Experience and References

Began Drumming at age nine - schooled primarily in the rudimental style. Took regular instruction at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY) during high school years.

Was introduced to the Djembe and began studying traditional West African Drumming and Dance in 1992.

Began making small rawhide hand-drums in 1993 - was able to start learning the Art of Djembe making and repair in 1999.

Have played both acoustic and electric Music with various bands in the Corning NY and Ithaca NY areas since 1993 (playing Jamband, Rock & Roll, Blues, and Stringband Music!) Have participated in African Drum and Dance performannces from 1994 through the present and Drummed for

In 1993 combined a Love of working (Playing!) with Children and the Love of Drumming and Dance by beginning to develop and present a variety of Rhythm-based workshops for Kids.

Over the years have had the Great Joy and Privilege of Drumming with Kids of all ages from preschoolers to college students and beyond - including those with developmental challenges and special needs.

Have Drummed at schools, malls, libraries, art camps, music festivals, outdoor community events and youth centers - for college groups, senior citizen groups, museum events and wellness retreats - also with at-risk teens in county detention and group homes.

Internationally-known Nigerian-born founder of the group *Drums of Passion!* (Baba was the first to bring traditional West African Drumming and Dance to the rest of the world in the 1950's!)

Senegalese Master Drummer and performing artist. Performed internationally with the National Ballets of Senegal, Guinea and Mali.

African Dance Instructor, Choreographer and performer.

Master Drummer and Director of *Magbana* NYC based African/Modern Drum and Dance ensemble.

Director and lead performer for *Kibolo Sougei!* a downstate NY traditional African Drum and Dance ensemble. Mimo previously spent 18 years with the National African Ballet.

Drummer and facilitator of “Rhythm for Life” workshops.

Nationally recognized Conga and Djembe performer and workshop facilitator.

Miniankan Master Drummer and Dancer, author of The Healing Drum.

Poet, Small Press Publisher, Oral Memoirist, Photographer


	Welcome! \| home About Make A Joyful Noise \| Make A Joyful Noise Programs \| Make A Joyful Noise Photos \| Experience and References \| Booking \| Contact Experience and References Began Drumming at age nine - schooled primarily in the rudimental style. Took regular instruction at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY) during high school years. Was introduced to the Djembe and began studying traditional West African Drumming and Dance in 1992. Began making small rawhide hand-drums in 1993 - was able to start learning the Art of Djembe making and repair in 1999. Have played both acoustic and electric Music with various bands in the Corning NY and Ithaca NY areas since 1993 (playing Jamband, Rock & Roll, Blues, and Stringband Music!) Have participated in African Drum and Dance performannces from 1994 through the present and Drummed for improvisational and modern dance groups. In 1993 combined a Love of working (Playing!) with Children and the Love of Drumming and Dance by beginning to develop and present a variety of Rhythm-based workshops for Kids. Over the years have had the Great Joy and Privilege of Drumming with Kids of all ages from preschoolers to college students and beyond - including those with developmental challenges and special needs. Have Drummed at schools, malls, libraries, art camps, music festivals, outdoor community events and youth centers - for college groups, senior citizen groups, museum events and wellness retreats - also with at-risk teens in county detention and group homes. Mentors Ruth and William Cahn Instructors at the Eastman School of Music* (Rochester NY) and Percussionists for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Babtunde Olatunji Internationally-known Nigerian-born founder of the group Drums of Passion!* (Baba was the first to bring traditional West African Drumming and Dance to the rest of the world in the 1950's!)** M'baye Rama Diagne Senegalese Master Drummer and performing artist. Performed internationally with the National Ballets of Senegal, Guinea and Mali.* Anisha Hassan African Dance Instructor, Choreographer and performer.* Michael Markus Master Drummer and Director of Magbana* NYC based African/Modern Drum and Dance ensemble. Mimo Camara Director and lead performer for Kibolo Sougei! a downstate NY traditional African Drum and Dance ensemble. Mimo previously spent 18 years with the National African Ballet.* Barry Bernstein Drummer and facilitator of “Rhythm for Life” workshops.* Nedy Arevalo Nationally recognized Conga and Djembe performer and workshop facilitator.* Yaya Diallo Miniankan Master Drummer and Dancer, author of* The Healing Drum. Professional References Peigi Cook Director Corning Children's Center Corning NY (607) 937-5502 X113 pcook@stny.rr.com Tony & Gwen Moretti Crow's Nest Artists 607-569-3724. crowsnestartists@gmail.com Michael Czarnecki Poet, Small Press Publisher, Oral Memoirist, Photographer 607-661-8777 poetguy@foothillspublishing.com Click above for Booking Make A Joyful Noise!