Drumsong

hands on drumheads

Building Community through Drum Song Finding the heartbeat, listening with your deep self. West African drumming has much to reveal about the embodiment of rhythm and connection. It’s easy to say we are all interconnected, part of a greater whole, but drum-song helps us feel it and be changed. Benefit from Amy’s 30 years of experience learning, performing, and teaching DrumSong from the West African traditions. Honoring the authentic traditions of Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, and expat. Africans in America. Shakers, Bells and other instruments will be provided.

Emphasis is put on respecting the cultural context and gratitude for the gift of rhythm.

Everything I know about community, I learned from West African Drumming

Djundjuns and djembe, being played

Individual Lessons: Register Here.

Retreat:

3 hour retreat with time for breaks and lunch.

$30/person (minimum 8 people) or $225 flat (inquire about small group rates).

Workshop - Learn three songs :

2 hour workshop Learn Oya De (Arr. Ubaka Hill), Lamba (Arr. Mamady Keita), and Kuku (Arr. Mbembe Bangoura)

$20/person (minimum 8) or $125 flat, when booked the for the week before an "All I needed to know I learned from African Drumming" Sunday service

CD cover for Ubaka Hills' "Shapeshifters"

Series: 1.5 hour workshops

$20/person (minimum 8) (for institutions: $115 flat per session.) Minimum 5 sessions. Discounts available for senior citizens, or for pre-payment. Djembes available for small fee.

Listening – Explore how to listen for the spaces and the heartbeat.

Rhythm, Song, Dance – Explore how drum-songs, vocals, and dances combine to create community experiences.

Call and Response – Explore how to relate, as an ensemble, to the rhythm and each other.

Improvisation – Explore how to “trade 4’s”, introduce cross-rhythms, and lead. Shakers, Bells and other instruments will be provided.

"Relaxation is the key." - Ubaka Hill

I learned from African Drumming-proposal.pdf