Testimonials
_Drum Classes, Vancouver 2012
"As an oasis within a bustling city, Navaro's drum classes invoke connectivity and relief through rhythm, music and community. As we play we heal... It is a sonic sanctuary which rejuvenates the body and spirit. The classes also teach strong technical skills, along with the history of tribal 'technologies', and deepen understanding of the structures that create the magic and mystery of rhythm and chant." Student, Jordan Tal / DJ Elemental Rhythm
Drum Classes, Vancouver, 2011
I just wanted to share with you a moment of one of the ways rhythm and drumming is informing my life:
I'm not sure if I mentioned that I am taking a year-long perma-culture course. Right now we are reading about climate. The current chapter of the textbook is a little dry and I began to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the currents and influences on climate and weather. Then I realized, it's just a like a drum piece:. - This influence is the long junjun pattern, this current is like the bell pattern, this one a basic djembe pattern, this one a more complex djembe pattern, etc.... fabulous! Then I could relax and use my kinesthetic knowing to support my reading.
Many, many thanks for sharing your knowing and being with us, with me. Blessings of the balancing energies of the autumn equinox, Amy K R, Student & Class Performance Group Member
Drum Workshop
Langara Early Childhood Education Program, Vancouver 2011
Again, thanks so much for offering this to us. Personally I felt energized and inspired, and I am sure that the students did too. I think that it lifted them out of a stressful time of term and reminded them why they want to share creative experiences with young children. I hope we can do it again some time and iI\f you ever want a reference feel free to use my name.
Joanne Brown, program director
"As an oasis within a bustling city, Navaro's drum classes invoke connectivity and relief through rhythm, music and community. As we play we heal... It is a sonic sanctuary which rejuvenates the body and spirit. The classes also teach strong technical skills, along with the history of tribal 'technologies', and deepen understanding of the structures that create the magic and mystery of rhythm and chant." Student, Jordan Tal / DJ Elemental Rhythm
Drum Classes, Vancouver, 2011
I just wanted to share with you a moment of one of the ways rhythm and drumming is informing my life:
I'm not sure if I mentioned that I am taking a year-long perma-culture course. Right now we are reading about climate. The current chapter of the textbook is a little dry and I began to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the currents and influences on climate and weather. Then I realized, it's just a like a drum piece:. - This influence is the long junjun pattern, this current is like the bell pattern, this one a basic djembe pattern, this one a more complex djembe pattern, etc.... fabulous! Then I could relax and use my kinesthetic knowing to support my reading.
Many, many thanks for sharing your knowing and being with us, with me. Blessings of the balancing energies of the autumn equinox, Amy K R, Student & Class Performance Group Member
Drum Workshop
Langara Early Childhood Education Program, Vancouver 2011
Again, thanks so much for offering this to us. Personally I felt energized and inspired, and I am sure that the students did too. I think that it lifted them out of a stressful time of term and reminded them why they want to share creative experiences with young children. I hope we can do it again some time and iI\f you ever want a reference feel free to use my name.
Joanne Brown, program director
Coal Harbour Community Centre, Drum Classes, Vancouver, 2010
Your classes are not just about drumming...it is the whole experience of what you do that is so amazing...drumming, song, improvisation, and connecting with the other drummers. I like the mood created in the room with the lights dimmed, and the use of candles/mini lights...it is a very soothing place to be. Navaro, your classes go by so quickly because you are able to motivate and keep the group engaged in such a fun way. I learned something new from every class and at the end of the class I wanted to come back for more and not miss out on what you have to offer. I always felt a sense of peace and empowerment at the end of your classes. The pace of the series was fantastic...you always made the classes fun and interesting. Navaro, you have a natural ability to know where the group is and push us just a little bit so we learn new things about drumming and feel good about our skill level without being overwhelmed. Elizabeth McFarlane, music teacher
Your classes are not just about drumming...it is the whole experience of what you do that is so amazing...drumming, song, improvisation, and connecting with the other drummers. I like the mood created in the room with the lights dimmed, and the use of candles/mini lights...it is a very soothing place to be. Navaro, your classes go by so quickly because you are able to motivate and keep the group engaged in such a fun way. I learned something new from every class and at the end of the class I wanted to come back for more and not miss out on what you have to offer. I always felt a sense of peace and empowerment at the end of your classes. The pace of the series was fantastic...you always made the classes fun and interesting. Navaro, you have a natural ability to know where the group is and push us just a little bit so we learn new things about drumming and feel good about our skill level without being overwhelmed. Elizabeth McFarlane, music teacher
Sacred Dance Festival at the Roundhouse, Vancouver, 2009
Solo Dance Performance and Choreography:
"Green Gaia" - an Earth Prayer. Solo dance, Navaro, Music, Pepe Danza
Navaro, your choreography and dance performance last night was one of the most mesmerizing pieces of art I have seen in a long time. Your grace and beauty manifested throughout your performance. I am so honored to have known you in the relatively short time that I have been in Vancouver. Blessings, Farhad Mirhady, patron of the arts
Solo Dance Performance and Choreography:
"Green Gaia" - an Earth Prayer. Solo dance, Navaro, Music, Pepe Danza
Navaro, your choreography and dance performance last night was one of the most mesmerizing pieces of art I have seen in a long time. Your grace and beauty manifested throughout your performance. I am so honored to have known you in the relatively short time that I have been in Vancouver. Blessings, Farhad Mirhady, patron of the arts
Drum Workshop, Vancouver, 2007
Navaro, I wanted to say thank you for the workshop yesterday. I feel really filled with music and aligned today and my whole energy has shifted for the better. I appreciate the way you lead the group, so grounded and flowing. I think that is the way I learn music the best. I sometimes have trouble finding verbal communication with people meaningful and yet connecting the way we did with drumming yesterday felt so real to me. I think it's rare to leave a workshop feeling actually changed in some way, like I actually integrated something. Thanks. Anonymous, student
Navaro, I wanted to say thank you for the workshop yesterday. I feel really filled with music and aligned today and my whole energy has shifted for the better. I appreciate the way you lead the group, so grounded and flowing. I think that is the way I learn music the best. I sometimes have trouble finding verbal communication with people meaningful and yet connecting the way we did with drumming yesterday felt so real to me. I think it's rare to leave a workshop feeling actually changed in some way, like I actually integrated something. Thanks. Anonymous, student
Navaro's Drum Class Performance at Just Dance, Vancouver BC, 2010
I wanted to again let you know that your drumming was a real joy to experience. It moved the audience and myself to spiritual dancing, really feeling the rhythm down deep in our souls. Thank you for sharing. Frances S, student
I wanted to again let you know that your drumming was a real joy to experience. It moved the audience and myself to spiritual dancing, really feeling the rhythm down deep in our souls. Thank you for sharing. Frances S, student
Drum Class Series, Vancouver, 2010
It was my pleasure to finally meet you and study in your wonderful group! I am very excited to join you for the Fall session. The space is very calm and you bring such a wonderful grounded energy to the drumming, it is magical. The Thumb Piano playing you gifted us with at the end of the session was a unique experience that I'll always be thankful for. I liked when you mentioned at the end that this instrument, the Mbira, is a sacred instrument that is considered to be an aid in connecting with other vibrational energies and especially in communicating with the ancestors. Barbara S, student
It was my pleasure to finally meet you and study in your wonderful group! I am very excited to join you for the Fall session. The space is very calm and you bring such a wonderful grounded energy to the drumming, it is magical. The Thumb Piano playing you gifted us with at the end of the session was a unique experience that I'll always be thankful for. I liked when you mentioned at the end that this instrument, the Mbira, is a sacred instrument that is considered to be an aid in connecting with other vibrational energies and especially in communicating with the ancestors. Barbara S, student
Drum Class Series, Vancouver 2010
Navaro, I wanted to share with you something of my experience last night with the mbira music and rhythms. I am usually moved by the mbira, often a light and general sense of connecting and honoring the element of water, sometimes I have images of streams. Last night I had a deeper connection, tricky to translate into words. My experience was as if our music and rhythm making was supporting water in its natural function of purifying (filtering, cleansing, circulating) itself. Then my experience was not just of water in general, it was as if I was in direct contact with the water of the Sacred Headwaters (Skeena, Nass, and Stikine river origins). That our music was helping to heal the Sacred Headwaters area. This was more surprising to me because I've never been to that area, I've only seen images of the Sacred Headwaters and the surrounding environment.My deep gratitude to you for creating a drumming environment that supports connection with nature both inner and outer. Many blessings, Amy Kiara Ruth, student
Drum Class Series, Vancouver 2009
I have been enjoying drum lessons so much. No matter how my personal experiences are, your drumming class always lifts me up to the basics of life, grounding on earth and centering the mind. I have been in your class almost a year and each drum class gives me peace of mind and an opportunity to review my life. We all forget to appreciate ancestors sometimes. You bring us to appreciate how we were here on Earth because of them. I am sure I am the oldest one among the drum class and I have been the one "slow learner & smile when I make mistakes". However, I have been enjoying my life through drumming. I much appreciate your patience and kindness with me. Motoko H, student
