Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project

The Flii Beat Ladiez are BACK for a fall mini-tour!

2008-10-17T12:28:00.001-04:00

The 2008 Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project debuted its new members as the "Flii Beat Ladiez" this past September in four shows, "Rythmic Lyfe Explosion," that left audiences' mouths agape!

If you missed out, you've now got another chance to witness the power, inspiration, wisdom and talent these young women exude as they take the stage as the feature at this Monday's Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency, and as the closing act for the Green Festival on Nov. 8.

If you already saw us, come on back for more.

If not, don't miss out again!!!

GUERRILLA POETRY INSURGENCY
WHAT: YWDEP features its beats and poetry at The DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency, an anti-authoritarian, collaborative, pro-humanity artists' collective incorporating music, rhythm, spoken word, community and resistance.
WHEN: Monday Oct. 20, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: The actual CIRCLE in Dupont Circle, at the FOUNTAIN.
The event is OUTDOORS.
HOW: Very easily accessible from both Dupont Circle metro exits (North and South) on the Red Line.

GREEN FESTIVAL
WHAT: YWDEP features at the GREEN FESTIVAL 2008 - a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier-socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals along with business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed, and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8th., 6:30 p.m. (processional around the festival), 6:45 (performance)
WHERE: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl NW
HOW: The Convention Center is located right off the Mt. Vernon Square metro station, on the Green/Yellow Line.

YWDEP's 4th Annual Showcases ROCK! Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14

2008-08-18T10:47:00.001-04:00

YWDEP's 4th Annual Showcases ROCK! Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14
The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project is thrilled to announce its 4th Annual

FINAL PEFORMANCE SHOWCASE!

The Flii Beat Ladiez present: Rhythmic Lyfe Explosion

Featuring:

12 young women ages 12-18 and their mentors performing:

original, riveting, brilliant poetry

tight, funky, groovy rhythms

mesmorizing movement

and

scrumptuous songs

7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 6 OPENING NIGHT - pay what u can (min. $5 please)

7 p.m. Saturday Sept. 13 - $15/$10 for students (must show ID), seniors, children 8 and under

7 p.m. Sunday Sept. 14 - $15/$10 for students (must show ID), seniors, children 8 and under

at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts

1700 Kalorama Rd NW

Washington, DC 20009

and a special interactive performance featuring only the rhythmic pieces of our show…

3 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Kreeger Museum’s Open House

2401 Foxhall Rd NW

Washington, DC 20007

FREE OF CHARGE

YWDEP ROCKS!! ....by 2008 volunteer Kiran Gandhi

2008-07-31T16:50:00.001-04:00

Indeed, these women ARE EMPOWERED! I just started working with the project three weeks ago and I am blown away. I jumped right in on a warm and cozy Friday evening at the sanctuary of St. Stephen's Church to be greeted by laughter, smiles and kindness. When I heard Kristen's group of talented, young, female drummers rock the stage at Georgetown University's Urban Fare 8 last fall, I knew this was something I wanted to be involved in. The mood and energy of the project was so positive, and the kinds of young people it attracts indicated to the audience that Kristen had created something very special and beautiful within the busy streets of our nation's capital.

I am a drummer and Women's Studies minor part of Georgetown University's Class of 2011 and getting involved with YWDEP is one of the many reasons I feel privileged to study in such a multi-faceted and diverse city. This program brings in speakers and performers from different backgrounds and different types of experiences to give the bright women of the program access to various resources from the city. Supplementing their education at school, Kristen has created this space for them to rock out and bust open their creative side, all the while benefiting from DC's underground music and go-go scene.

Kristen's relationships with those that she works with are so genuine and friendly that it is no wonder this project has flourished over the past few years. Last week I had this moment where I was just admiring her as she laughed with the girls, taught them new beats, patiently explained hand positioning, set up yoga mats, prepared a healthy table full of lunch, danced to a Moby song, shook out her nervous jitters before she performed her own spoken word piece, and threw her head back howling at some of the haiku poems that her girls had written. She loves what she does, and her passion has echoed throughout the project enabling it to gain the momentum it has each year.

Last Saturday the group had the privilege to perform at the Art of Living iLead Be The Change event. Let me tell you, it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. We did not hold back. Singing and playing two of our pieces, Fanga and KuKu, we pulled the scattered guests from around the venue into the main performance hall as they put their delicious Indian dinner down and clapped their hands or tapped their feet to the soulful rhythms. The girls laid down the beats that Kristen had worked with them on during previous sessions, and we played loud and proud. At the end of playing for a solid twenty minutes, the MC asked if we could rock out for an encore performance and he invited everyone to get up and dance. AND THEY DID! We grooved into this great jam session and get nearly 30-40 people up and rocking to the sound of many young women playing drums like NOBODY'S BUSINESS. It was just so awesome.

With a group like this under Kristen Arant's leadership, there's no telling where the future of YWDEP will go. I only hope that I can continue to be a part of something so powerful.

YWDEP veteran drummer talks about our 4th summer in action...

2008-07-27T20:56:00.003-04:00

(the below was posted by YWDEP member Miya Nashonne Upshur-Williams, now in her 4th year and working on the YWDEP mentor staff team. Miya is 17 and attends the Duke Ellington High School for the Arts)

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project summer intensive has just completed its third week of its 2008 program. With exactly half of the program completed, six spanking new, extremely unique members and four funky returning lady-veterans (a long with assistance and guidance of founder Kristen Arant, a gypsy band of kick ass volunteers, and paid local artists) must band together to create, produce and perform YWDEP highly anticipated 2008 show. In preparation for this, highly anticipated show, these young women have participated in workshops and activities that help build confidence to express oneself, openness, self-awareness, drum technique, positive thinking and empowerment. Each and every week the young women have begun each Thursaday and Saturday sessions with hatha yoga instructed by Durga Vasquez and Ximena Savitch. These yoga sessions provide time for the ladies to get in tune with their thoughts and bodies by constantly encouraging self-awareness through breathing and mastering the postures. Yoga also allows the perfect transition into the workshops and actual drum sessions. After yoga (or firstly on Fridays), the ladies play ice-breakers such as handslap or mirror. While the games are just all out fun, they allow each person to get to know one another and establish a sense of comfort with each other. Her and throughout the session you can see everyone laughing and joking with each other.

So far the young women have successfully learned two African rhythms on the djembe and the dun-uns: the sangban, kenkeni, and dununba drums. Fanga, a rhythm of welcoming, was taught during the first weeks of the program by Kristen Arant. The groove is funky, the ladies seem to enjoy and the sound is also familiar. Toro, the second rhythm, taught by drum master Mahiri, is groove worthy rhythm for initiation. Both rhythms are polyrhythmic and challenge those playing them to listen as musicians of another kind--there is a call and then there is a response, timing and intuitiveness are essential. The ladies have also has the pleasure of moving, dancing and laughing with movement extraordinaire Bina who believes in the philosophy of loving and moving your own booty.Local musician and actress, Princess of Controversy has also visited and taught the young ladies performance technique and the art of owning their creations and words.

Support YWDEP and HAVE FUN!!

2008-05-05T23:04:00.000-04:00

you are cordially invited to....

DRUMMING WITH FRIENDS!!!
A fundraiser for the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's Fourth Annual Summer Enrichment Program!

Saturday May 10th- 6:00-8:00 p.m.
at Java Green Eco Cafe, 1020 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(At the corner of 19th and I Sts NW, Farragut West metro station)

Featuring: drumming, performances, raffle prizes and delicious organic food provided by Java Green! Suggested donation: $25. We hope you can join us on these dates to support this wonderful programming!

PLEASE RSVP! info@youngwomendrum.org or 202-213-7810

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project strives to create a safe space for young women to build unity, and fearlessly express their authentic selves through drumming, poetry, spoken word, song, movement, and performance. YWDEP is a a ONE COMMON UNITY program.

LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY:

We've had quite a year of losses and gains, enough to make my head spin!! We still mourn over the loss of our dear friend and mentor, Henry Moses, and now are also mourning the loss of 6 stolen drums, which left us on April 27 when they were stolen along with a vehicle, in broad daylight.
We still have faith in our community, however, who has stepped up to the plate time and time again to ensure our programs continue to grow strong!!

This year we have much to PRAISE! THREE of our graduated young women (who have been with YWDEP for 2-3 years) will be employed through the DC Dept of Employment Services' Summer Youth Program. They be working for YWDEP, leading our Mentorship Program and facilitating workshops with our young women to build unity in the group. These fantastic women are also all artists in their own right, and will be assisting our new girls with their poetry, drumming, dances and songs.

In addition, we will be bringing adult female volunteer mentors to our workshops. These women will HOLD THE SPACE for our girls, giving us at least a 4-1 ratio of girls to women. Through this we will build intergenerational community partnerships that will extend out to all of our work in communities in DC and the surrounding area.

We have also forged alliances with two fantastic organizations who are also working with young women - the Teen Life Clubs girls program at DC Children's Hospital, and the DC Boys and Girls Clubs' FBR branch girls project, which is held at THE ARC, a fantastic performing arts center in SE DC. We are in touch with both of these groups and have plans in effect to collaborate in the fall.

With all this said, We hope you will join us THIS SATURDAY for a fundraiser celebrating these wonderful milestones, and to offer your continued support of YWDEP!!!!

thank you,

Kristen Arant
Founder and Director, YWDEP
www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP Accepting Applications for Fourth Annual Summer Enrichment Program!!

2008-04-24T23:41:00.001-04:00

Do you work with or know any young women who love to express themselves through poetry, song, dance, or rhythm? Do you know any young women who would benefit from 6 weeks of mentorship from exemplary female artists in the DC community; daily yoga and teambuilding sessions; and from a safe space that allows them to fearlessly explore and express their authentic selves?

If so - please let them know about an incredible Summer Enrichment Program through the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP). Young women ages 13-19 will meet 3 days per week for 3 hours each day, and work with artists to develop their own poetry, songs and movement while learning how to play West African Djembe (hand) drums with talented local drummers including Kristen Arant, Jaqui MacMillan, and Mahiri Keita Edwards.

The program runs 6 weeks starting July 10 and ending August 16. After a week-long break, girls will reconvene during the week of Aug 25 to prepare for 4 final performances for the community at-large, staged at a local theatre in mid-September.

The application deadline is May June 1 (early deadline May 15), and the application process is simple: girls can go to www.youngwomendrum. org and fill out an online application with one click. Scholarships are available upon request! Girls who apply must be available to attend a group interview on May 21 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW.

Please direct all questions to:
info@youngwomendrum .org
202-213-7810

Successful culture shop fundraiser!

2008-04-24T23:26:00.003-04:00

Check out the video! Lots of rockin and jammin...Courtesy of your neighborhood videographer, Mark Loeffler (thanks mark!!)

The video is 45 minutes long so we recommend you skip to the middle portion if you don't have time to enjoy the whole thing, which is really like a community-style documentary on YWDEP.

YO!Drum Fundraiser for YWDEP! Wed Feb 6, 7p.m., St Stephens Church

2008-01-29T15:47:00.001-05:00

Yoga + Drumming = Awesome
"Yo! Drum" - is a 2 hour healing arts and skills building workshop. Are you stressed at work, fatigued often? Tired and unenergized about life in general? Or, do you just need some inspiring people to be around? This is your opportunity to become ONE with the drumming of Kristen Arant and experience the poetry and yoga of Hawah.

This new workshop for 2008 called, "Yo! Drum," will be offered from 7 - 9 PM on the first Wednesday of every month, and offers 50 minutes of yoga and 50 minutes of drumming. Explore your inner self, stretch, unwind and experience the power of community vibration. We will liven your ears and tickle your senses. If you have one, bring a yoga mat, a drum and a musical instrument (if not, no worries, we have extras). Most of all, bring an open heart and mind. The workshop session will be accessible and taught for all student levels.

Come Early! These workshops are fundraisers for One Common Unity and the dynamic Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project. Registration is $25 per class, you can pay upon arrival. Scholarships and barter exchanges are available, so contact if needed. For those who are interested, you can sign up for the entire year, a special 11 classes for $200.

Fore More Information visit:
www.OneCommonUnity.org

These great workshops will help support the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's 4th summer of providing free performing arts workshops to female teenagers in Washngton, DC. So come, bring friends, and spread the word!

YWDEP Holiday REUNION! Dec. 22!

2007-12-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

Dearest She Poets, Goddesses, Rhythm Prophets, Artists and Friends -

You are invited to the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project Annual Reunion Party!

To celebrate 3 successful summer programs; 16 wonderful initiates; dozens of inspiring performances;

To reconnect, remember rhythms, and reflect on our herstory;

To eat, drink, drum, laugh, cry, wax poetic and thank one another for the spirit of our community.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2-5 p.m.
WHERE: St Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010 (Columbia Heights metro - S2/S4 busline)

POTLUCK - Please bring a main dish, salad, snack, drink, or dessert. If possible, please bring vegetarian items
STORY - Please bring a story from YWDEP's past
RSVP - Please let us know you are coming (or not)

BEFORE THE PARTY
YWDEP will be performing at 12:30 p.m. at the CITY-WIDE KWANZA CELEBRATION at THE REEVES CENTER, corner of 14th and U Sts NW. Don't miss the performance!

YWDEP Performs at City-Wide Kwanzaa Fair, Dec. 22

2007-12-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:

Please see below! We will be performing at approximately 12:30 p.m. for 20 minutes at the city-wide Kwanzaa fair this Saturday, Dec. 22. There will be a huge marketplace along with other performers, a vegetarian food court, health talks and more for an extraordinary DC celebratory event!

Hope to see you there!
peace,
Kristen and the young women drummers
www.youngwomendrum.org

24th Annual
MarkePlace Festival
& Health Fair
(Formerly African American Holiday Expo)
Performances, Marketplace, Vegetarian food court, health talks and more
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project performs at 12:30 p.m.

