Kumandi Drums & Healing

2011 Calendar

September __________________________________________

--Late Summer greetings!

New group class series begins September 14th, 2011 in Candler Park

CURRENT CLASS: Candler Park Beginner class- Six Wednesdays

This long-running beginner class is held on Wednesday nights, 7-8:30pm, at the home of Dick and Jesse Bathrick in Candler Park. Thanks, as always, goes to Dick and his family for opening his newly renovated art studio to these classes. The house is just a few blocks from Little Five Points Central. I will send exact directions once you register. The new six-class beginner series will be held on Wednesday nights beginning September 14th and ending on October 26th, 2011 (no class October 5th.) Early registration deadline for this new series is September 12th: the course fee is $90 for six classes if postmarked by September 12th, after that date the fee is $105. Drop-in fee for any class is $20. Please send checks payable to "Kumandi Drums" to PO Box 003, Decatur GA, 30031-0003.

My classes are for anyone who is brand new to instrumental music, and has never played a drum or other instrument before, and is also for anyone who has played drums and wishes to gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of West African music. Appropriate West African drums for the classes are djembe, ashiko, and dunun. Basic approach to the drum, including sound technique, warmups, and hand balance, are covered, as well as beginner concepts such as the break, accompaniment rhythms, dunun playing, and hearing multiple interlocking phrases. These all lay the foundation for eventually being able to play one rhythm while hearing another, and to sing while playing. You can do it! Some rental drums are available to help you get started- please contact me ahead of class to request a rental drum.

You should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to do some easy movement. There will be some simple rhythmic stepping, chanting and clapping in some of the classes, to help us be in our bodies, connect in the energy of group rhythm and transcend the thinking mind. I also highly recommend you bring a notebook or tape recorder to help you remember and study the rhythms between classes. I will need seven students pre-paid for this series to make. Please send in your checks as soon as possible, to Kumandi Drums at the address below, if you want to make the commitment. Also visit www.kumandi.com, or call 404-577-6842 for more information.

New group class series begins September 29th, 2011 in Alpharetta

Alpharetta Beginner class- Thursdays

This class will continue after a great August/September series. It will be held in the Crabapple neighborhood, at the home of Wendy Courtade. Classes will be held on Thursday nights, 7:15-8:45pm. I will send exact directions once you register. This new six-class beginner series will be held on Thursday nights beginning September 29th and ending on November 10th, 2011 (NO CLASS October 6th.) The course fee is $100 for six classes. Drop-in fee for any class is $20. Please send checks payable to "Kumandi Drums" to PO Box 003, Decatur GA, 30031-0003, or use the 'Send Funds' option on Paypal and my email address chuck@kumandi.com. Some rental drums are available for the class.

Emerson Drummers- Tuesday nights in Marietta Always open to beginners and new members-

Last fall the Emerson Drummers began their 15th year together! This group was begun with members of the Emerson Unitarian Congregation, and has grown over the years with hundreds of beginner drummers passing through the group. It is not strictly a beginner class, but we do have brand new drummers regularly joining the group. The first hour has the teaching of at least one rhythm piece, and the second hour is more rehearsal of our performance pieces, in which everyone is invited to participate and learn on the fly. The group has a strong welcoming spirit and sense of community sharing. And with many experienced drummers taking part, you can really be lifted by the power of the rhythm. Emerson Unitarian Congregation, 7:30-9:30pm every Tuesday night, $15 per class or $45 per month if paid at first class. 2799 Holly Springs Road in Marietta, just north of Post Oak Tritt. Loaner drums and sale drums available by request at class. Call the church at 770-578-1533 or see www.emersonuu.org for directions.

NOTE: The listings in this calendar are provided as a service to those interested in drum and dance as well as world music, and are as accurate as I can make them at the time the calendar goes out. Always be sure to check with the instructor, performer or venue if there is any doubt about the accuracy of what you find here. If you wish to *subscribe* to receive this calendar automatically as an email, simply send a blank email to KumandiDrumsNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To *unsubscribe*, simply send a blank email to KumandiDrumsNewsletter-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

TOP OF PAGE