Last weekend, YWDEP young women had the opportunity to attend the BUMBADA All-Women's Drum Recital at the Greenmount School in Baltimore, MD.
BUMBADA is led by Tammi Hessen, a wonderful woman who is one of my teachers, and whose knowledge of West African drumming and rhythms has become essential to YWDEP's repertoire.
Last Saturday, YWDEP young women first met at St Stephens Church for our weekly workshop, and in just 3 short hours were able to work out our own version of KuKu (Guinea fish harvesting rhythm) as well as the DC Go-Go Beat, which included a Go-Go history lesson from one of YWDEP's few good men, and long-time DC native, Henry Moses.
The girls took Go-Go by the reigns. Not only did they pick up the baseline with little effort, but also took turns soloing during the breaks. In addition, we added chants inside the breaks including "Young Women Drummers Got the Go-Go Beat!" and "Me and my girls play the drums till the break of dawn!" The young women were ready to take the stage.
We traveled to Baltimore in 3 groups and first stopped through the Papermoon Cafe, which served to entertain us with its random art sculptures (including a mannequin who apparently had moving eyes and scared the life out of a few of us...)We got them back on the entertainment front by drumming and playing games on the table (sorry Paper Moon serving staff!!!)
We then proceeded on full stomachs to the Greenmount School and walked right in on a BUMBADA dress rehearsal. We heard the drumbeats from the parking lot and got immediately pumped! Luckily, we got to rehearse our pieces with Bumbada women, who joined us on KuKu, giving us an even stronger presence.
The young women then watched BUMBADA bring it on several African pieces, and got ready to take the stage at the beginning of the 2nd act. When their time came, the girls rose to the occasion and inspired the entire audience with their courage and pure funkiness! Our performance ended with a beautiful standing ovation -- thanks BUMBADA for giving us this opportunity!
The field trip was a beautiful bonding experience as well - our core group is norming and becoming a tight unit. I'm thrilled at the possibilities!!
Looking forward to moving into the new office too!
Peace and Rhythm
Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org
202-213-7810
