Michele Smith practices African drumming with TCS sixth graders.
Yesterday, Chuck Cogliandro, a musician who has been studying, performing and teaching West African music for over 20 years, stopped by the music room to give some TCS sixth graders an African drumming lesson. The students are learning drumming to develop musicianship and community, but also because – it is FUN!
Chuck brought djembes and dunun drums for the students to practice on during class. These drums date back to the 13th century! There must be something magical about drumming when you consider that it has been so powerful in the African culture for so long.
TCS has a rich history of drumming through the music program and after-school enrichments. Talal, who leads our extended day bucket drumming ensemble, participated in the drum circle with us!
When Chuck isn’t hanging out with us in the music room, he leads performing groups and drum circles, is a recording artist and leads hundreds of workshops in schools, churches and other organizations. Chuck studied with many great artists from West Africa, and has traveled to Guinea with his friend and teacher Mohamed DaCosta.
Thanks for swinging by the music room, Chuck!
