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About this Workshop

Description

In this Workshop, we will make an Ecuadorian Rondador using carrizos (reeds), balsa sticks and cabuya thread. After we make our Rondador, we will learn how to play it! You are going to love the magical, deep, bird singing-like sound of this amazing Andean Pan Flute.

A Rondador is an ancient musical instrument from the prehispanic cultures of Ecuador. Some archaeological discoveries have shown old pottery with the representation of this instrument. The name -Rondador- comes from the word -Ronda- that is a musical ensemble where Rondadores are the only instruments.

The Rondador is used as a wind instrument, and it is played by blowing over the edge of the reeds.  These reeds are arranged together with thread stitching.  One of the characteristics of the Rondador is that it sounds like birds singing, since you will be able to play two notes at the same time. The Rondador was typically used by indigenous people and later it was adapted to the popular Ecuadorian music, played by musicians of the Andean music genre. 

The technique we will be using was based on many observations of the making of this instrument. The fact that you can use natural materials to create a traditional musical instrument makes the process a fun, unforgettable and incredible experience. 

Learning to play the instrument is something that requires practice, but you don't feel like it’s a difficult task since the reeds create a profound and magical sound. You feel that you are playing music through nature. 

Please note: This Workshop is recommended to ages 14+ as it requires a certain level of dexterity.

 

What You'll Need

GLOkit What's a GLOkit?

glokit

Ecuadorian Rondador GLOkit

This GLOkit contains ten artisanally tuned reeds, four balsa sticks, three meters of cabuya thread, a guide for identifying the notes of the reeds, and the notes to play the traditional song "Vasija de Barro"

GLOkit Included
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Additional Supplies

Each Learner will need:

  • A ruler (with either inches or centimeters, or both)
  • A permanent marker (ie. Sharpie)
  • Elmer's glue
  • Pencil
  • Newspaper to cover workspace

 

Technical Requirements

You will need a device (computer or tablet) that is equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. For more information, please check out our Technical Requirements page.

Meet the Instructor

instructor headshot

Angela ViveroView Profile

Hello there!  I am Angela Vivero-Social Studies, English and Art Teacher, Plastic Artist, and the year 2000 Ecuadorian Figure Skating National Champion.  I graduated in Multimedia Design and Communication from The Universidad de Los Hemisferios here in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. I am passionate about both education and culture, and my students call me Dear Teacher Ange around my city.  I am excited to have this chance through GLOMADO to share my country's culture with students from across the world! 

Ecuador is truly a magical paradise.  Since we have the Andes mountain range crossing right through the country, and close to the Pacific Ocean, we have what we call microclimates.  If you travel 20 minutes by car, you will come to a completely different climate. You can literally take a picture of a snow-covered volcano on the beach!  Also, we have the most unimaginable shades of green, because we have rain throughout most of the year.  You can find the most colorful birds, and the most exotic plants, just by taking a walk. 

As an artist, my favorite materials to work with are the materials that responsibly come from nature.  Thankfully, Ecuador is a very rich country in material diversity.  Since we are a mostly agricultural country, we plant and reap everything we need, especially the crafts materials.  We get Cabuya from the Pencos trees, and we get thread from sheep when the heat is too much for them. The examples are endless. 

 My favorite thing about Ecuador is that there is always something fun to do.  We have many festivals, and they are all associated with some form of craft.  Each holiday has its own piece of music, a parade, traditional dishes, games, rituals, colors, and forms.  There is always culture to be experienced and great times to be had.  Whether it be a museum to visit, a dish to try, a festivity to dance in, a costume to celebrate, or a snow-covered volcano to take photos of, there will always be a kind person there to share it with you. 

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NOTE: You can choose any available date on the calendar and rest assured that your GLOkit(s) WILL arrive before your workshop time! We only display dates/times that allow time to ship.

Workshop Reviews

5

Workshop Rating
(4 reviews)

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Great instructor!

by Lurline on

The teacher really knew the process of building a rondador and how to explain the steps to a beginner through the internet. Actually building a rondador was like holding a chopstick or violin bow while also knitting. Challenging but rewarding!

Adult support needed

by Sandra on

She was very patient and encouraging with the kids and even accommodated some language needs as we had Spanish speakers in the group who wouldn't have been able to follow instructions in English. They did it at school on two different days. We partnered each learner with a student helper each time. All students had the chance to be a helper and to be a learner. In this particular workshop, students need an adult helper as there is some weaving involved that may be hard for them to do on their own. Some kids do not know how to make knots and the weaving is harder to follow on a screen. They were a bit frustrated as they were on their own and without adult help but the group that managed to finish it was really happy with the instrument!!!

GLOMADO replied on

Thank you so much for your comments! Some of our Workshops are more difficult than others, so we include a recommended age in the description. It is helpful to hear how it works out for participants, and we appreciate you sharing your feedback!  

Students Loved it!

by Amy on

This was such a great opportunity for my virtual students to do something special.

Musical Fun

by Mindy on

Angela is a delight! It was fascinating to learn about Ecuadorian culture. Angela was encouraging and patient as we learned how to make a rondador. This is a tricky instrument to make which requires patience and lots of fine motor control. We were all successful in making a functioning instrument. The authentic materials and connection with Angela was wonderful!

workshop poster

Ecuadorian Rondador