CLASSROOMS don’t always have to be quiet places – as youngsters at one Northallerton school have been proving.

For learning proved to be right on the beat for a group of students studying the art of drumming.

Young teenagers at the Allertonshire School immersed themselves in the subject when they spent two hours with renowned musician and artist Joolz Form in an initiative designed to bring music alive.

The year eight students were taught how to play the African drum the djembe, a goblet-shaped drum which is struck by the hands, and their session culminated in a number of ensemble performances.

The special workshop was organised by the arts company Formationz, and it centred on using special techniques - ostinato and polyrhythm - to accompany the traditional lion dance, which originates from the Ivory Coast and Mali in Africa.

Music teacher Mary David said afterwards: “We study drumming at school but bringing in a professional musician to work with the students really does spark their interest.

“It has been really rewarding and the children have been very excited.”

Joolz added: “There is something instinctive about rhythm and the students did an excellent job honing their skills.”