December 22 - 23, 2007
10am - 6pm
Reeves Center
14th & U NW
more info at www.aaha-info. org

Young Women Drum at DC SCORES Poetry slam!

2007-11-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give a quick update and let you know how the YWDEP Fall Tour is progressing!

So far we've performed at Georgetown University for their Urban Fare - an incredible event full of talented young people sharing their gifts of dance, poetry, song and music. 5 of us opened the show, played for hundreds in the audience, and got huge praises of applause.

Next, we found ourselves at the 4th Annual BUMBADA Women's Drumming Recital in Baltimore. Four of us went, and were joined by one of the BUMBADA women, a professional dance therapist, who played with us on stage and taught one of our girls how to dance and drum at the same time!

and NOW we're on to the DC SCORES POETRY SLAM - this Thursday at Gallaudet University. We'll perform at 6:30 p.m.

DC SCORES POETRY SLAM, Thursday, November 29, 5:00pm – 7:30pm at Gallaudet University

About DC SCORES:
For the past 12 years, DC SCORES has supported over 3000 of the District's elementary and middle school students located in 23 under-resourced Washington, D.C. public and charter schools. DC SCORES operates five-day-a-week school-based programs for urban youth between the ages of eight and fourteen. Our kids learn important life skills through a unique program in which they split time between getting active on the soccer field, learning in the classroom, and making improvements in the community.

About the DC Scores Poetry Slam:
The Poetry Slam! is a city-wide spoken word performance and competition featuring DC SCORES students from each school performing their original works of poetry. The coveted Golden Mic and Spirit Award are up for grabs once again. Every school is sure to wow the crowd by recreating verbal expression as they do every year at the Poetry Slam! So come out and show your support of our amazing DC SCORES students in late November. This event is also free and open to the public.

Meanwhile if anyone on the list would like information on adult drumming classes, lessons or performances, please feel free to check out www.drumlady. com.

For YWDEP,

Kristen Arant
www.youngwomendrum. org

YWDEP Upcoming Performances, Fall 2007!

2007-10-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

1. Nov. 1st, 7 p.m., 5-minute drumming performance at 8 p.m. at the Georgetown University URBAN FARE.
About the Urban Fare:
Urban Fare is a dynamic cultural performance showcase rooted in Georgetown University's foundational commitment to social justice. The show has built a seven year legacy at Georgetown as the prominent venue for Hip Hop Dance, Spoken Word Poetry, Emcees, R&B and Rap vocalists and all other forms of expression that do not have a home in Georgetown's mainstream performing arts community. Urban Fare has two core foundational elements: To bridge the cultural divide at Georgetown through a celebration of urban art forms; and to support educational access to urban students of color through mentoring, leadership development and financial support. All the proceeds from Urban Fare 8 will go towards a scholarship fund for college-bound seniors at Duke Ellington School for the performing arts.

2. DC SCORES POETRY SLAM, Wednesday, November 28, and/or Thursday, November 29, 5:00pm – 7:30pm
About DC SCORES:
For the past 12 years, DC SCORES has supported over 3000 of the District's elementary and middle school students located in 23 under-resourced Washington, D.C. public and charter schools. DC SCORES operates five-day-a-week school-based programs for urban youth between the ages of eight and fourteen. Our kids learn important life skills through a unique program in which they split time between getting active on the soccer field, learning in the classroom, and making improvements in the community.

About the DC Scores Poetry Slam:
The Poetry Slam! is a city-wide spoken word performance and competition featuring DC SCORES students from each school performing their original works of poetry. The coveted Golden Mic and Spirit Award are up for grabs once again. Every school is sure to wow the crowd by recreating verbal expression as they do every year at the Poetry Slam! So come out and show your support of our amazing DC SCORES students in late November. This event is also free and open to the public.

3. Opening performance (20 minutes, drumming) for city-wide Kwanzaa Celebration, Saturday December 22, 12 p.m. at the Reeves Center, corner of 14th and U Sts NW

Young Women Lift their Hands and Voices in "Empowering the Souls of Today"

2007-09-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release
Sept. 7, 2007
Contact: Kristen Arant, 202-213-7810

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, a community-based organization that uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song, movement and performance to empower young women, is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Final Performances.

The performances, entitled "Empowering the Souls of Today," will be held at the Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts, at 1700 Kalorama Rd NW, on Saturday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

YWDEP is thrilled to announce the graduation of four young women, who will be performing alongside graduates from both of YWDEP's previous summer programs as the “Sway2Beat Rhythm Prophets.”

"This summer we faced great challenges and learned the power of trust and commitment," said Kristen Arant, Project Founder and Director. "I have seen these young women grow in leaps and bounds, and couldn't be prouder to share the stage with them."

The performance includes a total of 11 young women ages 13-18 performing African, Afro-Cuban and Go-Go beats on hand drums and percussion, along with their own poetry, movement and songs. Their voices illuminate their perspectives and experience, projecting wisdom, righteousness, disillusionment and hope.

YWDEP has hosted workshops every Wednesday and Saturday since mid-June, and received a total of 40 young women participants throughout the summer. The girls worked on poetry and spoken word with award-winning artists including Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico and Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard. They discovered the power of movement with Binahkaye Joy, and took rhythm and drumming classes with Kristen Arant, Holley Meyers and Abasi Johnson. They learned songs from Elise Bryant, and built their performance repertoire and technique with The Princess of Controversy, Anu Yadav and Patrick Crowley. In addition, they engaged in team building, improved their leadership and communication skills, and formed lasting bonds with one another.

Now, they bring an immense feeling of hope and joy to audiences who witness their incredible talent and courage. Please join us!

Admission: $10/$7 for valid student ID
DISCOUNT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE by calling 202-213-7810/email info@youngwomendrum.org
For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance: www.youngwomendrum.org

Conga Drumming Class! Wendnesday, 7/18

2007-07-18T00:21:00.001-04:00

Learn how to play the Latin Conga drums and percussion
instruments at tomorrow's YWDEP drum night, 6-8 p.m.
1525 Newton St NW, at the corner of 16th and Newton
Sts, inside the St Stephens Episcopal Church. Our
guest instructor, Holly, will be showing up the ins
and outs of the Rhumba - a Cuban dance accompanied by
rhythm on the Congas and other percussion instruments.

Please RSVP if you plan to come so we can plan for
drums!

Thank you,
Kristen Arant
YWDEP
202-213-7810

BUSY YWDEP SCHEDULE THIS WEEK! 7/11-7/15

2007-07-10T22:03:00.000-04:00

WEDNESDAY SESSION - 6-8 p.m. at St Stephens Church
*IMPORTANT*
please attend, and bring any poetry, songs, raps or other items you might wish to use in performance. we will be holding "auditions" for the upcoming performance this Saturday. We'll also be drumming!

SATURDAY SESSION - 12-1:15 at St. Stephens Church
we'll be watching videos of the performances from our previous year's troupes, and engaging in an important discussion about our final performances, scheduled for late August this year. In addition, we'll be going over logistics and details for our performance at THEARC.

1:15 - TRAVEL to THEARC for our performance! 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

2:15 - PERFORM at THEARC!

appx. 3:30 p.m. - ARRIVE BACK AT THE CHURCH - please tell your parents/guardians (if they are not travelling with us to the performance) to pick plan for a later ending time than usual this week.

SUNDAY at MALCOLM X PARK!!
The Malcolm X Park drum circle is a traditional Afro-Cuban style drum and dance circle that has been a staple of the park for more than 30 years. The circle is an inclusive, high-energy event celebrating African-style drumming and dance.

THIS SUNDAY we will meet at 5 p.m. at the park (LOCATION: the park is bordered on the West by 16th St; on the East by 15th St; on the North by Euclid St and on the South by Florida Ave. The actual address is 2330 15th St.) Find us by following the drum beats - we will be set up near the larger drum circle on the grass. Bring items to picnic if you wish!!
Note: the official name of the park is Meridian Hill Park

thanks so much,
Kristen
202-213-7810

We jammed out July 4th!

2007-07-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

First I was so pleasantly surprised that when I showed up at the rendezvous point, at 8:45 a.m., there were already two young women there. ON TIME. many more arrived within the next 20 minutes making this a YWDEP record - all in all we had 11 girls come to pump up the July 4th Takoma Parade with their immense spirit - and almost every single one arrived ON TIME. I'm verclempt...really...it's extraordinatry.

We drove to our site in a caravan of 4 vehicles and somehow found parking slots right next to our HUGE TRUCK, sponsored by EDGE CONSTRUCTION and the wonderful man who volunteered to drive it for us. I'm not sure quite how big the truck actually was - but it held nearly 20 of us up there - girls, parents, henry and mark (my heroes, who basically lifted and carried stuff, and pounded out bass rhythms the entire time) and myself. And a big tub of ice sporting plenty of water, sponsored by the parade. There were around 15 chairs strapped with bungies to the sides of the truck. We began taking our seats around 9:45, after hanging our lovely shower curtain banners off the sides. We then waited for our turn in the line up to come - all were excited.

Only problem was that mark was standing up with his drums while everyone else was sitting, and the sides of the truck were pretty high. We were concerned no one would see us - that they would only see mark and therefore would think this was his harem, or something to that effect. So at mark's suggestion, we decided to stand, and lean our drums on the chairs, and face out to the crowd. The plan worked wonders - we started off, playing kuku of course, and got copious smiles and positive feedback the whole way. Of course there was some teenage craziness...but definitely no lack of spirit.
We weaved in and out of rhythms but always came back to go-go, which pleased the crowds especially since we implemented our chant, with 2007 embelishments: "Young women drummers got the go-go beat" (and embellishments...) "We Ballin!!!!"

I admit i couldn't resist the chanting myself.
Thank yous are in abundance -
to EDGE CONSTRUCTION and our wonderful driver...
to mary anne and mike who got us the truck and the chairs and set up this great opportunity up for us...
to the parents and guardians who brought the girls, picked them up, and some who stayed the whole time...
to henry and mark, for their diligence and commitment...
to staci, atolvise and shelia, who showed up late but were determined to find us, and did; and who helped us out so much by passing out fliers on the street...
and to the girls themselves, for really SHOWING UP, ON TIME, and for bringing such immense spirit to the day, even if their hands hurt (sorry ladies!! -- remember, ice 'em!)

Hope to do it again next year!!!
Who's with me?

FREE POETRY WORKSHOP with MICHELLE SEWELL!

2007-06-22T11:36:00.001-04:00

Who: SPOKEN WORD POET MICHELLE SEWELL!! sponsored by the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)

What: FREE Poetry workshop!!

When: 12-3 p.m. (as part of YWDEP's Summer Enrichment Program)

Where: St Stephens church, 1525 newton st nw, washington, dc 20010 - corner of 16th St and Newton St NW

How: Columbia Heights Metro or S2/S4 busline

Why: Because Michelle is one of Washington's most powerful spoken word poets and youth empowerment workers. Michelle has garnered awards for her work, and recently published "Growing up Girl," an anthology of voices from marginilized spaces. In addition, she is an amazing instructor and has dedicated her life to improving young women's lives.

Etc: We will also have snacks, team building and drumming as part of tomorrow's activities.

Questions? Call Kristen at 202-213-7810

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
www.youngwomendrum.org
info@youngwomendrum.org

Young Women Drum Up Empowerment in YWDEP's 3rd Annual Summer Enrichment Program!

2007-06-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

For the third year in a row, the Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is preparing to
serve up loads of empowerment-infused expressive arts
workshops this summer, ending in a final public
performance that's sure to drop jaws.

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills, and strives to create a safe space for a
diverse group of young women to build camaraderie and
acceptance. YWDEP was founded in 2005 by
artist-activist Kristen Arant, and has grown immensely
over the past two years.

"I applied for a grant from the DC Arts Commission in
'04, basically after encouragement from a friend. I
didn't think I would get it," remarks Arant, 32, who
started out playing oboe and picked up the drum when
she became an activist. "Basically, I know what it's
like to be a teenager - all the challenges young women
face - and I know what brought me through that period.
It was music, dancing, and writing poetry."

After its first summer program in 2005, YWDEP held 4
public performances that simply astounded audiences.
"The young women found a safe space at YWDEP. They
flourished - their voices came out and loud; their
creativity soared. Their brilliance had the
opportunity to finally be seen and heard," Arant said.

The performances include everything the young women
study during the summer program. They take workshops
with incredible artists in poetry, song-writing,
movement, performance technique and more. Arant
teaches them how to play the djembe, a West African
drum that she has studied for seven years. Each year a
new group of young women get to know each other
through team building and working collaboratively to
produce their own performance. The young women come
from all over DC and some from Prince George's County,
MD. The group is diverse in every way - girls who
would not have spoken to one another in school
hallways become friends. They support one another and
build up each other's confidence.

This year, YWDEP boasts extraordinary workshop leaders
including local poet and publisher of Girl Child
Press, Michelle Sewell; Performing hip-hop artivist
The Princess of Controversy; Award-winning actress and
playwright Anu Yadav; Labor Chorus leader Elise
Bryant; Sol y Soul poets Sage Xaxua Morgan-Hubbard and
Regie Cabico; and the Mother of Movement, dancer
Binahkaye Joy.

In the past two years, YWDEP held its summer workshops
every Saturday afternoon; this year it is adding a
Wednesday evening session called "All Drumming, All
the Time."

"We spend a lot of time on Saturdays in team building
and engaging in our poetry, song, movement and
performance workshops," Arant said. "We realized that
drumming needed more attention, so we've devoted an
evening to it."

