Hi from a newbie!

[Jan >^..^<]

So ... I just spent a week (a couple of weeks ago now) listening to the djembe. The Arts Council in my area paid to have a drummer and dancer come to school for the week and teach the second graders about West African music and how to play djembe and dance. Oh, did I mention that the second grade classrooms are in a pod (i.e. big, noisy trailer made out of cardboard) and the drumming classes were in the empty room beside my room - banging all day long?!?

Each day my students would take their turn and go to class and I had to stay with them (to maintain control). I really wasn't looking forward to it because I really don't like drums - until now. I actually sneaked over next door on Monday after the folks left and played one of the drums!

I have gotten bitten by the djembe bug!! I've also gotten bitten by the West African dance bug! The kids performed for the kindergarten and first grade classes. Afterwards, the guy called the teachers and mothers on stage. Then we danced with the dancer! LUCKILY, I was in the back so I wasn't very visible, but it was so much fun and so freeing!

I found a video on the dancing and now I have a djembe.

Anyway, I am excited to find this place!

[davidognomo]

hi jan, welcome.

it's a whole new world here, for us to find out.

do you happen to know the name of the djembe player or the dancer, or where were they from?

David

[Jan >^..^<]

The drummer is Bill Scheidt. He is the director of the local TTM. The dancer's name was Olivia but that's all I know about her.

[Rhythm House Drums]

Welcome to the forum.

Bills an excellent drummer. I've been up to WS a few times to drum with him and his group. You should look look into getting lessons with him if you want to satisfy the bug.

[Jan >^..^<]

Welcome to the forum.

Bills an excellent drummer. I've been up to WS a few times to drum with him and his group. You should look look into getting lessons with him if you want to satisfy the bug.

Yeah, he told me you came up for classes sometimes! Maybe I will take some classes. I think one of the draws to drumming is going to be the community that it builds.

[bubudi]

welcome, jan. we're all pretty passionate about west african music and dance here! it sounds like your in good hands with bill.

[michi]

Bill is a very good teacher. You are lucky to have access to someone of his calibre. Don't waste the opportunity!

Cheers,

Michi.

[Trog]

This might be his website.
http://www.ttmws.com/

[Jan >^..^<]

Thanks for the welcome, ya'll!

And, yes, that is his website. I might just have to take some lessons!