The sound of drums filled the corridors of Simmons House last week and drew both staff and students into the classroom. Dan from Haringey Music Service led the workshop with an energy that spread to all those taking part. He invited us to ‘walk the big dog’ and have a ‘tea’, ‘coffee’ or ‘cappuccino’ to help us replicate various rhythms. Soon drumming novices were creating complex grooves and trading solos.
According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace". We not only enjoyed a peaceful gathering, but we left feeling energized and inspired to keep music alive in our school.
Dan kindly left some drums with us, so that the rhythms can carry on.