In addition, YWDEP houses a Mentorship Program, which
trains girls from previous years to mentor new girls.
The goal is for newbies to feel engaged and suppoorted
from the start. This summer, Nancy Umanzor, a
first-year YWDEP graduate, will be serving as the
project's Mentorship Coordinator.

"As the mentorship coordinator, I feel that it's a
huge resonsibility, but I know the YWDEP staff and
mentors will support me throughout the summer," said
Umanzor, 18. "I'm enthusiastic about meeting the new
group of girls who will join YWDEP this summer, and am
confident that our mentors will be able to meet the
challenges that YWDEP will have in store."

YWDEP is still taking applications for young women
ages 13-18. Young women must agree to attending the
majority of summer workshops in order to be accepted
into the program. An application is available online
at www.youngwomendrum.org.

Sessions are every Saturday 12-3 and every Wednesday
evening 6-8 p.m. from June 16-Aug 26. Performance
dates are TBA, but will likely be during the last week
of August. All sessions take place at St Stephens
Church, 1525 Newton St NW in Columbia Heights, DC.

Donations to help support YWDEP are always appreciated
- more information as well as a paypal option are on
the website.

YWDEP hosts info session for young women, June 2

2007-05-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP)
invites young women ages 13-18 to an info session on
Saturday, June 2, 12-3 p.m. at St Stephens Church,
1525 Newton St NW (Columbia Heights metro/S2-S4
Busline.)

YWDEP uses drumming, spoken word poetry, song,
movement and performance to empower young women's self
expression, self esteem, communication and leadership
skills. YWDEP also strives to create a safe space for
a diverse group of young women to build camaraderie
and acceptance.

The info session will include an introduction to
drumming with Founding Director Kristen Arant, and
will feature interactive presentations from our summer
instructors Michelle Sewell, Regie Cabico, Sage Xaxua
Morgan-Hubbard, Anu Yadav and the Princess of
Controversy. Snacks will be provided, and young women
who entered the project in 2005 and 2006 will share
their experiences and answer questions.

YWDEP is now accepting applications for its third
annual Summer Enrichment Program. The program runs
from June 16-August 26 2007 and includes expressive
arts activities on Saturday afternoons; drumming
workshops on Wednesday evenings; peer mentoring and
team building; and four final performances open to the
general public. Applications are available on our
website - www.youngwomendrum.org - or by mail or email
on request.

Please forward this announcement to any young woman
who might be interested.

Many thanks,

Kristen Arant
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-213-7810
info@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

2007 Summer Enrichment Program Schedule

2007-05-10T02:32:00.000-04:00

INFO SESSION!
Saturday June 2 - Info Session: Learn about YWDEP! with drumming
and snacks, St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW (Columbia
Heights/Green Line metro; S2/S4 busline) 12-3 p.m.

June 16-August 11:

SATURDAYS! 
Workshops with excellent local artist-intructors in DRUMMING,
poetry, spokenword, hip-hop,African dance, breakdancing, singing,
and more....build confidence and comraderie through MENTORSHIP,
team building, discussion, etc...snack and PLAY! 12-3 p.m.
St. Stephens Church  1525 Newton St NW

WEDNESDAY JAMS!
All Drumming, All the Time. Work on hand drumming technique, learn
West African and Latin rhythms, learn to play the go-go beat and
FREESTYLE! 6-8 p.m. St. Stephens Church 1525 Newton St NW


PERFORMANCES!!
YWDEP's Annual Public Performances - Aug 18, 19, 25, and 26
(TENTATIVE!! Please Keep Dates Open!)


QUESTIONS?
Contact Kristen - 202-213-7810 or
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP!

2007-04-21T11:27:00.001-04:00

Women's DRUM CIRCLE to support YWDEP's 2007 Summer
Enrichment Program!

candles - incense - refreshments - rhythms
DRUMS

$30 - ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT YWDEP (see description
below)
this fee automatically qualifies individuals as a
MEMBER of the organization

7-8:30 p.m.
St. Stephens Church
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

Please bring a drum if you have one (we will supply
the rest)

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

IN RHYTHM-
kristen arant
www.drumladydc.com
202-213-7810

YWDEP Features at Teen Dating Violence Conference

2007-03-29T19:47:00.000-04:00

Act Now, Choose Respect Teen Conference
March 30-31, Washington DC.

Break the Cycle, The DC Rape Crisis Center, My
Sister’s Place and Women Empowered Against Violence
present the 4th Annual City-Wide Teen Dating Violence
Conference, "Act Now. Choose Respect” in Washington,
DC. The mission of the conference is to inform teens
about dating violence and provide resources so that
teens could make more empowered decisions about their
relationships.

YWDEP will be featured as the OPENING ACT at this
important conference. We'll be performing at 9:30 a.m.
on Saturday, March 31st at the Equality Center in the
Human Rights Campaign Building, 1640 Rhode Island Ave
NW (near 16th and M intersection).

PeAcE and thanks for your support -

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
www.youngwomendrum.org

Upcoming DC-AREA DRUMMING EVENTS!!!

2007-03-29T11:12:00.001-04:00

March 28, 2007

Friends!
I'm writing to let you know about several upcoming
events of interest! FYI all of these are available on
my blog: www.drumlady.blogspot.com should you choose
to skip over this email for now.

A. This Saturday: Amazones: Women Master Drummers of
Guinea at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre in Arlington,
VA

B. Spring women's drumming class at Circle Yoga!
Sign up!

C. Afro-Latin Rhythm Circle at Art-o-Matic - May
5th!

D. New drumlady.com website launching on my b-day
(April 4)!

E. BUMBADA women's drumming conference April 27-29:
HELP A YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP ATTEND THE CONFERENCE
THROUGH OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM!

F. SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER! Event at Blair Mansion Inn
TOMORROW!(featuring myself and henry on drums!)

Please see below for brief descriptions of all of the
above - thank you for your time and attention!

in RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
www.drumlady.com
www.youngwomendrum.org

A - AMAZONES!
These women are miraculous. Check their website:
http://www.amazoneswomandrummers.com/ - the photos are
incredible.
Amazones: Woman Master Drummers of Guinea
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 8 p.m.
Rosslyn Spectrum
1611 N. Kent Street
Free Parking in the building garage, access from
Arlington Ridge Road
Directions/Map to Rosslyn Spectrum
Tickets $20 through Ticketmaster (703-573-SEAT or
www.Ticketmaster.com)
General Seating
Information: 703-228-1850
TTY: 703-228-1855

B - SPRING WOMEN'S DRUM CLASS!
see www.circleyoga.com under "spring schedule." The
class starts on Sunday April 15 and runs through June
10. It's every Sunday from 12-1:15 p.m. Drop-in for
$18 per class or sign up for the semester and pay
less. The class is averaging around 10 women per
session now - very exciting, FUN and educational!

Hand Drumming for Women
In this class students will explore West African drums
and rhythms with djembe artist Kristen Arant, learning
basic notes of the djembe, parts to traditional West
African polyrhythms. Students will build confidence,
strength, and joy by playing improvisationally through
listening and bonding with one another.

C - ART-O-MATIC AFRO-LATIN RHYTHM CIRCLE! MAY 5, 8-10
p.m. Art-o-Matic is taking two floors of an unused
office space in Crystal City, VA this year, with huge
windows overlooking the metro, train tracks and the
airport. One floor will feature walls full of local
artists' work; another is devoted to sculpture and
live art forms. Bars and live music are on the
schedule for the weekends. I'll be hostng an
Afro-Latin rhythm circle there on May 5 - i'll have
drums but feel free to bring your own. More at
www.artomatic.org.

D - WEBSITE LAUNCH ON APRIL 4TH!
I am celebrating my 32nd birthday, and will be
launching a new website, built in collaboration with
Alexandra Silverthorne. Please
remember to check it out! www.drumlady.com

E - The BUMBADA all-women's drumming weekend is
FANTASTC. All levels come and experience workshops
ranging from djembe technique to drum circle
facilitation to shekere building and african dance.
April 27-29 - sign up by April 1st for the discounted
rate. The infamous UBAKA HILL will be presenting there
this year! It's a no-miss:
http://www.bumbadawomenweekend.myevent.com/

P.S. if you are interested in helping to SPONSOR A
YOUNG WOMAN FROM YWDEP to attend the BUMBADA
CONFERENCE this year, please call me: 202-213-7810 or
email me: kristen@youngwomendrum.org.

F - SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER!
I don't usually pass along information about political
events - but Renee is a friend and a Young Women's
Drumming Empowerment Project member-supporter. She's a
Washingtonian by choice, a part of the DC community
for nearly 24 years, served two terms as a
Commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights,
tutored homeless children for seven years and raised
scholarship money for college-bound DC youth. She's
also a Union lawyer who has fought to advance the
rights of working people, building on her experience
as a civil rights investigator. She's now in her 5th
year as an ANC Commissioner and her goals are all
about bringing consistent, effective ward-wide
constituent services to Ward 4.

FYI - My drumming partner Henry and I will be
performing at this event

SUPPORT RENEE BOWSER:
Spring Bash for Renee
Thursday March 29, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Blair Manison Inn, 7711 Eastern Ave. (near Georgia
Ave. & Kalmia Sts. NW)
Join Renée and friends for an evening of live
entertainment at this magical and historical DC
location. Tasty appetizers will be served. Cash bar.

Voluntary donations for Renée's Ward 4 Campaign will
be accepted.
RSVP requested at 202-291-3080

Community Fundraiser Supports Young Women's Leadership Development

2007-03-05T01:37:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
Contact: Kristen Arant, 202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Community Showcase to Support Young Women's Leadership Development

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) - a youth development organization that uses expressive arts and teambuilding to boost its participants' self esteem, self awareness and leadership skills - is hosting a Community Showcase on March 10, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School, to raise funds for its summer programming.

YWDEP, founded in 2005 on a small grant from the DC Arts Commission, is planning its third summer Enrichment Program (SEP), which employs DC artists and youth workers to teach interactive workshops in hand drumming, poetry, song-writing, movement, team building and more throughout the summer months, resulting in a yearly end of the summer performance
that has stunned audiences. (See YWDEP show reel at: http://www.youngwomendrum.org gallery.html).

Currently YWDEP is supported through its community membership program, and is fiscally sponsored by One Common Unity, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

YWDEP is organizing outreach programs that will span the entirity of DC in order to build its youth membership base for the SEP. YWDEP is also expanding its mentorship program, which was initiated in 2006 when its first group of participants expressed an interest in mentoring new girls entering the second annual SEP.

YWDEP's own Nancy Umanzor, 18, an original project participant, has graduated to staff and will be serving as the Mentorship Coordinator this summer.

"This year we have a lot more staff and volunteers who have experience working with groups of adolescents," She said.

"With their help we'll be able to push forward our Mentorship Program, which will be a huge success because we'll have a diverse group of girls learning how to become leaders and demonstrating to our new members what women can do in today's society."

The showcase, which includes $500 worth of raffle prizes from local businesses, will be hosted by
hip-hop artivist the Princess of Controversy, and features community arts and youth groups such as Sol y Soul and Interstages - an organization that provides artistic and academic opportunities for early adolescents in low-income neighborhoods. Entertainment also includes a Brazilian Quartet, local poets and singer-songwriters, WeDance Ensemble, and members of YWDEP and the Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 4-7 p.m. at Edmund Burke High School's new auditorium - 4101 Connecticut Ave NW, Van Ness/UDC Metro, corner of Connecticut and Upton Sts. Limited garage parking and street parking are available. $10 suggested donation.

For more information: www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP's SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: MARCH 10!

2007-02-21T16:21:00.001-05:00

JOIN US!

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT's
SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWESOME PERFORMANCES, FOOD, RAFFLE!

SATURDAY, MARCH 10 2007
4-7 P.M.
BURKE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
4101 CONNECTICUT AVE NW (Van Ness/UDC Metro stop - red
line)
$10 Suggested Donation - All Proceeds go to support
YWDEP's Summer Enrichment and Mentorship Programs

----FEATURING!----

HIP-HOP & SPOKEN WORD:
The Princess of Controversy
Sol y Soul
Tehila Wise

MUSIC:
Singer-Songwriters Naudy Martinez and Julie Beth
The Brazilian Quartet
The young women of INTERSTAGES

MOVEMENT: WeDance Ensemble

THEATRE: Actress and Playwright Anu Yadav

DRUMMING!!!
The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
The Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir

AND FEATURING LIBERIAN STORYTELLER: Vera Oye Yaa-Anna

For more information:

www.youngwomendrum.org
202-213-7810
RSVP Appreciated to: info@youngwomendrum.org

To send donations via mail:
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
1525 Newton St NW
Washington, DC 20010

The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is a multidisciplinary, multicultural performing arts program dedicated to empowering young women in greater Washington D.C. through creative self-expression. YWDEP seeks to build young women's self esteem by offering workshops with area female artists in West African hand drumming, poetry/spoken word, song writing, team building and performance/stage techniques well as supporting a core group of women in the process of creating their own set list of original works to perform for the community at large. YWDEP seeks to sustain this mission by offering a free summer program along with school year programming for young women in area schools and youth centers. YWDEP is sponsored by One Common Unity, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Front Page of American University's Eagle

2007-02-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

(double click to enlarge)

YWDEP Performs at Empower DC Anniversary Celebration!

2007-01-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the opportunity to support Empower DC, and
incredible organization that has helped provide a
better life for low-income DC residents through
grassroots activism and community building. We'll be
there with drums!
peace
Kristen

Saturday Jan. 19th- 3rd Anniversary Celebation!
EMPOWER DC 3rd Anniversary Celebration!

Celebrate our Successes!
Honor the Work of Community Leaders!
Have FUN!

PERFORMANCES By:
Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project
DC Guerilla Poetry Insurgency
Friday, January 19th 6-8 PM

The Sumner School – 1201 17th St, NW 3rd floor
RSVP to Empower DC (202) 234-9119

Donations will be accepted to support the work of
Empower DC! Suggested Donation $5-10

No One will be Turned Away! Donate an item for our
fundraising raffle!

