AFRICAN-CARRIBEAN DRUMMING CLASSES

Nov.1, 2020 -Jan. 16, 2021

TEACHER:  Gyamfi Gyamerah

Gyamfi Gyamerah, a student and teacher of the tradition of African drumming will be teaching one youth class and one adult class Nov. 1-Jan. 16.  The classes will culminate in a video recorded performance for broadcast on MLK Day on Ch. 5. Participation optional in the performance. Students will learn Alkebulan (African) drumming and community culture to persons in the Yellow Springs area.  Students will learn how to speak to the community via these rhythms.  Traditional west African and diaspora (e.g., Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba) rhythms will be taught.  

CLASSES ARE FREE thanks to a generous grant from the Yellow Springs Community Foundation and the help of the Yellow Springs Arts Council. 

The schedule is being firmed up, but if you are interested, please call or email Gyamfi Gyamerah at secular7498@gmail.com  or call 614-769-5133 to express your interest.

WHERE:  House of AUM (Brightlight Studio, the big room), 125 S. Walnut St., YS

WHEN:           Youth class 9&U   3-3:50 p.m. (arrive 2:50)

Adult Class            4:10-5 p.m. (arrive 4:00)

DATES

Thursdays – Nov.  5, 12, 19

Monday – Nov.  23

Thursdays – Dec. 10, 17,

Tuesdays – Dec. 22, 29 

Thursdays – Jan. 7, 14

Tuesday – Jan. 12

Saturday, Jan. 16 TBD – Recording session for Ch. 5 – MLK Day Program

COVID 19 Protocol, Rental Drums: Students will be required to wear masks, go directly to their chair (which will be at least 10 feet from another person) and to sanitize hands upon entry.   Rental drums (Djembi’s) available for $1 per class.

TEACHER/PROJECT COORDINATOR:  Gyamfi Gyamerah (retired) (prounounced “Jahm-feé Jahm-er-ah”).  Gyamfi has taught individual classes to youth and adults for over 10 years.  His most recent performance and teaching activities include: Member of the Thoissanne West African Dance Co., Columbus OH under the tutelage of Abdou Kounte, Senegalese Master Drummer (known internationally), regional performances (4 years).  Leader of Victory Drummers, the OSU James Cancer Center Survivors drumming group (4 years).  In Yellow Springs, just before COVID hit, Gyamfi taught the African Drumming class at the Senior Center and also organized the  YS Peace, Unity and Justice Drummers. Gyamfi’s father’s family is from Ghana (typical rhythms: che-che-koola; Caribbean derivatives are bomba and nyabinghi).  Gyamfi’s classes are taught with a secular/scholarly approach when discussing the use of rhythms.

Communication:  Feel free to call, text, email Gyamfi Gyamerah at any time with questions.  Parents/guardians are the point of contact for youth and parent/guardian contact and emergency contact numbers will be requested at the first class.  Teacher Gyamerah’s djeli (spokesperson)/coordinator is  Laura Curliss and you may receive emails regarding scheduling or reminders from lauracurliss@gmail.com.

Parents/guardians staying – we hope there is room for parents/guardians to stay to watch and listen, TBD, as we don’t yet know how much additional room will be left after spacing for students is accommodated.  There will be 8-12 students per class.