The West-African Djembe and associated drum ensemble tradition first emerged from the Mandé people of the Malian empire. The Djembe drum is inseparable from the traditional bass drums, the Dunduns, as well as the bells and percussion instruments that constitute the ensemble. Together, the frequencies of sound and intricate design of the rhythms and their shapes around one another function to bring forward vibrational images with profound depth and meaning. Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
No previous drumming experience is required to join any of the monthly workshops offered in three locations around Victoria, and drums will be provided for all. These classes are suitable for drummers of all levels, and may interest you if:
You are an existing Soul Circles Drumming student (or student of another academy) interested in consolidating what you have learnt over the years so that you have a solid repertoire to draw from when orchestrating your own drum circles or gatherings, with confidence in executing traditional parts on Djembe and Dunduns.
You are a teacher or parent interested in bringing West African drumming to your students or child/ren, or supporting their ongoing learning at home. The content of these intensives will provide you with the ability to guide and support their progress from a basis of understanding the musical forms.
You are a human being, drawn to the primal forces and inner soul activity that is stirred when drumming with others.
REGISTER FOR A CLASS
CLASSES FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
BELGRAVE First Saturday of the month 2-5pm
BONEO First Sunday of the month 10am-1pm
BENDIGO Last Saturday of the month 2-5pm
To register and for further details, please contact us
