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BUY TICKETS
YOUR COURSE TUTORS
Michael (Micklo) Jarrett
Micklo is a Gumbaynggirr man from Baga Baga (Nambucca). Passionate about his language and culture, he is an inspired educator and trainer of Gumbaynggirr language. Micklo is currently CEO of the Murrbay Language Centre, and continues his vital work with NSW Dept of Education, where he helps co-ordinate language programs throughout Gumbaynggirr Country.
An active part of the region’s cultural community, Micklo has been part of hundreds, if not thousands of events in Gumbaynggirr Country.
Micklo and Luke started working together in 2017, when they decided to co-facilitate a weekly class, teaching Gumbaynggirr language combined with music and singing. This group has been running continuously since then, every Monday at the Bello youth Hub.
Micklo and Luke have held over 400 classes, which is all inclusive, and operates on a contribute as you can basis. This collaboration has led to Micklo and Luke working closely together as songwriters and co-directors of the community singing group Gunganbuwala, and band Gunganbu.
(Gunganbu means “Friend”, Gunganbuwala means “Let’s be Friends”).
Luke Rhodes
Luke is a musician, composer and songwriter, and music teacher and trainer.
As a long-term resident of the Bellingen area, he has been involved in countless events and projects since the late 1980’s, in roles many and varied; performer, event co-ordinator, stage manager, MC, Open Mic host, teacher, tutor and trainer.
Luke completed a BA in Contemporary Music at Southern Cross University in 1998, and has been part of the music team at Chrysalis School for 20 years. He feels privileged to be a student of Gumbaynggirr language, and loves working with groups to bring out the music in any situation.
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You will learn some foundations of the language, and explore how music and singing are fantastic ways to learn and share.
Your guide is Gumbaynggirr language educator Michael Jarrett, supported by long time musical collaborator Luke Rhodes.
Be prepared for five days of discovery and immersion into language, land and culture, as we work indoors and out, taking some special excursions to significant sites on Gumbaynggirr Land.
Each day will build on the last, with activities designed to activate the body, mind and spirit, all guided by the original language of this place – Warm-ups and stretches (mayala buurrgi), rhythm and voice work (barraabadi daalgiyay), Relaxation (giingana buurrgi) and singing (daalgiyay).
You will be given a lovely journalling work book and songbook to record your learnings and experiences, which will be a beautiful reminder of your special time in Gumbaynggirr Country.
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Please bring the following on your first day of class:
Clothing comfortable for movement and walking
Suitable shoes for walking
Pen and pencil
You are welcome to bring musical instruments
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This course is suitable for beginners of language learning, music and singing.
An interest in music and singing is recommended, as we will be using these as tools for language learning. In saying that, we aim to create a safe space for all levels of experience and confidence.
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NOTE: THIS IS AN OUTLINE ONLY, AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Each day will build on knowledge from the last – the aim is not to learn a large amount of language, rather to absorb and embody the language, and feel a sense of immersion and familiarity with the languages and places we go.
DAY ONE
Giinagay!! (Hello!!)
Introduction
First words and phrases
Mayala buurrgi – move your body
Story
Singing and songwriting
Instruments – Clap sticks, drums and shakers
DAY TWO
Site Seeing – Baga-baga and Janingbirriny – Nambucca and Valla.
Meet at venue in Bellingen – warm-ups and preparation for excursion.
Bus to Baga baga (Nambucca), Micklo takes us to his Bari.
Janingbirriny (Valla) – At the ocean - View of Nunguu Miirlarl – place of the kangaroo – story and songs.
Return to Bellingen for reflections.
Songwriting
Guided relaxation in Gumbaynggirr language.
DAY THREE
Sight Seeing – Garlambirla (Coffs Harbour)
Meet at venue – warm-ups and preparation for excursion.
Bus to Coffs Harbour – Significant place Giidany Mirrarl, and other sites.
Sealy lookout – Views of Gumbaynngirr country – Stories and songs.
Return to Bellingen for reflections.
Songwriting
Guided relaxation in Gumbaynggirr language.
DAY FOUR
Continue language work – revise words and phrases
Mayala buurrgi – move your body
Language class – words and phrases.
Walking around Baalijin (Bellingen)
Story
Singing and music – rehearsing for performance.
Instruments – Clap sticks, drums and shakers.
DAY FIVE
Getting ready to say goodbye
Revise words and phrases
Mayala buurrgi– move your body
Singing and Music – rehearsing for evening performance.
