African Drumming: Embodied Contemplation

[http://www.cincyhive.org/membership/]Learn more about becoming a Hive member [https://www.cincyhive.org/membership] and open up a whole world of learning opportunities. Ni sewa tiyen, kantiyen, "Without music there is no joy, without joy there is no music."                                                                                                                  -- Malinke proverb African peoples created their traditional drum rhythms to bring people together and enhance unity in the community. Played for farmers in the field as they labor and for every type of celebration, from holidays to weddings to courtship dances, the djembe drum is known as “the healing drum,” bringing people together in unity, encouraging the well-being of the individual and society. As djembe Grandmaster Mamady Keita states, “if everyone played the djembe, there would be no war.” This course will explore playing, listening and performing traditional Malinke rhythms, as well as improvisational playing, as a vehicle for reducing stress, healing, enhancing unity and promoting contemplative practice. Seemed to me that drumming was the best way to get close to God. —Lionel Hampton Please bring your own drum. A djembe drum is preferred; however, you may also use a Nigerian Ashiko or conga drum, or any drum or percussion instrument you have, such as a shekere, rattle, bell or woodblock so you can play along during improvisation time. If you don't have a drum you can bring, please let The Hive know via email (Geralyn@cincyhive.org). Dr. Tanya Price is an anthropologist specializing in cultures of the African Diaspora. Tanya has traveled extensively around the world researching, participating in the cultures of various peoples, performing and studying African drumming with Masters in the tradition, including Mamady Keita.