Drum beats

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor

 

Sarah Lyons is inviting you to try something new; to beat on a West African Djembe drum, in Kinsmen Park on July 11.

Lyons has her Bachelor degree in music and is the band director at Holy Cross Collegiate School.

“Djembe is a traditional West African drum on which hundreds of rhythms can be played. I want everyone to come out and get a taste of listening to it and try it for themselves,” said Lyons.

Although Lyons’ major was in clarinet, she became interested in the Djembe drums. Her teacher was Trudy Hipwell, who studied under Mamady Keita from Guinea.  Keita learned his art from an elder in his home in Balandougou, Guinea, where generations pass down the beats through oral tradition.  

Keita has competed in worldwide professional drumming competitions and later founded Sewa Beats, a company that teaches learning through rhythm and music. See a clip of Mamady Keita on You Tube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng6C-hMfAgc&feature=related

Lyons says her workshop will be a hands-on session to introduce the drums, and a more advanced session where a complete song will be learned. She said being able to read the music is not a pre-requisite and everyone should come out, have fun and learn.

The event is organized by the Hope Bridges Society. The society is hoping that by bringing arts to the community, it will foster meaningful relationships and change the perception of difference that includes belonging, inclusion, citizenship, and a stronger community. They are hoping everyone, including seniors, shut-ins and those with special needs turn out to enjoy the day together.

Their new Coordinator, Wanda Reinholdt, is looking forward to speaking to those interested in the workshops. Reinholdt is an actress and artist and mentors artists. She is excited to get to know the various artists in the community. She will be available to register those interested in the drumming sessions, if they call 403-983-3640. 

The introductory session is $10 and runs at 12 noon. It will last about 35 minutes. The second more advanced session is $25 and will be about one hour and 45 minutes. It runs at 7 p.m.

Hope Bridges is located in a new office in the old Home Hardware building across from Kinsmen Park. There will be a grand opening for the Hope Bridges office, later this year.