Friends,
This weekend, the young women of YWDEP continued to grow and impress not only me, but themselves.
First, at our Saturday workshop, three of our girls bravely embraced the dun-uns (large African bass drums played with sticks). Playing these drums is especially difficult because one must play one rhythm on the drum head while beating out another, congruent rhythm on a bell with the other hand ... simultaneously. To my amazement, the young women picked this up faster than any adult I've ever seen try it! They got down the three bass parts to our new rhythm, YANKADI, and played a beautiful back-up to the two djembe parts, which are also quite difficult, yet quickly learned by our crew. In addition we firmed up our song, adding in a solid bridge and envisioning harmonies for the chorus. We ended our session with a variety of activities; YWDEPers chose to eat, write, make up rhythms using sticks and dowels (!), and make cards for two of our She Poets - Stephanie and Treasure - who have been ill lately and unable to attend the sessions.
Then came Sunday at the Park...
It was a beautiful day - perfect for the MX Park drum circle, and 5 of our crew showed up to take on the challenge of drumming with a mostly male contingency. We had a blast. We set up at "our" tree (same place we set up for last year's excursion), and warmed up there with pieces of rhythms we knew to go along with the beats radiating from the circle. Then, all together, we grabbed drums and chairs and entered the ring. We made a space for ourselves and played our hearts out for at least an hour, not just keeping up but also lending soul and rhythm to the space. We played for many dancers (some of whom thoroughly entertained us!) until our hands hurt! Next week is more of the same so don't miss the opportunity to see these girls in action! We'll be at the park starting at 4 p.m. this coming Sunday.
In peace and rhythm,
Kristen Arant
YWDEP founding director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org
