African Drumming with Kindergarten and Grade One Students

A Djembe  (left) and a Tar Drum (right)

The One World Drum Co. will be working Kindergarten and Grade One students from February 5-9, exploring the sounds and culture of West Africa!

Today, students learned about two different drums.  First, our instructor Roger played an Elephant song for us a finger drum called a Tar from North Africa.  We noticed that the frame of the drum used only a little bit of wood, and decided that it must be made in a desert where there are not many trees.  As well, the desert people were traditionally nomadic, constantly traveling in search of food and water, so these drums were also very light-weight for easy transport.  

Then the students examined and played the Djembes in front of them, made with a lot of wood and very heavy.  These drums are from the rain forests of West Africa where wood is plentiful and communities can settle in one place.  We sure can learn a lot about a community by examining the drums they play!

NOTE:

On February 8^th – 9^th, parents and caregivers are invited to join us for a sharing of the student’s work from the week.  Families are encouraged to attend the class that their child(ren) is in.  The schedule is:

Thursday, February 8th				Friday, February 9th
Time	Grade	Teacher		Time	Grade	Teacher
9:10	K	Ms. Mercer AM		9:10	1	Ms. Daniels
9:40	K	Ms. Power AM		9:45	1	Mr. Pereira
				10:20	1	Ms. Plaxin
1:00	K	Ms. Power PM		10:55	1	Ms. Quesnel
1:30	K	Ms. Dixon PM		11:30	1	Ms. Cook
2:00	K	Ms. Mercer PM		12:05	1	Ms. MacDonald

We are very grateful to the Royal Oak School Council and the Parent Fundraising Committee who provided the funding for this residency.  We know that our students are in for an exciting week of drumming and music instruction!