Tam Tam Mandingue (Austin Westside - Family University)

This hands-on course will introduce parents to West African Djembe drumming. Parents will learn about the djembe drum and the cultures from which it emanates. Hand technique for djembe drumming, stick technique for dunun drumming, in the context of traditional rhythms will be taught. Discussion topics include: Names of drums, Africa, the Malian Empire, King Sunjata, cultural/historical purpose of djembe rhythms, colonization, pre-colonization Africa, post-colonization Malian Empire areas, ethnic groups, languages, relevance of certain parts of West Africa as they relate to the United States. Maps of Africa and world maps will be used in explanations and discussion.