Greetings from Maine, USA!

[Carl]

My name is Carl, I've been playing djembe since 1998 and was involved with the online community from then till around 2003 or so. I am finally getting back online, and I was particularly impressed with the level of discussion on this forum. My complements to the members and administrators for supporting informative and fun discussions!

Anyway, a bit about myself. I am an eclectic mix of self taught and class taught. I've worked with Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate on their tours when they get into the New England area (which has been spotty to say the least.) I had a few years where I was fortunate enough to travel to see Mamady in various areas of the eastern US. I also studied with Moussa Traore for about a year before gas prices put an end to that!

My non-West African background consists of an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Masters in Music with an emphasis on music theory.

I've been teaching djembe for about 9 or 10 years now, I have settled on teaching specifically in the "Mamady" tradition. I just started an apprenticeship with Mahiri Keita in order to start taking the TamTam Mandingue tests.

I run a teaching studio in New Hampshire and I hope to get more involved in developing the West African Arts community in my area.

Anyway, greetings all.

Carl

[rachelnguyen]

Hi Carl,

Fellow New Englander here. I am from RI. Welcome to the forum. It is a great resource for information and all things African drumming.

Nice to have you!

Rachel

[bubudi]

welcome, carl! good luck with your ttm certification.

[bops]

Welcome to the forum, Carl.