This week is all about the GROOVE! and making ancient West African Drumming fun, accessible and challenging, all at the same time.
- NO DRUM NEEDED!
- explore polyrhythms on djembes and dunun (a series of double headed drums played on their side)
- build instruments (diddley bos or bucket basses) and explore aspects of rhythm and acoustics
- sing songs and learn dances relevant to the rhythms
- and tap into the ancient knowledge of the West African Mande musical tradition
This goes way beyond a drum circle! Campers will not only learn patterns on djembe and develop skills to solo but will also learn the interlocking patterns on the dunun – the soul of the West African Mande drumming tradition. These rhythms can be extremely challenging, even to pro drummers!
But with the guidance of guest instructor Anna Melnikoff, West African Drumming week at MusiCamp is set up to engage and teach the absolute inexperienced while at the same time provide on-going challenges for advanced drummers. And of course, at the end of the week, campers will perform for friends and family!
End of Week Performance 2013
Below is a slightly edited video is from our 2013 week-end performance of the children-composed rhythm “Timbaraba.”
NOTE: Because the speakers of computers and portable devices aren’t designed to capture the bass, to hear the dunun pattern you need to listen to this video with headphones or good speakers.
Although it is difficult to see, at the back left are 3 double headed drums known as dunun. The dunun play a complex interlocking rhythm upon which the djembes play another rhythm or solo.
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