Education Testimonials

The pupils of the year nine (especially 9RPB) would like to thank you for your wonderful session. It has encouraged lots of us with our creative side and it was fantastic that we could join in with the fun and learn new skills.  Some of us are thinking of carrying on with cultural music and maybe joining a group. I would just like to say how inspiring and stimulating it was and how unlike some of the other activities – it was so hands on and fun! I personally have learnt new techniques and have been motivated to do more things with cultural music.  I am sure that the year will agree with me that your session was one of the best sessions that the year has ever had. The amount of effort that you put in was massive and we would all like to say a big thank you!

Unbeatable Energy have been to us a few times over the last couple of years.  On the 9th December we wanted to do something creative that involved every student within our establishment.  As we had recently converted to an academy and were celebrating the opening of our gallery we wanted to engage students in a vibrant activity.  Unbeatable Energy provided the most amazing drumming performance followed by a Boomwhacking workshop where over 250 students were engaged.  Steve Rivers was amazing from point of booking to performance and the students really found this to be a valuable insight into different music styles.  I would fully recommend Unbeatable Energy and we hope to use them again in the future.

Hi Steve,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the very positive contribution you made to our welcome programme for new international students in September.  The drumming circle on the Thursday is always very well received and this year was no different. The performance on the Friday as part of our mini international evening was absolutely fantastic (as it has been every year).  You definitely know how to please a crowd and get them in a party mood.  In fact, you’re so good that it’s really difficult for other acts going on subsequently to maintain the atmosphere and momentum that you create.  Next year we are thinking of changing the format of the event so that it is a drumming extravaganza with you and your members as the main act if this is possible.

Please do pass on my thanks to your members – both drummers and dancers are amazing!

With very best wishes,

Deborah Webb

I felt my hands jumping back at me
I felt alive
I felt happy
I felt free
I felt wild
I felt like an African child
I never wanted to stop dancing
It felt like the world was underneath my feet
I felt like my whole body was dancing
My heart seemed to be beating the same rhythm as the drums.

African drums, by Lucy aged 8

“On Wednesday a man called Steve came to our school with some African drums. He played some and it was noisy and exciting. The drums were amazing, brilliant, unusual and weird. The drums made a rhythm and a beat. On one he did happy birthday on the drums. The drums vibrated in my heart. Steve also used his self as a drum; I would like him to come again.”

Hannah, Class 2, Treeton Primary School, Sheffield

“We began African Drumming as part of the Sounding Out Project in 2002. From this, we started to have African Drumming sessions after school on Thursdays. Steve Rivers was our teacher, along with Paul Butler. We learned a few different rhythms at this point.
Steve’s teaching, from the start, helped to inspire us. Soon, we began to make our own drumming compositions. We would show them to Steve, who would help us to turn our ideas into full drumming pieces. He would help us with breaks as well as accompanying rhythms. This was great, as it encouraged us even more.
Eventually, we got very involved into drumming. Our school bought a set of African drums, so that we could play if and when Steve was not available. This also sparked us off with more playing; we go to the music room and play on the drums whenever we can at lunchtime and sometimes after school also.
Thanks to Steve’s help, we now get involved in a lot of concerts. We use what Steve has taught us for these. But we do not just do the same routine over and over again; we do quite the contrary. We figuratively rip apart what Steve has taught us and rearrange it into new and interesting sequences.
Even when Steve isn’t coming, I look forward to it. It’s the highlight of my week.”

Usman Year 11 Pupil, Oakwood Technology College, Rotherham

“I am writing to thank you for the wonderful day of ‘Unbeatable Energy’ we experienced on your visit. The whole experience was energising and exciting, inspiring even the most timid of our children to participate fully in the sessions. You were able to relate to all our children, including the very youngest who, at 4½ years of age, have only started in the reception class this term.

We found your style of teaching and presentation catered for a wide range of learning styles and you modelled, shared with and challenged the children. It was lovely to see the excitement and enjoyment on the children’s faces as they responded and contributed to the rhythms and patterns which you and they wove together to make such wonderful sounds.

Thank you so much for sharing your personal ‘Unbeatable Energy’ with us. It was certainly a day to remember.”

Liz Rosser, Headteacher Longwood Community Infant School, Nottinghamshire

“Unbeatable Energy were inspirational and our pupils were totally enthralled by his workshops.”

Judith Ennis, Head of Music Bents Green Secondary School, Sheffield

“We are writing to you to thank you for teaching us fantastic drumming skills. The drums were the best workshop we have had in a long time. At the beginning of the session we had no comprehension of what was to come however we found it quite easy once we got the hang of it. The performance was very nerve-racking even though we all had a lot of fun. Thanks again!”

The class of Y5c Whitkirk Primary School, Leeds

“Hi Steve, I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you very much for doing a great job today. I have been getting some fantastic feedback from staff about the whole event and year 5 is raving about your workshop.”

Scott Clarke, Q20 Theatre Company