Our first YWDEP session was last Saturday, May 14, and we had an awesome time! Group instructor Andrea Sterner started us off with some team building games that got everyone acquainted and brought us to a new level of comfort with one another. We did trust falls, and a game called "Zippers" - both of which really tested our ability to trust one another!
After that we took a break and got ready for some hand drumming basics, taught by Katy Gaughan, another YWDEP group instructor. We learned the 3 different sounds of the djembe - the bass, the tone and the slap - and the drum language to go with them, brought to America by Babatunde Olatunji. For the bass note, say "Goon-Doon." For the tone, say "Go-Do." And for the slap, say "Pa-Ta!"
At our next session - THIS SATURDAY, May 21, 10-11:30 in the DINING ROOM at All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW (harvard st. entrance) - we'll go over the basics once again as a refresher for those who learned them last week, and also for those coming in NEW.
That being said - WE STILL HAVE SPACE AVAILABLE! Young women - if you are able to make most of the sessions, you're invited to attend. Seven participants showed up at the first session, but there is still room for more, and those 7 are committed to helping new comers get up to speed. So PLEASE COME!! You're INVITED!
You may also want to pre-register before showing up by going to the website: www.youngwomendrum.org. An online registration is available right on the homepage. Otherwise, you can fill out a registration form when you show up at the session.
If you have any questions - feel free to give me a call at any time!
PEACE and RHTYHM!
Kristen Arant
Founder, Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
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The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project seeks to empower a core group of young women by guiding them in a process of learning how to play hand drums and percussion, along with expressing their opinions and telling their stories. The girls work with local artists to build a strong collection of rhythms, songs & spoken word. The 12-week project culminates with 3 final performances featuring the work of the project participants. Project updates and developments are listed below.
