Robin on his travels to Cuba, West Africa, Mexico and Colombia. Robin performs as a 3-pc band.

Workshop(s)

Marimba & Percussion Workshop

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 1 day; 4-5 classes
Capacity: 30
Tech Requirements: Requires a gym, band or activity room to set up marimbas and percussion instruments
Available Formats: In Person

Robin's marimba workshop is designed to give students a chance to learn how to play music together on marimbas and percussion within the hour. With a set of 7 marimbas and additional percussion instruments, students will build confidence, community and rhythm. By the end of the day or a longer residency, they'll be able to perform a song along with Robin on the marimbas. This workshop can be tailored to varying levels of experience. Robin has over a decade of experience teaching all ages, backgrounds and abilities. He has been teaching marimba camps and residencies around B.C. for over a decade and has worked in schools as well as not-for-profits such as Jam Camp, Instruments of Change, Miscellaneous Productions and Vancouver's Sarah McLachlan School of Music. He has taught marimbas outside on Salt Spring and in Tofino, and worked with the youth at the detention centre in Burnaby. Through all of these experiences, he has seen how music and marimba can have a positive effect on young people’s lives.

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Testimonials & Reviews

“The kids are still talking about your visit! My bassist and tuba player are jamming the groove you taught them during warm ups all the time. We hope you can come back!” “Thanks so much for c Alex Fawcett-Riis - Music Teacher at Nusatsum Elementary and Band Teacher at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, Bella Coola, BC

“Our students and staff LOVED your super fun and engaging show! Can’t wait to have you back in the future. Thank you!” Claire Chong, Music Teacher at Richmond Christian School

“Thanks so much for all your music. Our entire staff loved listening to the workshops” Fatima , Librarian at GVPL Esquimalt Branch

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