The aim of the Senegalese drumming project is to broaden the access of pupils to more authentic instruments and music representative of different cultures.
In 2003, Wokingham purchased 30 djembe drums, which were specially made for us in Dakar, Senegal. These, along with four bass drums, were made available to schools in Wokingham.
Pupils from Local Authority schools have taken part in sessions with workshop leader Alicia Davies, a freelance musician. Alicia has been joined by other African musicians including drummers Bucarr Ndow, Landing Mané and Baba Koné, Kora player Doudou Cissoko and double bass player Davide Mantovani. Pupils learn different techniques for playing the African instruments and are then able to expand their work in their music lessons.
Since the project was launched in 2003, more than 2500 pupils from our schools have participated in Senegalese drumming workshops.
If you are interested in having the drums at your school and taking part in a workshop, please contact David Congdon.
