Hello from seattle!

[tron]

Hello my name is demetri and im brand new to drumming.
I purchased a Iroko vegetarian djembe from Kevin at Rhythm House this weekend and im waiting for it to be made.

In the mean time Ive been looking around here and other places for learning material and local classes.

please let me know if you know of some place in seattle I can take some beginning djembe classes.

[bkidd]

Hi Demetri,

Seattle has a number of good teachers and drummers. Below are two that I know of to get you started on the journey.

Geoff Johns
http://www.rhythmjoy.com/

Karim Koumbassa
http://www.oneworlddance.com/

Thione Diop is also in Seattle, but I'm not sure if he offers classes.

As for places to go:
Fremont Drum -- I believe this place is run by Bill Matthews, who teaches afro-cuban drumming.

John's Music -- owner is John Avinger. It's a great place to find CDs, instruments, drums, etc. and they also offers classes.

In addition, there are two annual music festivals that happen in Seattle -- the World Rhythm Festival and FolkLife. The World Rhythm Festival offers classes and performances from a number of excellent dancers and percussionists from all over the world. FolkLife has a broader range of musical offerings, but there are still a number of percussion-based workshops and performances available. These festivals are held in spring so you just missed them, however, it might be worth checking out their sites for additional information on teachers near you.

Finally, you might want to check out the Seattle World Percussion Society for additional information on teachers or drumming-related events in the area.
http://swps.org/

Hope this helps. Good Luck,
-Brian

[rachelnguyen]

Hi Demetri,

Welcome to the forum. Congrats on your new djembe!

What is a vegetarian drum? Does that mean a synthetic skin? When you get it, maybe you can post some pictures. We have a thread for that.

social/show-off-your-axe-t572.html

[tron]

http://www.rhythmhousedrums.com/vegetar ... -p-41.html
I believe i read Kevin has been a vegetarian for some years now.

It is an Iroko Ivory Coast Shell with a Remo Nuskin synthetic head.
Kevin finds a more true circular shell to fit the preformed head. (most shells are not perfectly round)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzZfBZzCWCE


He finds that the wide bearing edge of the Iroko shells contact more of the head and reduces the ring sound found in synthetics . The softer Iroko wood is also beneficial in deadening the ringing sound.

The combo of an Ivory Coast wood shell and nuskin head seems to be my best bet being a vegetarian and not wanting animal product on or in my drum.

Kevin seems to know his stuff when it comes to this. He has sold many and gotten great feedback from those that purchased this set up.

Ill post up pics when the drum arrives in the show thread.

I also found a class at Karim Koumbassa's house that I will be attending in a few weeks!

[gr3vans]

Hi Demetri,

Karim is a great teacher, the most knowledgeable and accurate African teacher I have met personally aside from Mamady and Famadou, though he has a very unique style of teaching and playing. I feel like it would take a lifetime to learn what he knows. Perhaps I'll see you around.

Let me know if you are ever looking for what is happening in Seattle. There are plenty opportunities for exposure and practice here, and plenty of people to learn from.

Cheers.

-g

[Djembe-nerd]

The softer Iroko wood is also beneficial in deadening the ringing sound.

Well, thats one of the variables. My Iroko was dry with the last skin I had and is ringy in the one I have now.

[gr3vans]

In the mean time Ive been looking around here and other places for learning material and local classes.

please let me know if you know of some place in seattle I can take some beginning djembe classes.

I am organizing a once a month Workshop with Fana Bangoura (who lives in portland), and some local artists. Feel free to call or email me if you would be interested in attending. Once I have more details I will post an event listing on the events calender here. Classes will be starting in March continuing every second Saturday of the month and will move to a larger space in April which will include two drum classes, a dance class and a performance in the evening. The goal is to help build a stronger community here in Seattle, eat some food and become inspired.

801-641-2845
gregory.l.evans@gmail.com

[skyline1241]

Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.

[EvanP]

Welcome Skyline!