YWDEP Featured in Review from YBB Open-Mic Night!

2007-01-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

Check out YWDEP in this review from the Washington Region on Justice and Inclusion - "Opening Minds"

http://www.openingminds.org/youth/12.8.06_YBBOpenMic_recap.html

Youth Building Bridges Open Mic Night Recap:

Around 40 people came together for WRJI's Open Mic Night fundraiser on December 8, 2006 to show their support for Youth Building Bridges program and enjoy the performances of numerous young musicians, poets, and drummers.

Our host, the Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring, provided an ideal atmosphere with delicious food and flavorful coffees and teas. Four lucky Open Mic Night guests were winners in our door prize drawing, which included restaurant gift dollars as well as two "dinner & a movie" packages, complete with movie passes to the nearby AFI Silver Theater & Cultural Center.

Although some youth were shy to perform at first, the mistress of ceremonies (MC) Princess of Controversy quickly warmed things up. The evening's performances ranged from spoken word poetry and rap, to acoustic guitar and a cappella singing. Towards the end of Open Mic Night, guests were treated to a show-stealing performance by the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project, featuring YBB delegate Shakiera Mosby.

In total, Open Mic Night raised close to $300 for Youth Building Bridges programs and scholarships. A hearty thanks is in order to the Youth Building Bridges Advisory Council (YBBAC) Fundraising & Publicity committee, whose members organized this event, as well as to the numerous contributing local businesses and individuals (listed below). Thanks to all who came out on Dec. 8th and made WRJI's first-ever YBB Open Mic Night a success!

thank you

WRJI is pleased to extend our deep gratitude to the following groups and individuals who contributed to Open Mic Night in support of Youth Building Bridges:

AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center -- door prize contribution
8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.AFI.com/Silver

Austin Grill -- door prize contribution
919 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.AustinGrill.com

Eggspectation restaurant -- door prize contribution
923 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.eggspectations.com/

Mayorga Coffee Factory -- generous host of our Open Mic Night
8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.mayorgacoffee.com/SSPage.html

Princess of Controversy -- Mistress of Ceremonies
http://princessofcontroversy.net/

Romano's Macaroni Grill -- door prize contribution
931 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://www.macaronigrill.com/

Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project -- featured performers
http://www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP Reunification Celebration!! Sat. Jan 13, 5-8:30 p.m.

2007-01-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

YWDEP present and past members, artists, staff and
volunteers:

You are hereby invited to a REUNIFICATION CELEBRATION
on Saturday, January 13th from 5-8:30 p.m. at St.
Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St NW in the Auditorium
for:

*POTLUCK/SNACKS
*DISTRIBUTION OF GIFT CARDS
*ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
*DRUM/POETRY JAM
*RELEASE OF THE 2006 YWDEP YEARBOOK + CD
*BRIEF PRESENTATION OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR YWDEP!!

Please help us out by RSVPing if you can make it. We'd
love to see ALL OF YOU there for this beautiful
reunification event!

Peace & HAPPY 2007!

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP Featured Events this Weekend!!

2006-12-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

Youth Building Bridges (YBB)
invites you to an
Open Mic Night!

Friday, December 8th 2006
@ the Mayorga Coffee Factory
8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring MD
Metro: Silver Spring (red line)
7pm-10pm

Let your voice be heard!

Fundraiser for YBB scholarships and programs
Ÿ All ages welcome Ÿ Sign up at the door to performŸ
Ÿ Suggested $10 general/$5 youth donation Ÿ
DOOR PRIZES!

Performances by members of
the Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project!

Opening Minds: The Washington Region for Justice & Inclusion is a nonprofit organization committed to upholding the values of equality, understanding, and respect for all people. Youth Building Bridges, our youth program, brings together teens, educators, and parents to identify and resolve issues caused by isolation and prejudice in their schools and neighborhoods. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.OpeningMinds.org or contact Abra Pollock, Director of Youth Programs, at (301) 650-2438 or apollock@openingminds.org.

---------------------------------

ArtBeat Collective presents:

Growing Roots, exhibition featuring the work of District visual artists :
Aniekan Udofia and Tanekeya Word

Gallery Gatherings:

Opening Sunday, December 10, 2006. 11am-3pm.
Mimosa brunch. Brazilian Jam.
1pm. On Arts and Social Practice, Building Creative Communities , community forum for discussion of arts organizing; discussion leaders:
Lation Media Collective
Hip Hop Matters
Latin American Youth Center, Art & Media House
Young Women's Empowerment Drumming Project
Provisions Library
Admission: FREE

CONTACT: 617.448.4337 or info.artbeat@gmail.com

_____________________________________________________________________

ArtBeat Collective: as artists for artists, we harmonize our efforts across mediums and cultural boundaries to plan, promote and facilitate creative initiatives.

YWDEP features at OCU CREATIVE SHOWCASE, Dec. 2

2006-11-30T12:28:00.000-05:00

All - I'm writing to invite you to the One Common
Unity CREATVIE SHOWCASE happening this Saturday, Dec.
2 from 6-9 at St. Stephens Church in Washington, DC -
1525 Newton St. NW.

The young women of YWDEP, along with a host of other
creative acts will be featured. The event is a
membership drive for OCU, which is the fiscal sponsor
of YWDEP and other organizations who are working
through arts and media to build a more peaceful and
sustainable planet. The event will offer $10
vegetarian plates from Whole Foods, and the show is
planned to be broadcast on PUBLIC ACCESS TV. See below
for more details and hope to see you there!

Peace
Kristen
YWDEP Founding Artistic Director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

One Common Unity Hosts Creative Arts Showcase &
Membership Drive THIS
Saturday, December 2nd
------------ --------- ---------

Washington, DC – One Common Unity, Inc. (OCU), a DC-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is "to create sustainable communities through innovative peace education, arts and media," will host a creative program showcase & membership drive featuring various initiatives and projects currently sponsored and supported by OCU.

This creative showcase will take place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2006, from 6pm until 9:00pm at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton Street, NW , Washington , D.C. A donation of $5 - $10 is suggested for admission. Vegetarian Dinner plates, graciously donated by Java Green & Whole Foods Tenleytown Market, will be available for $10. Proceeds will benefit OCU. All are invited to attend.

The purpose of this showcase is to build One Common Unity's membership base through increasing the number
of annual donors; while simultaneously, introducing the Washington, D.C. community to OCU's strategic
partnerships, creative projects and youth initiatives sponsored, including Revel Youth Shine (RYS), the
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP), ShantiSalaam, The Movement, DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency (GPI), DC-ICE (Inner City Excitement), Beyond the Global Divide, and Share a Moment of Love.

This showcase community event will celebrate ShantiSalaam' s, OCU's first international, arts-based innovative peace
education project, departure on December 3, 2006, for South Asia, specifically India and Pakistan, to promote peaceful relations between the two countries. With an anticipated return to DC on January 27, 2007, Indian and Pakistani artists and musicians in this program, will unite under the titled "ShantiSalaam" and together tour universities located in their
respective countries to promote unity and conflict resolution.

In attendance will be OCU's Board of Directors and members of its Advisory Council. The dynamic evening, filmed by DC
Public Access Television video cameras for the creation of a special documentary, will be interlaced with musical performances, poetry, live community mural painting, and a special art auction. During the Creative Showcase, an official announcement will be made to herald the launch of OCU's new website and the opening of its newly founded "Creative
Arts and Healing Center," in partnership with Abram's Creek Retreat and Campground, Allegheny Mountain, West Virginia.

Founded in 2000, OCU initially was focused on providing alternatives to violence for DC youth through community events and festivals, as well as facilitating workshops in public schools, fostering creative self-_expression through poetry & music. Now in its sixth year, OCU has expanded its mission to include peace education, conflict resolution, cross-cultural and intergenerational engagement, and creative activities that immerse young people in nature, cultivating respect for themselves, others and the natural world, while also learning about new and innovative ways to make their communities more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

By sponsoring an array of projects, OCU continues to expand upon its network of peace educators and creative artists both
locally and internationally in an effort to fulfill its mission of sustainable community development.

For more information about One Common Unity's Creative Showcase & Membership Drive, please call Hawah Kasat, Executive
Director, at (202) 529-2125 or email hawah@onecommonunit y.org.
###

Hawah

www.everlutionary. net

"One of the greatest gifts we can give to another is
our own strong
belief in their potential... " -David Wolfe.

YWDEP Performs at AU!

2006-11-07T13:54:00.000-05:00

Friends -

Just writing to inform all of you that the Goddesses of Rhythm will be sharing their work with audiences at American University this Thursday as part of a benefit for Women for Women International. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to perform our entire show once again - if you missed the show at DC Arts Center this past September, then we'd love to see you Thursday night!

YWDEP at AU
Thursday, Nov. 9
7:30 p.m.
Battelle Building Atrium (on the main quad)

Thanks!

Kristen Arant
YWDEP founding director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP reviewed - "Drumming up the Possible"

2006-09-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

Drumming up the Possible
by Jenifer Deal

Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project is the single most important performative work in the DC area.

For many, Sunday afternoon in Adams Morgan means standing in line at Tryst or the Diner in hopes of fending off or drowning out the echoes of Saturday night's indulgences. But this past Sunday, October 24, The DCAC at 2438 18th Street was serving up vastly different and infinitely more nourishing fare than the eateries across the street. I ate my repast there at the counter and felt distinctly unsatisfied by my eggs over easy, but they turned out to be all I needed before I trotted across the street and up the stairs to the DCAC.

The crowd was thick and talkative in the gallery and we took in the well curated Space of Change exhibit with curious energy. In the catalogue exhibit Curators Margaret Boozer and Claire Huschle write that the works address the concept of liminal space, i.e., "the surrounding space of change itself." From Justin Rabideau's empty vessels and raked earth to Amy Kaplan's mummified/cocooned teddy bears, the exhibit was an apt visual aperitif for the main performative course being prepared in the theatre beyond.

When the house opened, the boisterous audience jammed the DCAC's tiny theatre to the rafters; people lined the walls, the stairs, and the aisles, and the floor was paved with an anticipatory audience of happy young people. In contrast to the quietly tasty musings back in the gallery, we were all sitting down to what would be a veritable performative smorgasboard.

A dozen African hand drums and accompanying chairs arced in a simple curve along the back of the tight playing space, and after the audience settled down, the lights came up and a dozen young women clad in individually styled yellow t-shirts strode confidently into the space and took their seats. Seated in the center, Kristin Arant, a tiny wild-haired redhead took a large drum between her knees, and with an eye-contacting glance to her right and left, struck up the rhythm, and we were off on a fantastic ride.

What a joy. When not beating out thunderous tuttis and solis in their rich drum line, the young women wove around the stage in and among themselves, delivering delicious vignettes in varying recombinant subgroups. Their poetry was stunningly complex and fully realized, the a cappella vocals subtly flavored, the dancing robust (nevermind the crowd of admirers at their feet!). And of course there was the drumming! Not a soul in the place could hold still, and the crowd erupted when the performers struck up a modified go-go beat.

Arant, the bubbly ball of talent, joy and fire who led the performance, founded the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP), and this project is a roots revolution from the heart, with the potential to bring new hope to the strenuously overused term of empowerment. Arant states on the website www.YoungWomenDrum.org that as an ostracized child, she finally found her sense of self when someone put a drum in her hands, and now in a dramatic example of paying it forward she has bestowed this same gift on these "Goddesses of Rhythm" as the program hails them.

These young women, the youngest at 13, are all teenaged students attending DC area schools, and the impact of the gift that Arant has shared with these fortunate young woman is as deep, rich and vital as the booming bass notes they beat out their djembes, and indeed the impact was far from lost on the audience who unanimously leapt to their feet at the close of the performance.

The visual explorations up in the gallery were subtly evocative in their respective space, and YWDEP's performance was the perfect complement. For both the performers and the witness audience felt YWDEP hit the play button on liminal time. We were suspended in the point of discovery: Young women becoming. Not the point where they have made their decisions and achieved all their goals, but that exquisite moment where we become aware of the infinite possibities within each of us.

The poignancy and critically immediate importance of this performance and the work of the people who developed it cannot be understated; Destiny is often a foregone conclusion for the majority of the women in our country, and indeed, the women on the rest of our frail Eden are screaming, starving and dying for change. The faces, voices and deeds of "men in charge" have choked us with duplicitous platitudes, grievous wrongs, and the booted oppression of the status quo. The thundering drumbeats of YWDEP shatters this paradigm, offering the mercy of something entirely different: the conscious discovery of the free will to choose to change.

In this respect they remind us of what has always been true. What these women are creating is rooted deeply within the simplicity of drumming, developed at the prelingual dawn of our species' consciousness. Humans have wandered far in the African diaspora, but our genesis lies in the soils of Africa, but no matter what the distance, geographical, cultural, political, we all prick up our ears when the drum sounds. The beat reminds us of our earliest conscious choices to interpret our environment and express ourselves within it. And the most current science indicates that these choices were not only responsive but also drove our evolution toward civilization. For the women of YWDEP and those fortunate enough to witness this work, the world is a very different space; it is a place where we choose what we will be. This world desperately needs the possibilities they embody, and the use of free will they engender in others.

I left that performance filled as I haven't been in any recent memory: sated with what I had seen, and with a distinct anticipation of what was next for all of us. I had visions of YWDEP chapters in every city and hamlet of America; Young women beating down the limited expectations of all who would confine them, gaining confidence to be who they wish, having the courage to empathize with people who are very different from them, and building a new society of love and respect for all creatures of the earth. YWDEP proves we can all choose the possible.

