Greetings from RI, USA

[rachelnguyen]

I don't think I have stopped by to introduce myself yet, so I thought I would do that!

I am a new djembe player. About 5 months ago I bought a djembe at a local music store and decided I better find a teacher. Lucky for me, there is a great teacher from Mali right here in RI. I have been going once a week ever since and am now a certified djembe addict. (I hear rhythms in my head all day long now!)

We are working on a harvest piece called Sidiyasa which has 6 different rhythms to learn. After a couple of months I am starting to get it!

In my other life, I am a full time mother, a part time kitchen tools sales person and have been married for 18 years. My youngest son loves the djembe, too, although has been too shy to come to class with me!

My dream is to get good enough to be able to play out with my teacher. I love playing in groups!

Rachel

[James]

Hey Rachel,

Welcome to the site, it's always great to have a new person around to talk to. I have found djembe very addictive, more and more so as time does by

How old is your son? I'm sure he won't be shy for too long

I look forward to seeing you round. If there's anything we can help you with, just shout.

James

[rachelnguyen]

Thanks for the welcome, James!

My sons are 7 and 10. It is the 7 year old who is quite taken with the drum. I even bought him a miniature version of the one I have!

I have been really blown away by how addictive and wonderful drumming is. I took piano for a couple of years and NEVER felt as drawn to it as I do with this! I certainly never have to talk myself into practicing, LOL.

It's nice that you have this site! Thanks!

Rachel

[James]

You're welcome.

The drum definitely calls in a differnt way... it's simplicity is it's beauty.

Kids learn so fast it's mad.

Have you seen this?

[rachelnguyen]

I love Rootsy Records videos! It is amazing to hear that little guy soloing like that. He is really incredible!

I am very excited because I have arranged for my djembe teacher to come to my children's school and give them lessons for a day. He is bringing 60 drums and the entire school, from grade kindergarten to 6th, is going to learn to play. Isn't that crazy wonderful?! To introduce the idea to the parents organization, I brought my drum and started playing. It was like the pied piper had shown up.... all the kids came out to listen. I think it is going to be an amazing day. My husband is going to take photos.... I'll try and post some. (Is there a way to do that?)

I woke up this morning to the sound of my 10 year old playing the drum. Life is good!

Rachel

[James]

That's going to be great. Fair play to him teaching 70 at once.... lot's of fun I'm sure.

Put lots of really loud instruments in front fo kids and tell them not to make noise while you're talking

As a member you can start a photo gallery over here...

http://djembefola.com/uploadphotos/gallery.php

[rachelnguyen]

Sidy never talks much during lessons anyway, LOL.

Although part of the deal is for him to point Mali out on a map and talk a little about the history of drumming in his homeland.

[Rastah]

Hi Rahel!
take a look at this boy! he is from my country. i know that this is not djembe, but its also drumming!

[Rastah]

http://pl.youtube.com/watch?v=TddtqFh08AY

[rachelnguyen]

Rasta ,

Somehow I missed this the first time you posted it. Thanks!!! This kid is wonderful. I love how much fun he is having.

My older son wants to take up kit drumming. We are going to check out a teacher in the area. I have to show him this video!

Best,
Rachel

[James]

Make sure you protect his ears, my hearing gets worse every day.

[sfdjembeman]

Rastah .. the kid is amazing .. thanks for the link ..

For more child drummers watch this clip from Zambia where I grew up ... kids playing on buckets ....



or for a young djembe player watch this

[rachelnguyen]

Wow!

I love how the young man moves between the solo pieces and the rhythms.

[Dugafola]

Wow!

I love how the young man moves between the solo pieces and the rhythms.

That's my buddy's kid.

his cousin is the same age and equally as good.