Pic credit Shooting Pixels
Monkton Wood Academy was delighted to welcome the internationally renowned Dhol Foundation, which spent a week in residence to deliver an inspiring week of music, culture, and performance.
Founded in 1989 by master drummer Johnny Kalsi, The Dhol Foundation is a globally celebrated musical group and academy dedicated to popularising the Punjabi dhol drum.
The group’s remarkable career has seen members perform for Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, as well as at prestigious venues and events including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Variety Show, and the iconic Glastonbury Festival, among many other major UK and international stages.
Throughout the week, the band delivered engaging and energetic workshops to students across Years 7-11, alongside sessions for our SPACE Post 16 students and Cedar Centre students, a specialist autism resource base within the academy.
These workshops gave students a unique opportunity to experience live percussion, develop rhythm skills, and immerse themselves in a vibrant musical tradition.
The residency culminated in a spectacular live performance at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, where a select group of students had the unforgettable opportunity to perform on stage alongside the band.
Students across the academy described the experience as exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable, with many continuing to talk enthusiastically about the week’s events.
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to host The Dhol Foundation for the week.
“Their energy, expertise, and passion for music have been truly infectious.
“Our students have not only developed new musical skills but have also gained confidence and a deeper appreciation for global musical traditions. Opportunities like this are invaluable, and the impact will stay with our students for years to come.”