Originally published on September 27, 2006 at: http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/135920/index.php
copyright by the author. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Jenifer Deal is a Washington, DC-based actress. She received the Helen Hayes Award (Outstanding Lead Actress) in 2002 for The Source Theatre Company’s production of The Muckle Man. She was also nominated for the Helen Hayes Outstanding Supporting Actress Award in 2001 for her role in Dancing at Lughnasa (The Keegan Theatre). Deal’s recent credits also include Jason in Medea (Washington Shakespeare Company), Claire in Boston Marriage (The Source Theatre Company), Prospero in The Tempest (Washington Shakespeare Company), and Diana in Abducting Diana (Trumpet Vine Theatre Company). In October 2005, she performed SCENA Theatre Company’s production of the one-woman play, Amelia, in Slovenia.

YWDEP at Guerilla Poetry Insurgency

2006-09-12T12:56:00.000-04:00

On Labor Day, YWDEP Executive Director Kristen Arant and She Poet Nancy Umanzor featured some new pieces at the Guerilla Poetry Insurgency's lyrical ambush in Dupont, including a new collaborative piece by the Goddesses of Rhythm.

Read the report back from the event on GPI's blog.

Goddess of Rhythm take the stage!!!

2006-09-12T01:08:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release: 9/05/06
Contact: Kristen Arant: 202-213-7810

“Goddesses of Rhythm” take the stage in YWDEP final performances at DCAC

The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is proud to announce the initiation of its 7 new members in their debut performance: “The Elements of the Drum.”

The new group, the Goddesses of Rhythm, will feature outstanding new material to audiences at the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St NW in Adam’s Morgan, on Sept. 16, 17, and 23rd at 7:30 with a matinee show on Sunday Sept. 24th at 3:00.

This year’s young women took fast to the drum and have already performed twice during their summer program, which began in June and is now coming to a close. During the program, they studied West African hand drumming, poetry, song writing, movement, and performance technique with a variety of area female artists including the Princess of Controversy, Anu Yadav, Luci Murphy, Venus Theatre’s Deb Randall, and locally renown drummer Jaqui MacMillan.

The performance, which runs about an hour, includes 3 traditional West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms along with the Goddesses’ own interpretation of the local go-go beat. In addition they have constructed astounding group pieces fusing poetry, song, rhythm and movement on topics ranging from education reform to violence in our communities to body image and more.

For example, the hook from the Goddesses’ featured group rap on education:
“We need an education reformation in a nation - that always seems to lack such important information - gotta find it, gotta feed it to the younger generations - ‘cuz ultimately they’ll become the federation - of the young, and the gifted and the weight will be uplifted - ‘cuz knowledge is power and finally it’s ours – knowledge is power and finally it’s ours.”

During the summer program, last year’s YWDEP crew (The She Poets of the Rizing Moon) earned stipends as mentors to the new group. Three of the mentors will perform with the Goddesses of Rhythm this year in supporting roles, bringing together 10 young women on the stage.

“The new members of YWDEP bring a younger vibe than last year’s group,” says Nancy Umanzor, She Poet and mentor. “They’re really motivated to learn the rhythms, serious about working on their poetry and songs to present them for the performance, and gaining confidence on a daily basis. I see great things coming from this younger group of girls.”

In August 2006, YWDEP received fiscal sponsorship from One Common Unity, Inc. and has recently moved into a shared office space at St. Stephen’s Church, 1525 Newton St NW. For more information please visit our website: www.youngwomendrum.org.

GRATITUDE

2006-08-21T15:39:00.000-04:00

All -

I just want to thank all of those who attended, lended talent to, and volunteered for the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's benefit concert last Saturday afternoon at Busboys and Poets.

We had such an incredible turnout - we packed the house with standing room only. Our performers blew the
roof off with their skill, talent, sincerity and beauty. Thank you Samaa, Laila, Fadi, Naudy, Deb, Treasure, Michelle, Cherie, Alan, Luci, Sage, Princess and Triflava, and all the women both young and old who drummed with the Intergenerational Women's Drum Choir.

Thank you to the PRINCESS OF CONTROVERSY for being our impeccable host!

Thank you to our volunteers - John, Jess, Jeff, Ilana, Margaret, Kevin, Mo, and Henry for stepping up to the plate
again and again when we needed you.

Thanks to our artists and businesses who so graciously donated their work and wares to our wonderfully successful auction
and raffle.

Thanks to the YWDEP interns and staff who's hard work and organizing skills made this fundraiser possible: Alexandra,
Julie, Dre, Dena and Indra.

Thanks to our documentarians - ken and rick - for lending your great skills to the recording of this event, and to Askia
Mohommad, for allowing us to broadcast our event on WPFW, and to Luci Murphy who arranged that broadcast for us.

Thanks to Deborah McKinney and INCITE for gracing the stage with purpose and framing the issue so beautifully and being
there to support us - also Amoretta Morris, Eshauna Smith and Johonna McCants - all of you have been such a great
help - thank you.

Thank you to all of our audience members who participated so wholeheartedly in our efforts to embrace a young women who was wronged in our community.

Finally I want to thank Andy Shallal and busboys and poets for making the space available to us for this and other events,
for donating the food, and for giving us such great support in all we do.

-we exceeded our goals and were able to raise enough money to help our she poet settle a host of unpaid expenses which will allow her and her family to get back on track, and which will also allow her to return to her studies at Prince George's Community College in the fall, where she is an honor student-

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Our community is an absolute blessing.

Peace and Gratitude,
Kristen and the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

Update on August 19th Event

2006-08-15T13:22:00.000-04:00

FRIENDS!

We are more than excited about Saturday's fundraiser!

Today we were featured on "Morning Jazz" on WPFW 89.3 FM. The host, Askia Mohammad, played a song from our CD and interviewed me with regard to YWDEP and the details of the fundraiser. In addition, we received a call about the fundraiser from the office of Marie Johns (DC Democratic Mayoral Candidate), and we hear she plans to attend.

Further, we have added an incredible keynote speaker to our concernt program - Deborah McKinney from INCITE: Women of Color Against Violence will bring us her thoughts and reflections on the issue of violence in our city, specifically as it pertains to creating more, safer spaces for young people and especially young women.

That being said, "We get by with a little help from our friends" as the phrase goes - we are looking for just a few people to help out this weekend with some specific needs:

-assisting at the merchandise table
-assisting with the auction
-assisting at the door
-assisting with the raffle

if any of you have the time and interest, please let me know.

otherwise, hope to see all of you there - and please feel free to spread the word

Peace and THANK YOU for supporting YWDEP!

Benefit Concert for a She Poet

2006-08-04T13:52:00.000-04:00

BENEFIT FOR A SHE POET: Sat Aug. 19 4-6:30 p.m., Busboys and Poets

Please join the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project and the Princess of Controversy in standing with one of our She Poets, who was recently a victim of gun
violence in our city.

On Friday, June 23rd, a 19-year-old YWDEP project member was shot twice in her back by a gun-weilding stranger. She is now in the process of recovering from her injuries including a broken collarbone, while she and her family are undergoing an enormous financial burden. She is also awaiting major surgery in order to remove one of the bullets.

YWDEP is organizing a benefit concert to assist her and her family and to re-assert that we DO NOT AND WILL NOT tolerate violence in our communities.

Local hip-hop artist the Princess of Controversy will host and perform, along with local poets Michelle Sewell, Margaux Delotte Bennett and Laila Shereen; hip hop artist Cherie Latson; singer/songleader Luci Murphy; dancer Samaa of WeDance Ensemble; actor Deb Randall of Venus Theatre; singer/songwriters Naudy Martinez, Juliana Landim and Alan Scott of the Alan Scott Band; and of course YWDEP along with the Intergenrational Women's Drum Choir.

Please join us - we need your support and solidarity.

WHERE: Busboys & Poets - 2021 14th Street, NW DC /U St Cardozo Metro Station

WHEN: Saturday, August 19th, 4:00 - 6:30 pm

$10-20 suggested donation at the door. For scholarship information, please contact Alexandra at alexandra@youngwomendrum.org. RSVP appreciated.

Refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle featuring YWDEP merchandise, gift certificates, instruments and more. We will also feature a silent auction with original artwork by local artists Hawah, Andres Arango, Alexandra Silverthorne and Christian Perez.

For more information, see our website: www.youngwomendrum.org or contact YWDEP's Founding Director Kristen Arant at Kristen@youngwomendrum.org or 202-213-7810.

YWDEP Brings the SHE DRUMMIN spirit to Malcolm X Park

2006-07-24T14:41:00.000-04:00

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

Snapshots from Song Writing

2006-07-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

Together, under the guidance of Margaux, the girls collectively write a song.

Margaux and Kristen smile for the camera.

Young Women Drummers Lay it Down in B-more!

2006-07-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

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

We Have A Home!

2006-07-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to announce that as of last Friday, YWDEP now has a home-base. We will be sharing an office space in St. Stephen's church. This is particularly exciting, as we already meet at the church once a week for our weekly workshops. Stay tuned for an office-warming party!

YWDEP takes Baltimore - THIS WEEKEND!

2006-07-14T00:42:00.000-04:00

Friends -

This week, YWDEP is taking BALTIMORE to attend and PERFORM at the 2nd Annual All-Women's Drumming Recital - BUMBADA!

Our new group of girls plus a few of our mentors (who are last year's She Poets) will be travelling to Baltimore on Saturday to witness the magic of the all-women's drumming group, BUMBADA, led by one of my teachers, Tammi Hessen.

Please see below for a full announcement.

In addition, this week we begin our first in a series of 3 workshops dedicated to DRUMMING. From 12-3 this weekend, young women are invited to attend a drumming intensive to sharpen their skills and learn rhythms.

I'd also like to share the chorus of our new song, which totally stuns me. The young women wrote this together as a group in Margaux Delotte-Bennett's recent song-writing class:

You sing like a bird
And you fly like a bird
Even when
You don't have wings

Your voice will be heard
Every single word
So open up
Your heart [mouth] and sing

In peace and rhythm,

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

--------------------------------------------------------------BUMBADA ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW

Hi all,
Please...
SAVE THE DATE

For the 3rd Annual

BUMBADA
Women Drumming
Recital/Performance and Fundraiser for the Greenmount
School!

Saturday night, July 15, 2006
7:15pm
At The Greenmount School
501 W. 30th Street in Baltmore, MD 21211
Admission $10-$15 donation, sliding scale.

For those women who play drums, we will be playing at
least one piece where we would love to have women
drummers come up and sit in with us with your drum. If
you are interested in this (don't worry the drum
rhythm is simple), please let me know!

Be prepared for a great drumming performance by
Bumbada Women Drumming! and friends, and a dance
performance by Lancaster's own N'bonye dancers. THere
will also be a marketplace and a silent auction, so
bring some extra mula.

If you have a silent auction item or service to
donate, we would greatly appreciate it. If you cannot
attend the recital, but would like to donate to the
cause, please mail me back and let me know. Donations
are tax deductible.

For information about attending or donating to the
fundraiser, contact tammi_waffle@yahoo.com or
443.956.1409.

If you would like more information about Bumbada,
please see www.bumbadawomenweekend.myevent.com and
check out the page about Bumbada.

A song for our souls

2006-07-06T02:01:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, Margaux Delotte Bennett graced us with her solid, peaceful presence and gave us an opportunity to explore the world of song-writing.

After an hour of drumming, which involved learning our second rhythm (SHIKO), we dove into a brainstorm on what makes a song, and types of music. After deciding on our top 5 favorites (which were a crazy milieu including hip hop, acid rock, soul and go-go), we began constructing lyrics. We finished with a beautiful chorus that instructs the listener to release fear, grow wings and be herself.

Next weekend, Margaux is back to further facilitate our process. We hope to come out with an entire song - or at least a few more lines. (:

In rhythm,
Kristen

Time For A Little Song-Writing!

2006-06-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, Margaux Delotte Bennett will share her song-writing skills with the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project. Girls living in DC ages 13-19 are invited to come explore their own inner divas with Ms. Bennett, and should bring with them any songs or music they have written to share with the group. The goal is to create a song together as a collaborative piece.

What: YWDEP song-writing workshop with Margaux Delotte-Bennett (bio below)
When: This Saturday, July 1st 2006, 12-3 p.m.
Where: St. Stephens Episcopal Church, corner of 16th and Newton Sts NW, Columbia Heights metro or S2/S4 bus line, Washington DC

Questions? Call Kristen: 202-213-7810
----

About Margaux Delotte-Bennett:

Margaux started writing poetry when she was in high school and soon after her mother gave her a blank book to write all of her poetry in. Now she writes poetry, songs and monologues that use a mixture of creative elements. As an active performer and Board Member with Sol y Soul, a local arts and activism organization,
Margaux has facilitated numerous writing and performance workshops, performed around the DC metro area and worked with others to create shows using her original works. In 2002 Spoken Resistance, a part of Sol y Soul, won the mayor's emerging artist award and Margaux performed with an ensamble at the awards show. In 1999 Margaux had the opportunity to live and work in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. While there, she was
a volunteer art teacher at St. Christopher's Shelter that housed homeless boys. The Eastern Province Society of Arts and Crafts allowed Margaux to host an art exhibit of the boys' work. During her time in South Africa, Margaux was also a member of the Sakhana Theater Company that performed an HIV/AIDS awareness play around the city. Upon returning to DC, Margaux continued her involvement with the Washington Action Group, a puppet street theater group that performed at rallies and events. She started working at the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) in 2000 organizing & facilitating a weekly creative writing group and other events.

Workshop #3: Poetry

2006-06-27T01:16:00.000-04:00

YWDEP 2nd Session Boasts 10 new members!

