Rhythms of the Earth

  a drumming journey around the Wheel of the Year

Come explore the ancient rhythms within yourself!  Rhythms of the Earth will combine the story of the djembe drum, the basics of how to play the djembe and dunun drums (a type of drum from West Africa), and how to put the techniques together to learn ancient traditional rhythms and songs. All this within the theme of the Wheel of the Year!  Each month we will explore rhythms and lore that express the changes in the natural world around us. 

Just like other instruments, these drums have notes that are combined to play music. We will work on the sounds of the notes and will play music that you can play alone or with other drummers. Whether you are a beginner drummer or an experienced one, join us to discover or improve your own sound on the drum, and to create music in community with others.

Classes are for all ages of drummers and all skill levels.

  

Time: 2pm – 3:30pm

Cost: $15 per class, $75 in advance for a six-class card. $2 per class for drum rental

Where:  Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster (across from Central Market)

How to Register: Contact Radiance 717-290-1517, or stop in

Dates:             October 13

                      November 10

                      January 12, 2013

                      February 9

                      March 9

                      April 13

                      May 11

                      June 8

                      July 13

If you don't have a djembe, dunun (barrel-shaped stick drum), or ashiko drum, you can rent a djembe for $2 (technique instruction is focused on these drums, but you may also bring frame drums to play during the rhythms). Please request rental drums ahead of time for each class.

Circle-style classes are led by Tammi Hessen, a Lancaster-based drummer who has been studying in the West African hand drum tradition of djembe.  She has traveled many times to Africa to study drumming under djembe master Mamady Keita, and Master Drum Maker/Cultural Educator Baile McKnight. She has also studied with Menes Yahuda, Salim Ajanku of Sankofa Dance Theater, Mahiri Keita, Ubaka Hill, and other drumming instructors.   She also has a performance group that plays for various events locally. For more information, www.tammihessen.com