Navaro, I wanted to share with you something of my experience last night with the mbira music and rhythms. I am usually moved by the mbira, often a light and general sense of connecting and honoring the element of water, sometimes I have images of streams. Last night I had a deeper connection, tricky to translate into words. My experience was as if our music and rhythm making was supporting water in its natural function of purifying (filtering, cleansing, circulating) itself. Then my experience was not just of water in general, it was as if I was in direct contact with the water of the Sacred Headwaters (Skeena, Nass, and Stikine river origins). That our music was helping to heal the Sacred Headwaters area. This was more surprising to me because I've never been to that area, I've only seen images of the Sacred Headwaters and the surrounding environment.My deep gratitude to you for creating a drumming environment that supports connection with nature both inner and outer. Many blessings, Amy Kiara Ruth, student
Drum Class Series, Vancouver 2009
I have been enjoying drum lessons so much. No matter how my personal experiences are, your drumming class always lifts me up to the basics of life, grounding on earth and centering the mind. I have been in your class almost a year and each drum class gives me peace of mind and an opportunity to review my life. We all forget to appreciate ancestors sometimes. You bring us to appreciate how we were here on Earth because of them. I am sure I am the oldest one among the drum class and I have been the one "slow learner & smile when I make mistakes". However, I have been enjoying my life through drumming. I much appreciate your patience and kindness with me. Motoko H, student
Drum Class Series, Vancouver 2008
Thank you for last night. I had a very moving and magical experience. I felt very connected to the spirit of our son, Dylan, who has left us. The drumming and singing was from my heart. I feel very blessed and grateful. Pramonika, student
Thank you for last night. I had a very moving and magical experience. I felt very connected to the spirit of our son, Dylan, who has left us. The drumming and singing was from my heart. I feel very blessed and grateful. Pramonika, student
Earth Prayers Dance Workshop, Vancouver 2007
Thank you for creating an amazing evening on Friday. For me, the experience reminded me of our human connection and inspiration with earth - that we are connected and we can create healing with our prayers. I have understood this concept intellectually and experienced in your workshop the reality of this connection. I am happy you are doing this work in the world and contributing so powerfully to creating healing. Thank you. Cathryn, workshop participant
Thank you for creating an amazing evening on Friday. For me, the experience reminded me of our human connection and inspiration with earth - that we are connected and we can create healing with our prayers. I have understood this concept intellectually and experienced in your workshop the reality of this connection. I am happy you are doing this work in the world and contributing so powerfully to creating healing. Thank you. Cathryn, workshop participant
Earth Prayers Dance Workshop, Vancouver 2007
Beautiful Navaro, I am soooo excited to partake in the wonders of Earth Prayers dance again. My experience at your first one was pure magik. It is such a blessing to be able to connect on so many different levels, being and flowing. Drinking in the sacred space and energy created by you and the joy of live music. It is such an honor to be in your presence and to revel in the divine wisdom you impart. Thank you for sharing, for connecting, for being you. Kiamanawanui, workshop participant
Beautiful Navaro, I am soooo excited to partake in the wonders of Earth Prayers dance again. My experience at your first one was pure magik. It is such a blessing to be able to connect on so many different levels, being and flowing. Drinking in the sacred space and energy created by you and the joy of live music. It is such an honor to be in your presence and to revel in the divine wisdom you impart. Thank you for sharing, for connecting, for being you. Kiamanawanui, workshop participant
Earth Prayers Dance Workshop, Vancouver 2006
Thank you for the beautiful dance class, I felt so refreshed and energized and connected afterwards. Green blessings and love.
Kalindi Chatterton, workshop participant
Thank you for the beautiful dance class, I felt so refreshed and energized and connected afterwards. Green blessings and love.
Kalindi Chatterton, workshop participant
Earth Prayers Dance Workshop, Vancouver 2006
Navaro, I just wanted to tell you thank you again for the beautiful tribal dance class today. It really inspired me almost to tears a few times. The energy was very strong and your teaching is so sincere, clear and dear! Several times while dancing I felt the deepest part of myself saying a very loud YES! I have been interested in and practiced energy healing as well as dance. To be able to participate with others where both are integrated is the kind of experience I live for. I honor you as a mentor teacher and appreciate the things you shared today. Thanks for honoring us! Rhythm be with you. Karin, workshop participant
Navaro, I just wanted to tell you thank you again for the beautiful tribal dance class today. It really inspired me almost to tears a few times. The energy was very strong and your teaching is so sincere, clear and dear! Several times while dancing I felt the deepest part of myself saying a very loud YES! I have been interested in and practiced energy healing as well as dance. To be able to participate with others where both are integrated is the kind of experience I live for. I honor you as a mentor teacher and appreciate the things you shared today. Thanks for honoring us! Rhythm be with you. Karin, workshop participant
