For over 30 years Giles has worked in schools as a workshop leader for Early Years, primary and secondary, working in hospitals, schools, special needs schools, special needs adventure playgrounds, festivals, libraries, theatres, art centres, Adventure paygrounds, inset days, creative partnerships projects, professional development for teachers and after-school clubs, in public events in parks such The Big draw and Back History month,and artweeks in schools

This work has comprised Commissioned Artworks, musical sculpture and music workshops, delivering art workshops, training for teachers, and performance as a musician in shows presented to schools.

Workshops in making drums and musical instruments from recycled materials. Suitable for Eco Weeks, Studying Specific Units, Activity weeks, and can be adapted for Inset training for Teachers.

The workshop programme has been worked out using a range of recycled materials creating Cross curricular connections

A musical instrument making Workshop for primary and secondary schools would start with a discussion about the history of the first Musical instruments, the Science of sound through demonstration of an extensive collection of musical instruments , and explanations of techniques and manufacture.

Students are then encouraged to design their own instruments on paper, survey the materials provided and evaluate what might be needed to make their instrument - A making session would then follow.

All materials provided.

By far the most popular workshop this workshop is suitable for early years to an adult group with a passion for Samba rhythms.

There will be an introductory talk and discussion with questions about music, drums across the world, use of materials, their musical properties, techniques, construction, when the first musical instrument was made etc, how the sound in a drum is made and a demonstration of the drum making method.

The class will design a strip to decorate their drum incorporating some of the themes in a specific topic the school is specializing ie African Heritage and musical culture.

The Class will then make the drum using the method demonstrated, make a strap and then they will make two sticks. There will be an opportunity to use the paper rolling machine to make some of the sticks in the sessions.

Materials: We will be using felt tips, scissors and sticky tape.

Time to play multi cultural rhythms.

Giles has devised and organised custom-made workshops, which have been delivered to schools throughout Britain. The workshops are designed to be fun and expressive, taking pride in the use of recycled materials. Techniques and subjects include collage, mono-printing, puppets, masks, hats, puppets, multimedia sculpture, environmental workshops and an exploratory arts laboratory.

Some previous Art Workshops have included creating:

• Prints, Pictures
• Bookmaking
• Paper rolling(constructional), Bridge building
• Junk modelling. ie robots and Rockets
• Puppets and figures.
• Animal Masks, Carnival Hat and costumes
• Toys and games.

Other options:  Bags, Badges, Musical sculpture, mini beasts.