African Drumming Circle

Every year we have a drumming expert facilitate workshops with the whole third grade around the time of our Third Grade West Africa Museum. This year, Ibrahima, visited us the last week in February to share his expertise! Third graders participated in drumming circles in half groups, allowing them to have a more authentic and intimate experience. Ibrahima gave them an introduction to the djembe as a drum that can come in different sizes, what materials he uses to make and repair drums, and the three notes that can be played. He led them in learning three different rhythms, explaining that expert drummers keep a rhythm while each one takes turns overlaying another more complex beat. They learned different techniques for holding the drum and how to hold their hands to create particular sounds. They certainly left this experience having a greater appreciation for the art of drumming!