2006-06-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, June 17, our second session of the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project summer program boasted 10 new members, 4 mentors and the assistance of 4 staff and volunteers plus our incredible poetry instructor, Laila Shereen Sakr. I am ecstatic, not to mention blown away by the talent, maturity, and diversity of our newly forming second year group.

Highlights!!

-For the first hour we drummed; new girls kept arriving and we were constantly getting up to add new chairs! By the end of drumming hour, there were 18 of us in a big circle all playing the KuKu rhythm (Guinean rhythm from the Mandingue people).

-The next big thing was another fun ice breaker from Mentorship Coordinator Dre that involved taking our shoes off and running around. Need anymore be said?

-Laila then instructed us to pound our chests and vocalize - to feel the vibration of our voices - and then she gave us wads of bubble gum! We chewed through 6 awesome pieces of poetry by June Jordan, Maya Angelou, Sandra Cisneros, Langston Hughes, JaHipster and Saul Williams, each taking turns to read, combatting our gum and the fans! After that we talked about the poems, got inspired, and went off to WRITE! We came back with incredible verses around the hook Laila gave us - "Hang your heart light, baby, Hang your heart bright." Several young women read, and knocked us out with their words.

-We took the last half hour of the session to divide up into mentorship clusters where the She Poets of 2005 (our beloved mentors!) could sit down with a few new members each and begin the process of bonding. This was a beautiful time in our session and we will be holding mentor/mentee time during the last half hour of each session from here on out!

-We ended with some crazy toning from Kristen - going up the chakras with our voices and trying not to laugh!!

We meet again THIS WEEKEND - Saturday June 24, 2006 from 12-3 p.m. at St Stephens Church in the Auditorium to finish what we started with Ms. Laila. This week, girls are instructed to write stream of consciousness for at least 15 minutes - this means the pen never leaves the page - and to take another 45 minutes or more to A. work on the poem from last week, or B. select a morsel from the stream of consciousness and create a new poem, or C. BOTH!

Can't Wait!

Peace and Rhythm
Kristen Arant, Founding Director
YWDEP
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

A Strong Start for YWDEP '06!

2006-06-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

We gathered at St. Stephens Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2006 for our first session of YWDEP 2006. We had more and better drums than in 2005, plus a better space, lovely snack and beverage donations from our snack mistress Laura Lee, beautiful hand cards by the talented Ms. Alexandra Silverthorne, and new and improved team challenges from Dre Sterner, who referred to herself as being a fourth grader deep down.

All of our inner childs came out to play for blind-folded soccer and space monster, followed by a frank discussion on the importance of honesty and trust. 2005 YWDEP She Poets Miya Nashonne, Nancy Umanzor and Naudy Martinez joined us and lended a feeling of comfort, ease and welcoming to three rockin' newbies - Claire, Shakeira and Elena - all of whom fit right in without fitting any sort of mold, which carries us forward from last year as we have another opportunity to ackowledge and celebrate the beauty and individuality of each girl who joins.

Ms. Kristen then invoked the spirit of the drum by showing the notes of the djembe along with one of YWDEP's signature rhythms - "KuKu" - and a little jamming too. Everyone caught on so quick - we are off to a fabulous start. Next week we become enraptured with poetry in a workshop featuring Ms. Laila Shereen Sakr. More newbies are welcome - just show up!!! The schedule is fully available online at www.youngwomendrum.org, along with the application for those who can download it. Fill it out and bring it to the session, or just fill one out when you arrive. We want you - DC girls ROCK!

Peace and Rhythm,

Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Announcing the Summer Schedule!

2006-06-02T01:16:00.000-04:00

-2006 SUMMER SCHEDULE-

June 10th in the Sanctuary: Ice Breakers & Intro to Drumming (Noon - 3pm)
June 17th in the Auditorium: Poetry (Noon - 3pm)
June 24th in the Auditorium: Poetry (Noon - 3pm)

July 1st in the Sanctuary: Song-Writing (Noon - 3pm)
July 8th in the Sanctuary: Song-Writing (Noon - 3pm)
July 15th in the Sanctuary: Drumming (Noon - 3pm)
July 22nd in the Sanctuary: Drumming (Noon - 3pm)
July 29th in the Sanctuary: Drumming (Noon - 3pm)

August 5th in the Auditorium: African Dance (Noon - 3pm)
August 12th in the Sanctuary: Theater/Movement (Noon - 3pm)
August 19th in the Sanctuary: Performance Technique (Noon - 3pm)
August 26th in the Sanctuary: Performance Technique (Noon - 3pm)
August 30th in the Dining Room: Building the Performance (6:30 - 9pm)*

September 2nd in the Sanctuary: Building the Performance (Noon - 3pm)
September 6th in the Dining Room: Staging (6:30 - 9pm)*
September 9th in the Sanctuary: Rehearsal (Noon - 3pm)
September 13th in the Dining Room: Staging (6:30 - 9pm)*

Dress Reheasals & Performances TBD
Schedule is subject to programmatic changes, however, all workshop dates are final
All workshops will take place at St. Stephen's Church (16th Street & Newton Street, NW)
Columbia Heights metro or S2/S4 bus line.

Website, Gallery, Application, and Store!

2006-04-15T23:51:00.000-04:00

Our website has been revamped and it looks great! Be sure to check it out at www.youngwomendrum.org.

There are a few new features on the website, including the ability to know download a pdf of the 2006 program application, a photo gallery, and a new Cafe Press store where you can purchase YWDEP gear.

So check it all out!

May 6 Recruitment Gathering is ON!!

2006-04-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT

NOW RECRUITING!!
Recruitment Gathering May 6, Noon, Malcolm X Park

The Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project (YWDEP) is open to young women from DC between the ages of 13 and 18. YWDEP members learn to play African hand drums and percussion while expressing themselves through poetry, spoken word, song, and movement. The project consists of weekly workshops beginning in June with local female artists, and culminates with a final public performance in mid-September. The project also features extracurricular activities such as team building, drum circles and concerts.
THE PROJECT IS FREE OF CHARGE, and no prior drumming, poetry or singing experience is necessary.

Join us for a recruitment gathering!
May 6 @ noon * Malcolm X Park

-DRUM CIRCLE-
-TEAM BUILDING-
-SNACKS-

For more information contact: Kristen Arant 202-213-7810
info@youngwomendrum.org www.youngwomendrum.org

BUMBADA! NEWS

2006-04-13T11:54:00.000-04:00

Recently, three of our young women had the opportunity to attend the BUMBADA all-women's drumming conference just north of Baltimore, MD.

Here's what they had to say!!

Posted by Nancy Umanzor:

The drumming conference was an amazing experience for me as an individual. The intense druming really helped me improve my skills. The fact that it was all female made a difference -one did not hesitate to try out new things or mess up. The drumming gave me more confidence in my drumming skills and allowed me to explore new rhythms. The African dancing classes also hyped the place up. The mixture of drumming and dancing really does bring out a unique feeling to the enviornment. Overall I had an awsome time and can't wait for next year!

YOUNG WOMEN'S DRUMMING EMPOWERMENT PROJECT GETS PUMPED FOR AN INCREDIBLE SECOND YEAR

2006-03-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

The drum beats steady for the Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project as we get ready for an even more amazing second year.

FUNDRAISER AND RECENT ACTIVITIES
Our recent fundraiser at Busboy and Poets was a huge success, featuring the She-Poets as well as DC female artists such as the Guerilla Poets Insurgency, Deb Randall, Margaux Delotte-Bennett, and Princess of Controversy, among others. With a full house and an inspiring finale including over 30 women dancing, drumming and singing, YWDEP is well on its way towards a phenomenal second year. Recent gigs included the Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s Black History Month Extravaganza and an event at the twentieth anniversary of CentroNia.

PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
YWDEP will be launching a new peer-mentoring program as part of our offerings for the 2006 season. The program will provide a stipend to senior members of the group to mentor new members coming into the group. Mentors will share drumming skills and knowledge with the mentees as well as emotional support and encouragement. In addition to helping new members develop as artists and leaders, we also hope the mentors will help to provide a structure with which they can set life goals, create plans, and make steps toward those goals. We are excited about this new aspect of YWDEP, and anticipate that it will strengthen us even more.

ALL WOMEN’S DRUM CONFERENCE
The hills of Monkton, MD will be echoing with the sound of djembes on March 31-April 2 as the She-Poets and staff attend the BUMBADA WOMEN’S DRUMMING WEEKEND. The weekend will include workshops and plenty of drum circles, “to honor the spirit of drumming, and the magic of an all-women event.”

RECRUITMENT PICNIC
YWDEP will be holding a recruitment picnic on Saturday, May 6th at Malcolm X Park in DC. If you are a female between the ages of 13-19 we invite you to come and learn more about the YWDEP program this summer and to meet the She Poets of the Rizing Moon for an informal drum circle, potluck, and team building games. Rain Date is May 13 - same time, same place.

SUMMER PLANS
Stay tuned for more shows and events!

She Poets ROCK the DCAC in final performances - THIS WEEKEND!

2005-09-15T22:57:00.000-04:00

Responding to the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment's opening night performance, audience members wrote:

"it was awesome"
"very powerful"
"just wonderful, phenomenal"

Imagine a collection of deeply personal, powerful and political songs and poems written and performed by 6 talented young women, sanwiched between two skillfully choreographed African djembe rhythms, and you have the She Poets of the Rizing Moon in their debut: "Djembes Have Curves."

The performances are the result of a summer-long program in which young women aged 14-18, all DC residents, met weekly with 9 local artists for workshops on team building, hand drumming, poetry, spoken word, song writing, performance technique, and staging. Artist instructors include drum teacher & facilitator Jaqui MacMillan, Deb Randall of Venus Theatre, and hip-hop artist-activist Princess of Controversy.

"I knew the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project's performances were going to be good, but never did I imagine them to be this good!" Noted local art blogger Alexandra Silverthorne in Solarize This.

"These performances - and the process by which the young women created them - clearly define the meaning of empowerment," states Venus Theatre founder Deborah Randall.

The young women involved have found hidden talents and inner strengths through the process of learning from experienced instructors who have empowered them to create their own material and set list, and perform it.

Says YWDEP member Stephanie Upshur, 18: "I like being part of the project because I think it’s fascinating that women are drumming, and because it has helped me build my self esteem and learn to write poetry, and to play the drum."

And Treasure Chapman, 18: "The drum is such a male instrument. If I can give play it and bring in some female energy, then I feel like I've created something unique and really powerful."

Don't miss the She Poets in their final performances, this Saturday and Sunday at the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St NW, both shows at 7:30 p.m.

For more information: Contact Kristen Arant at 202-213-7810 or Kristen@youngwomendrum.org, and visit our website at www.youngwomendrum.org.

Be The First To See Our Printed Materials!

2005-08-29T16:45:00.000-04:00

Our promo materials are currently at the printers, but you can check them out online here:

POSTCARDS

POSTERS

To request postcards to give to family & friends or posters to hang in the community, e-mail Kristen!

LET'S SPREAD THE WORD!

CRUNCH TIME SCHEDULE!!!

2005-08-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

All dates are mandatory to perform unless arrangements have been made *ahead of time*

THURS. Aug. 18: Group rehearsal, 5:30-9 All Souls dining room

SAT Aug. 20: Work on performance with Deb Randall of Venus Theatre

THURS. Aug. 25: Group rehearsal, 5:30-9, All Souls dining room

SAT Aug. 27: Workshop with Jaqui; work on Shiko and KuKu

SUN Aug. 28: Finish banner, 2-7 p.m. location TBA

TUES Aug. 30 thru THURS Sept. 1: OUTREACH DAYS – sign-in for availability

THURS Sept. 1: Group rehearsal, 5:30-9, All Souls LIBRARY

SAT Sept. 3: Dress Rehearsal at DCAC, 10am-2pm

SUN Sept. 4: Dress Rehearsal 2 at DCAC, 2-5pm

THURS Sept. 8: Extra group rehearsal and check-in, time/location TBA

SAT Sept. 10: PERFORMANCE at DCAC, call time 6 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

SAT Sept. 10: Reception after performance, at DCAC

SUN Sept. 11: PERFORMANCE at DCAC, call time 1:30 p.m., perform 3:00 p.m.

SAT Sept. 17: PERFORMANCE at DCAC, call time 6 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

SUN Sept. 18: PERFORMANCE at DCAC, call time 6 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

Kristen Arant, Founder, 202-213-7810, kristen@youngwomendrum.org
Sheila Mirza, Intern, 202-215-3817, dcfresh@gmail.com

Creating the PERFORMANCE

2005-08-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

YWDEP members now have a strong collection of material, and will be putting it all together in a performance creation workshop this Saturday facilitated by Margaux Delotte Bennett and Sheila Mirza.

The young women will be empowered to build their own performance by organizing their raw materials into a set with a theme and a title. They will receive 3X5 notecards each containing one element of what they have created so far, along with some other possibilities, and a couple of blank cards for them to fill in with their own brainstorms.

So far, the cards read as follows:

Carnival (song)
No Sympathy (song)
Shiko (rhythm)
KuKu (rhythm)
Group Poem
Group Movement Piece
poetic conversation featuring the combined poetry of three YWDEP artists
Poem by each individual YWDEP member
piece incorporating sax
piece incorporating keyboards

The young women will hopefully be getting together on SUNDAY as well to go over what they create at this Saturday's session.

NEXT weekend Jaqui Macmillan will be present to continue teaching and polish the SHIKO rhythm, and we'll enjoy another Sunday at Malcolm X Park. The girls are also working on a banner - a description along with photos are available on banner facilitator Alexandra Silverthorne's artist blog: http://solarizethis.blogspot.com/2005/07/banner-project.html. CHECK IT OUT!

YWDEP ROCKS!

In Rhythm,

Kristen Arant, Founder
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Sheila Mirza, Intern
202-215-3817
dcfresh@gmail.com

YWDEP performance BOOKED!!

