Last weekend's session and field trip...
In addition to a small but productive song writing workshop with Margaux Delotte-Bennett last Saturday, YWDEP members went on an excursion to Baltimore to see the all women's drumming group "BUMBADA" perform. It was a great trip - we had some interesting discussions and spontaneous singing episodes on the way up and back - and as for the performance itself...hear what one YWDEP member had to say:
"FIVE MEMBERS OF YWDEP RECENTLY HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING BAMBADA! A PROGRAM PRESENTED BY THE GREENMOUNT SCHOOL WOMEN'S DRUMMING CLASS IN BALTIMORE. ANYWAY THE EXPERIENCE WAS BEAUTIFUL. ALL FEMALE DRUMMERS AND DANCERS GROOVED TO AFRICAN RHYTHMS LIKE A NAKAN, KUKU, FUNGA AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE, YANKADI. THE WOMEN AND THE ATMOSPHERE HAD A WISE TOUCH OF ENERGY THAT MOVED US ALL."
This weekend's activities...
SATURDAY - MAKE-UP SESSION
I'd like to hold a make-up YWDEP session on Saturday morning for those who have been absent. We have a performance coming sooner than you think, so it's time to get prepared!! Please contact me if you can make plans to show up at the church this Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
SUNDAY - MALCOLM X RHYTHMS
This Sunday, the YWDEP drummers will meet in Malcolm X Park at 4 p.m. to be part of the drumming magic that has infused DC with energy for decades. Drums and chairs will be provided. Please bring WATER and food if you need it - we'll be there for a couple hours.
In The Future ...
Coming up we've got at least one more session with the awesome Margaux, a dance workshop with Candace, and performance workshops with Princess of Controversy and Deb Randall of Venus Theatre. Meanwhile, we've got to keep up our drumming practice. In order to better achieve this, I'll be loaning out 2 drums each week to different YWDEP members to take home for one week of home practice. Please care for these drums as if they were your own! No rings, keep them clean and out of harm's way. My hope is that each YWDEP member will become more comfortable playing in general after having a chance to practice at home.
PERFORMANCE!
I'm trying to get us all organized around a couple of dates for our group performance. There are a range of options - all are in early September. If you're leaving for school in August, don't despair - we'll have a recital during a morning YWDEP session for family/friends to see.Below are the suggested dates for the stage performance - please look them over carefully, check them against your calendars and get back to me ASAP with 2 dates that work for you.
Preferrably we'd like to do one on a Saturday and one a Sunday, and preferrably on the same weekend:
Saturday, September 10, 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 11, 3 p.m.
Sunday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 17, 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 17, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 18, 3 p.m.
Sunday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.
Thanks and see everyone soon!!
IN RHYTHM!!
Kristen202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.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.
