West African Drums

F.AVE music teacher Nick Brooks wanted to bring World Music Drumming curriculum to his fourth and fifth grade students to give them an opportunity to play non-Western instruments. With a DEF grant, he purchased a collection of djembe and dundun drums that are portable, making it easy for the students to perform in the community to showcase their progress, as well as promote the appreciation of other cultures. The curriculum incorporates the music from West Africa, the Caribbean and South American countries that is taught in an African model of teaching through demonstration, imitation and repetition. Mr. Brooks has also organized an African Drumming Ensemble that meets in the mornings before school.