2005-08-05T11:06:00.000-04:00

YWDEP members, instructors and performers:

I want to let all of you know that the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project is now booked for 4 performances at the DC Arts Center in Adam's Morgan - 2438 18th St NW.

The dates and times are as follows:

Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11, 3:00 p.m.
Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.

The theater is now accepting reservations for all 4 shows - there are just 30 seats per show so please reserve a spot by calling the DCAC at 202-4627833.

I hope you'll reserve at least one of these dates on your calendar to come see these incredible young women perform an original set list of their own creation featuring drumming, spoken word, poetry, song and movement.

Thanks for supporting YWDEP!
In Rhythm,
Kristen Arant, YWDEP founder
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP THIS WEEK

2005-07-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

We're inching closer and closer to our performance, and YWDEP members can look forward to a host of great times and hard work to come.

This week, we're attending MWAZI WEDNESDAY at Cafe Mawonaj - an open-mic poetry and spoken word celebration. Members should meet SHEILA at the Shaw/Howard metro station at 8:15 p.m. (please be on time!) and walk in a group to the cafe.

On Saturday, our session features JAQUI MacMILLAN - renown female percussion artist and instructor, who will teach us the rhythm SHIKO - this is not to be missed! Be there! 10:30 a.m., All Souls church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW, in the dining room.

Then, on Sunday, we're getting together at 3 p.m. at St. Stephen's Church (16th and Newton Sts NW) to start painting our BANNER, which will be displayed at the performances.

In addition, intern Sheila Mirza and I have constructed a first draft of the performance set list, which we'll be sharing with all the YWDEP instructors and facilitators for feedback - it's a very exciting set and we're looking forward to getting started on it!

Private lessons are also going well - any YWDEP member who has not schedule a private lesson w/ Kristen, please do so at the next Saturday session.

Also - the previous blog contains the most updated schedule, so please check it out!

YAY!! Look out DC here we come!!!

In Rhythm --

Kristen Arant, Founder
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Sheila Mirza, Intern
202-215-3817
dcfresh@gmail.com

SONGS from the hearts of young women

2005-07-27T12:47:00.000-04:00

Below find the lyrics to the TWO songs that YWDEP members created with Margaux Delotte-Bennett during two SONG workshops!!

These songs will be included in our upcoming performances.

CARNIVAL

The people, they are laughing
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
Look at them go
The brightly colored show

The food it be sizzlin
The bodies, they are too
I wanna feel the cool breeze
I wanna dance with you

Just like on the islands
Puerto Rico, Jamaica
Cuba and Aruba
With a little bit of flavah
May not be in Mexico, but
I had me a taco too

The people, they are laughing
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
Look at them go
The brightly colored show

A little boy is crying
While the old men are fighting
The old ladies are cooking
And the food is so inviting

The carnival is just a memory
That i miss my home
But don’t be sad my friend
‘Cause it will come again

The people, they are laughing
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho
Look at them go
The brightly colored show

No Sympathy

I am so blue
Because I loved you
And gave my life to you
But you said now we’re through

How could this be?
What’s wrong with me?
I gave you all I had,
But what have you given me?

-No Sympathy- (4xs)

I can’t stand you
And your dirty soul
You got to roll
In my heart you left a hole

-Cold blooded- (3xs)

You left my life a mess
My room’s flooded with tears
You’re like all of the rest
I’ll be cleaning up for years

I gave you my best
But you gave something less
Is this some kind of test?
Why you testin me?

-No Sympathy- (4xs)

I can’t stand you
And your dirty soul
You got to roll
In my heart you left a hole

-Cold blooded- (3xs)

No Sympathy!

Updated Schedule

2005-07-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

SCHEDULE – STILL SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGES DEPENDING ON OUR PROGRESS!

-extracurricular activities marked in bold. all other dates are required unless further notice is given to Kristen or Sheila-

WED July 27: Mwazi Wednesday – open mic spoken word at Cafe Mawonaj 8-10pm - Meet SHEILA at the Shaw/Howard metro station, 8:15 p.m.

SAT July 30: Jaqui MacMillan workshop – learn SHIKO rhythm
SUN July 31: Banner-making session w/ Alex and Sheila, 3-7 p.m., St. Stephens Church, 16th and Newton Sts NW

SAT Aug. 6: Build performance combining drum, dance, and spoken word

SUN Aug. 7: Extra rehearsal to practice for performance - 3-7, St. Stephens church

SAT Aug. 13: 2nd workshop with Jaqui MacMillan – continue SHIKO
SAT Aug. 13: Soul Fire Inside drum circle in Takoma, DC, 8-10 p.m.
SUN Aug. 14: Malcolm X Park drum circle – 4-6 p.m.

WED, THURS, FRI Aug. 17, 18, 19: run through performance with all YWDEP members, place TBA, 7:30-10 p.m.

SAT Aug. 20: Performance workshop with Deb Randall of Venus Theatre – honing in on what we have and working to improve it.

SAT Aug. 27: Work on performance

SAT Sept. 3: Dress Rehearsal at DCAC
SUN Sept. 4: Dress Rehearsal at DCAC

SAT Sept. 10: Performance at DCAC, call time 5:30 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

SUN Sept. 11: Performance at DCAC, call time 5:30 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

SAT Sept. 17: Performance at DCAC, call time 5:30 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

SAT Sept. 17: Reception following performance, time/place TBA
SUN Sept. 18: Performance at DCAC, call time 5:30 p.m., perform 7:30 p.m.

Kristen Arant: kristen@youngwomendrum.org, 202-213-7810
Sheila Mirza: dcfresh@gmail.com, 202-215-3817

Mid-July UPDATE!

2005-07-21T15:38:00.000-04:00

Despite the crazy heat, YWDEP continues with fervor! We attended an outdoor rhythmic spoken word event last week, are in the midst of scheduling a private lesson for each member, and have updated our schedule AGAIN to include another poetry open-mic night, a banner making session, drum workshops with reknown drummer Jaqui MacMillan, and a host of extra sessions to prepare for our PERFORMANCE, which is now scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 17 and 18.

please READ ON for more info!!

I Last weekend
II This weekend
III Open mic poetry this Wednesday
IV website updated!

I

Last weekend we had an intense workshop with Princess of Controvery (Melissa Best) that opened us all up to our performing selves. We warmed up our entire faces, then lost some inhibitions by practicing isolations of our different body parts. (!) We then experienced a mirroring session, where everyone had to mimic every word, move and _expression of one person in the circle. This left us all with a much higher level of self awareness. We also practiced vocal inflections, breathing, critiqued each other's standing positions (confident vs. weak), and used our bodies to portray different emotional states. At the end, each member had an opportunity to read a piece of poetry, drawing upon everything learned in the workshop.

II

This weekend, Princess is back to share more of her expertise, and move us forward on reading our own poetry with the inclusion of drums and rhythm. For those who couldn't make it last week, Princess will take us through an abbreviated version of last week's workshop so that everyone can get up to speed. For those who WERE there, please remember to WRITE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE in your journals, and be prepared to read your entries - this will assist those who were absent in gaining a deeper understanding of what we learned.

Workshop with Princess of Controversy: Saturday, July 23, 10:30-12:30 p.m., All Souls church, 16th and Harvard Sts, NW, Harvard St entrance, dining room.

III

Please note that this coming Wednesday, July 27, we'll be going to Cafe Mawonaj for Mwazi Wednesday, an open-mic spoken word and poetry event. Please bring something to read, as you may want to sign up for the open-mic, and also some money for food or drinks if you wish. We'll meet at 7:30 p.m. at our usual All Souls site - outside the Harvard St entrance - and carpool to Mawonaj. I'm happy to give everyone a ride home afterwards - we'll leave the event at 10 p.m.

IV

The website had been updated, so please check it out!!
Also, if you have pictures, send them to me!
Digital photos can be sent to kristen@youngwomendrum.org
Printed photos can be handed to myself or Sheila at a Saturday session, or send them to:
Kristen Arant
YWDEP
1395 Sheridan St NW
Washington, DC 20011

Keep on Drummin!

Kristen Arant, Founder
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Sheila Mirza, Intern
202-215-3817
dcfresh@gmail.com

This Week's YWDEP: Performance Technique with the Princess of Controversy

2005-07-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, the amazing Margaux Delotte-Bennett led YWDEP on another soulful singing journey. this being her second visit, we now have 2 songs under our belts - both co-written by YWDEP members - one in the Reggae/Soka style and the other - last week's - the Blues (with a capital B!) THANK YOU MARGAUX!!!!!!

And following Margaux is.....

Melissa Best a.k.a. "Princess of Controversy," who will be sharing her performance expertise with us at the YWDEP session, 10:30 a.m. at All Souls Church in the dining room on Saturday, July 16.

Her workshop will include the following elements of performance:
*Breathing techniques
*Isolations
*Stage directions
*Confidence
*Vocal inflection

In addition, each YWDEP member will have an opportunity to read a poem or spoken word piece in a performance stance - using the above elements as guidelines.

Princess is an incredible spoken word hip-hop performing artist in DC with an incredibly positive vibration - don't miss this session!

Please call me - or respond to this email and let me know whether or not you can make it: 202-213-7810; kristen@youngwomendrum.org.

In addition - this coming week we have two opportunities to observe and participate in the local spoken word scene - the first is an outdoor open-mic with a political bent that includes both drumming and spoken word and encourages EVERYONE's participation. The second is a spoken word/poetry night at Mangos in the U St Corridor - a more traditionally-styled poetry open-mic setting. Sheila (YWDEP's intern) and I will be contacting all of you this weekend to organize these two outings:

July 18: DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency - Dupont Fountain 6:45-8:30 p.m.
July 19: Poetry slam at Mangos – 14th and U Sts 8 p.m.

All that said - I hope to see all of you this Saturday!!! Stay IN TOUCH!!

love and drums,

Kristen Arant, founder
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Sheila Mirza, intern
202-215-3817
Dcfresh@gmail.com

YWDEP REVISED SCHEDULE! July - Sept 2005

2005-07-08T13:51:00.000-04:00

Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project
REVISED SCHEDULE: July-Sept 2005

WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS!!

Important Notes:

All Saturday sessions take place at 10:30 am until approx. noon at All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard St. Enter through the Harvard St entrance and we’ll be in the dining room – down the stairwell to your left, then all the way back. Please be on time!!

All field trips or extra curricular activities are marked in bold type in the schedule below. These include drumming at Malcolm X Park, painting a YWDEP banner, and attending a spoken word/poetry night.

In addition, Kristen will be scheduling a private drumming lesson with each YWDEP member throughout the months of July and August in order to improve technique and talk about performance ideas. These lessons will be scheduled on weeknights at 8 p.m. at St. Stephens Church, at 16th and Newton Sts NW. Please note that Sheila, our new intern, will be calling each YWDEP member to set up a private lesson with Kristen.

Please also take note that we need a final, solid, committed performance ensemble. Those who cannot make any of the dates below, for whatever reason, MUST communicate with Kristen or Sheila so that extra time can be made to work you into the performance. If any member cannot make the majority of the dates below, please let Kristen or Sheila know.

Kristen Arant, founder, 202-213-7810 kristen@youngwomendrum.org

Sheila Mirza, intern, 202-215-3817 Dcfresh@gmail.com

SCHEDULE – STILL SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGES DEPENDING ON OUR PROGRESS!

July 2: Break for holiday – make-up session at All Souls.
July 3: Meet at Malcolm X Park to participate in Sunday drum circle there, 4-6 p.m.

July 9: Poetry/spoken word/writing workshop with Margaux.
July 10: Malcolm X Park drum circle – 4-6 p.m.

July 16: The principles of performance with Princess - work on delivery of spoken word pieces. Build pieces that combine drumming with spoken word.

July 18: DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency - Dupont Fountain 6:45-8:30 p.m.
July 19: Poetry slam at Mangos – 14th and U Sts 8 p.m.

July 23: Performance technique cont'd - Margaux joins Princess (?) - _expression, delivery, attitude, etc. Hone pieces with drum included.

July 30: Dance workshop with Candace, includes story of the drum and dance in Africa.
July 31: Banner-making session w/ Alex and Sheila

Aug. 6: Build performance combining drum, dance, and spoken word (KA, Sheila, Henry, Dre)
Aug. 7: Continue working on performance

Aug. 13: Continue working on performance
Aug. 13: Soul Fire Inside drum circle in Takoma, DC, 8-10 p.m.
Aug. 14: Malcolm X Park drum circle – 4-6 p.m.

Aug. 20: Performance workshop with Deb Randall of Venus Theatre – honing in on what we have and working to improve it.
Aug. 21: Dress Rehearsal/Recital for parents/family/friends at All Souls (or location TBA)

Aug. 27: Dress Rehearsal for our public performance – block out 10:30am – 3pm this day

Sept. 3 and 4: PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AT DC ARTS CENTER, ADAM’S MORGAN

[alternate date: Sept. 17 and 18, same place]

YWDEP welcomes intern SHEILA MIRZA!

2005-07-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

Sheila Mirza joins YWDEP!

We’d like to welcome Sheila as YWDEP’s new INTERN – see her bio below for incredible accomplishments! She joins us through PANORAMA-A Community Arts Initiative with whom we’ve partnered to make this internship possible. Sheila is a powerful youth empowerment organizer, as well as a spoken word and graffiti artist with her roots deep in “South Asian Central,” Queens, NYC. Sheila will be helping us in the coming months as we prepare for our performance; she’ll be calling individual YWDEP members in the near future to help finalize a performance date, in addition to assisting us with performance logistics, outreach, publicity and production. If you haven’t had a chance to meet Sheila yet, please welcome her – she rocks!

