Led by Kofi Donkor, Sankofa Drum Circle will take students on a journey through the rhythmic and oral tradition of West African drumming and culture. Sankofa means “going back to the roots” in the Twi language from Ghana. The spirit of Sankofa, and this class, is to promote personal and community awareness through this art form steeped in West African cultural values and tradition.
Students will explore the rhythmic patterns and meaning of traditional west African drumming and story. We will use this form to create a bridge to our contemporary understanding of ensemble hand drumming and strengthen ties in our own communities.
Students who come as strangers are guaranteed to leave as life-long friends with a shared passion for this form of musical expression!
**
Semester Information
The class is appropriate for ages 12+ & adults.
Class Overview
Kofi will teach students the basics of hand drumming from breathing, positioning to perfecting bass tones, high tones and slap tones. Students will learn to lead the circle and be led, regardless of their knowledge of drumming. All drums will be provided but students are encouraged to bring their own if they would like!
Kofi uses African call and response technique with singing, improvisation and storytelling developed over the many years of his global teaching practice. This technique and skills-building is interspersed with lessons about the history and culture of African Drumming in a four part polyrhythm called Kpanlogo from his native land Ghana, West Africa.
Summer 2024 Dates:
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30
Wednesday, July 31
Thursday, August 1
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM—NEW LOCATION!
Hastings Public Library
Orr Room (lower level, but please enter through main entrance)
7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY
*Class ends promptly by 7pm; please arrange for pickup of students by 6:50pm.
Fees & Registration
Tuition & Fees:
• Class fee – $140
• Registration fee – $10
Please reach out to Claudia Knafo at musicprogram@riverarts.org for more infomation.
