Hi there from Canada,

I love playing my djembe even if I don't really know what I'm doing. It's a great stress release and fun to play with others. I have used my drum in the classroom with secondary school students and they love it too!

Today, Group 1 reviewed Zaouli 5 for about 15 minutes, and then moved on to Zaouli 6. We got most of the way through the break--only two more phrases missing, which we'll do tomorrow.

Group 2 reviewed Dibon and then moved on to Zaoli 7. They got about halfway through that break.

Monette and Mamady announced that on Sunday, they'll have everyone over for a late afternoon/early evening party. Sadly, I won't be able to attend because I'll be flying to San Francisco on Friday night and will come back only on Monday morning. (I'm visiting long-time friends there for the weekend.)

Mamady announced that, for week 2, he'll be splitting the groups differently, according to skill level. He said that's because he recognizes that some of the advanced people have come from far away and he wants to make sure that they get properly challenged. Seeing how the first three days have shaped up, I'm not at all sure that I want to be challenged any further... ...

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winter means rain here on the central coast of cali.

rain means humidity.

humidity means my drums go down.

i hate tuning drums when it's soggy outside.

I'm just now seeing the posts you guys had about my bags form 2009... thanks for the comments and view points. i need that bit of info on how you think the bags where done. Good, Bad, alright, GREAT!... what ever, the point is there's always room for improvement.
I'm working on the new line now. I've decided to do a "student Level" & a "Pro Level". I'm really trying to change the game in terms of the weight, style, durability, on the bags keeping in mind the craftsmanship in what Tony Lagrutta was going after in a higher quality (Instrument) djembe bag/case. Not commenting on what happened with Tony, but more importantly keep in mind that this is a CLASSICAL INSTRUMENT and it should be treated as such from the HISTORICAL value with its place in history and that its an instrument that's made up of natural raw materials.
Who wants a bag that weigh's half of the weight of there drum? I'm really trying not to put to much hard ware on the case but at the same time...

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i've been a teacher of djembe and dunun for 4 years, but i've been playing djembe 4 times that long. when people ask me why i didn't start earlier, i tell them that i never wanted to be an authority on djembe, but also i never knew what teaching would come to mean to me.

before i began teaching djembe i had taught esl and health topics. english is a language that opens up many avenues for people - migration, jobs, meeting a wider range of people on travels, etc. health topics, on the other hand, educate the public on health issues and options. often it's a means to create bridges so that people can seek services when they are needed.

when i teach the djembe, it's all those things and more. it's not so much whether they can play with the right technique and feel, but to open up avenues for self expression, working together in harmony, creating bridges between people, inspiring and motivating, improving people's self esteem, the list goes on...

lately i've been involved a little more with...

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