Sheila Mirza Biography
Sheila Mirza is a 20 year-old youth organizer, spoken word artist, poet, and muralist who began organizing for social change at age 14 in Queens, NYC. She is a volunteer staff with the Youth Leadership Support Network in Washington, DC working to produce a variety of events including: Sisterfire INCITE - DC Women Against Violence festival; National Education Association Peace and Justice Caucus “Education Not Incarceration” conference; and Lands and Cultures “Trading Guns for Guitars” Festival. She coordinates projects in youth media, theater, movement history, open-mics and workshops at schools, colleges and conferences. She is a frequent performer at local and national events and cast member of Sol & Soul: Art for Social Change, Barrio Street Theater/Teatro de los Trabajadores production of Sin Fronteras, and Suspect Street Theater. She taught graffiti arts for DC children at the Higher Achievement Program through PANORAMA Community Arts Initiative, and is now serving as intern for the Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project in DC.

Photographs from Trip to Malcom X Park

2005-07-07T13:34:00.000-04:00

Please feel free to share your experiences from the trip to Malcolm X Park!

Field Trip Report + This Weekend's Destination: Malcolm X Park

2005-06-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

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

This Weekend: Session 7 and Sunday FIELD TRIP!

2005-06-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

YWDEP Members and Friends - updates below!

SESSION 6 REPORT BACK: Our progress on the drums has been incredible, as proven by last week's session with drum instructor Katy Gaughan. Her diligence in teaching basic djembe technique along with providing a range of new ideas with regard to volume and speed dynamics was extremely helpful - and we received an introduction to soloing as well.

After that, a couple YWDEP members read their most recent poetic journal entries - one of which described a young woman who is always looking for what this poet called the "wrong" kind of attention. From this we began a discussion about why this young woman is always looking for attention...what's the root? what's the cause? YWDEP members said it's probably a variety of reasons - some we know, and some we don't know. The only thing that appears obvious is that this person is "addicted" to attention. For this coming week, then, YWDEP members are empowered to look into their own addictions. It could be chemical, emotional, physical, pyschological - what keeps you coming back over and over? Write about it!!

And for those of you who missed this past week's session, remember that every Saturday I arrive at 10 a.m. at the church, and am available to help you get up to speed. Our group start time is 10:30 - so please come early if you need to get caught up.

SESSION 7: This coming Saturday, our plan is to go deeper into written expression and spoken word technique with Margaux Delotte-Bennett, an incredible poet, spoken word artist and youth trainer. She brings years of experience, fresh insights and empowerment-style leadership, and will facilitate a session of written and spoken expression with creative techniques. We will also review our rhythm, "ku ku," at the end of this session.

Those of you who cannot make this Saturday due to graduation - please do not despair. Margaux will be back again on July 9, and we're working to get her on the schedule for a 3rd time as well.

YWDEP Session 7 will take place from 10:30-noon at All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW, Harvard St entrance, Dining Room.

FIELD TRIP!!!! On Sunday, we're going to Baltimore to see a performance by the all-women's drumming group, BUMBADA! We'll leave from All Souls Church at 2:30 p.m., drive up for the performance (4-5:30 p.m.) and return to the church at 7:30. Those who can make it - please bring your permission slip to the YWDEP session on Saturday, or bring it with you when you arrive at the church on Sunday. You MUST have this permission slip signed in order to go on the field trip. If you need a permission slip, call me asap: 202-213-7810. Also, please bring $10 and a CD of your choice for the ride up! And make sure to arrange a way home from the church afterwards - we'll be back by 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING DATES!!
Please get these upcoming dates on your calendar!

July 2: Break for the holiday - HOWEVER, for those who will miss Session 7, we could make this another session with Margaux. Please give it some thought and let me know if that works for you.

July 3: Meet at Malcolm X Park to participate in Sunday drum circle there, 4-6 p.m.

July 9: YWDEP session with Margaux

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!!
Kristen
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

2005-06-15T18:13:00.000-04:00

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Session 6 - Bring Me Your Poetry!!

2005-06-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

NEW INFORMATION: We will be starting our GROUP LESSON at 10:30 a.m. from now on - however, those seeking extra instruction or wanting to get caught up from missed sessions, I will be there starting at 10 a.m. Please come early if you'd like extra help.

CALL ME!! 202-213-7810
Those who cannot attend but who are registered as project members, please call me! We miss you at the sessions and need to know when you're coming back so please stay in touch!

YWDEP Session 6:
Saturday, June 18, 10-11:30 a.m. at All Souls Church
16th and Harvards Sts NW, Harvard entrance, in the dining room.

Drum Instructor Katy Gaughan will be back to help clarify our technique and give some instruction on SOLOING on the djembe. Don't miss this week's session - and also, please BRING ME YOUR POETRY!! Those who received journals, please try writing at least 3 times throughout the week - on any subject and at any length - and bring your writings back to share with the group. The more you practice writing, the better your pieces will be and the more confident you'll be performing them. Those who haven't yet received a journal - create your own - this could be anything from a notebook to just a few pieces of paper stapled together. If you haven't done a writing exercise with us yet, try the one described in the previous blog.

Session 5 Report Back: KuKu is coming along WELL - we learned part 3, the most complicated part:
Say: "KuKu - for co-co puffs"
Play: tone-tone slap, tone-tone slap

In addition, we learned the 1st DUN-UN (big bass drum) part to this rhyth, which requires playing one part on the drum and another on the bell - challenging but rewarding! I hope more young women can make it to Session 6 and get caught up!

UPCOMING DATES!!
Please get these upcoming dates on your calendar!

June 25: 1st workshop with Margaux, transforming poetry into spoken word and/or song. BRING YOUR POETRY - we'll need raw material to work with!

June 26: BUMBADA - an all women's drumming group performs in BALTIMORE, 4-5:30 p.m. If you'd like to go, CALL ME ASAP! 202-213-7810.

July 2: Break for holiday - no YWDEP seesion

July 3: Meet at Malcolm X Park to participate in Sunday drum circle there, 4-6 p.m.

IN RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

Session 4 Report + Session 5 this Saturday!

2005-06-08T13:34:00.000-04:00

SESSION 5:
Saturday, June 11, 10-11:30 a.m. at All Souls Church
16th and Harvards Sts NW, Harvard entrance, in the dining room.

NEW INFORMATION: We will be starting our GROUP LESSON at 10:30 a.m. from now on - however, those seeking extra instruction or wanting to get caught up from missed sessions, I will be there starting at 10 a.m. Please come early if you'd like extra help.

Report on Session 4:

Ku Ku, We're NOT kuku!

Last week, we started off with some drumming - continuing to learn the African rhythm, "Ku Ku," whose first two parts can be memorized by saying these 2 phrases:
1. Ku - Ku, I'm not kuku!
2. Oh yes you are!

The hand positions for both are as follows:
1. Bass -- Bass, tone tone tone-tone
2. Slap-Bass tone tone

Poetic Voices

Last week our members received a journal, and laid down their first words inside it with the Relay Writing Project. In this project, there were 5 writing prompts written on 5 cards, and each card was placed at a different location in the room.

The prompts were as follows:
1. Describe a member of your immediate or extended family using lots of detail
2. Describe your worst enemy using only POSITIVE words and images (note: if you don't have any enemies, think carefully - your enemy might not be a person)
3. Describe what gives you the most JOY, and try to make it rhyme and bounce to a rhythm in your head
4. Explain what happened the last time you got angry, using at least 3 colors
5. Talk about how you feel when engaged in a creative activity, in 5 lines (a line could be anywhere from one word to one sentence)

Each YWDEP member was given a number and sent to that post to write for 5 minutes using the prompt. After 5 minutes, the girls switched to the next prompt, and so on until each member had written about each prompt. The results were fantastic! I would like to ask those who participated to please PUBLISH your work here on the blog - by using the COMMENT section below! I was truly thrilled and amazed at the words of our young women. Those who couldn't make the session, please complete the project on your own using the prompts above - and share with us at the next session!

Session 5: WE DRUM!!

We're getting the rhythms down WELL, but need to spend a little more time practicing - the more we improve the basics, the better our rhythms will sound. So in the coming Session 5, please prepare to DRUM - i'll bring ice packs for our hands - young women should wear pants or WIDE skirts, remove all rings and bracelets, and (DARE I SAY IT!) try trimming back those nails just a bit! ANYthing extra on your hands or wrists can get in the way of technique, so keep that in mind, and I'll see you at.....
SESSION 5:
Saturday, June 11, 10-11:30 a.m. at All Souls Church - 16th and Harvards Sts NW, Harvard entrance, in the dining room.

NEW INFORMATION: We will be starting our GROUP LESSON at 10:30 a.m. from now on - however, those seeking extra instruction or wanting to get caught up from missed sessions, I will be there starting at 10 a.m. Please come early if you'd like extra help.

IN RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

Session 3 Praise + Session 4 Preparation

2005-06-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

Session 4 - Saturday, June 4, 10-11:30 a.m. at All Souls Church - 16th and Harvards Sts NW, Harvard entrance, in the dining room.

Greetings!

Last week, during the 3rd session of YWDEP, young women had the opportunity to express themselves through the written word.

With the guidance of local poet Leah Harris, we brainstormed imagery that filled up an entire page of the flipchart (and could've flowed longer...), and used it to build our first poems. The result was powerful, beautiful and inspiring - and this just on the first try. YESSSS!!

So I'm happy to report that for session 4, each YWDEP member will receive a writing journal, to have with her whenever the inspiration hits. My hope is that each young woman will write at least 3 times during the week, and bring her writings back to the group to share at every session, if she so chooses. This is how we can hone and practice writing - along with reading aloud - so when the time comes to perform, our writing and reading muscles will be polished (with the help of our incredible instructors, of course).

Also during session 3 we learned the first part to the African rhythm called KuKu - say: "Ku - Ku - I'm not kuku!" - this is a great way to remember part 1!

THIS WEEKEND we'll be reviewing part 1, and learning the 2nd and 3rd parts - GET READY!

see you there!!

peace
Kristen
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org

YWDEP Members: Use the "comment" section below to post your thoughts about the project, or to share a piece of your poetry!

Session 3 is POETRY

2005-05-25T12:11:00.000-04:00

Session 3:
Saturday, May 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW, Harvard St entrance
Columbia Heights metro station.

Greetings All!

I'm excited to report that our 2nd YWDEP session on Saturday, May 21 was a great success!

11 incredible young women showed up, and four of those young women were experiencing their second YWDEP session, and brought a few of their friends to check it out. We also welcomed a crew of 4 young women from Little Lights Urban Ministries, and this coming week we'll welcome a group of young women from Kingsbury Day School for our POETRY WORKSHOP!!

This Saturday, local Poet Leah Harris will bring her artistic expertise, along with her warm, creative spirit to session 3, giving each young woman an opportunity to unleash her inner poet and express her opinions, experiences and emotions through this art form.

In addition to poetry, we'll continue our drumming workshop during the last 30 minutes of session 3. Those who haven't been able to make a session yet will be a little behind on technique, but there's still time to get you up to speed so don't despair! Come join us: Saturday, May 28, 10-11:30 a.m. at All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW, Harvard St entrance - Columbia Heights metro station.

In closing, please note that our core membership is growing with each session, which is fabulous! However the project may soon have to discontinue enrollment once membership reaches 15 solid participants. Each session works to build skills in drumming, poetry, spoken word and performance, preparing the members for a performance in August, so the more solid our group, the better. Any young women who still want to join should contact me as soon as possible, or register NOW online on the home page: www.youngwomendrum.org.

THANK YOU for your continued support and involvement in the Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project --

IN RHYTHM!!
Kristen Arant
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org

First Session Success + Still Time to JOIN!

2005-05-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

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

JOIN THE PROJECT - REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

2005-04-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

Greetings All:
I'm writing with a few quick updates on the upcoming Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project. All in all it's shaping up wonderfully and msyelf and the other teaching artists are looking forward to meeting and working with some incredible young women this summer. So far we have 6 members, and can take up to 8 more. Please share the following information with the young women in your circles:

We now have an ONLINE APPLICATION, accessible from the home page of our website at www.youngwomendrum.org, making it more convenient for young women to apply.

Our sessions together will begin on Saturday, May 14, and will be held for 12 consecutive Saturdays at All Souls Church, 16th and Harvard Sts NW, from 10-11:30 a.m. There will be a break on July 2, a dress reherasal on August 13, and 2 public performances on Aug. 20 and 21. Please note - the set time of the sessions may change slightly if necessary to fit the majority of girls' schedules - however the sessions will definitely be happening weekly on Saturdays.

We're exploring the option of going on a field trip with the girls to show them a concert by an all women's drumming group that performs regionally. In addition, we're in the process of setting a date for the girls to participate in a community drum jam locally.

Finally, we are still looking for a Youth Intern for the project - someone who would be willing to show up and help out before and after each workshop, help coordinate the field trip and any other outings, and help facilitate the group when needed. This young woman would be a pillar of grounding and support for the project - she must be very reliable. She would also have the choice to participate in the workshops and the performances. She would be reimbursed for her time and energy with a gift certificate to her favorite store and movie tickets. If you know of any young women who might be interested in taking on this role, please contact Kristen at 202-213-7810 as soon as possible.

Most importantly, THERE'S STILL TIME! Even after the first session, we will continue to take registrations until the group reaches at least 10 girls. Also please pass the word on to your girls that participation in this project is COST-FREE. In exchange for some incredible learning (drumming, poetry, spoken word and performance techniques), we expect the girls to show up willing to share, give and receive respect, and participate.

For more information or if you have questions, feel free to contact me at any time by phone or email. Thanks very much to all of you who have helped with the recruiting process for YWDEP - I really appreciate all your time and effort!

In Peace, Joy and RHYTHM,

Kristen Arant
202-213-7810
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
www.youngwomendrum.org