This spring, the Middle School welcomed instructors from the Homowo African Arts & Culture organization for a trimester of drumming, a yearly collaboration now in its ninth year.  Twelve students in Tab Waterman’s art class spent twelve weeks learning about the art of traditional drumming.  Volunteers Alex and Mark from Homowo met with students twice a week, bringing drums and their enthusiasm for the culture of Ghana.  The experience culminated in a drum circle performance for Open Meadow Middle School students and visitors, during which student performers demonstrated some of the rhythms that they have learned as well as each playing an improvised solo. 

This year’s class found the experience fun and a great change from their regular classroom routine.  In addition to learning about drumming, students spent time reading and learning about the culture of Ghana.  Randy and Josh, participating students, said that at first they thought the class would not be fun, but by the end they both enjoyed drumming so much that they wish that they had drums of their own to play at home.  Josh expressed that the drumming was great for stress relief and said if given the opportunity he would like to continue to learn and practice his drumming.  Harlem, another student, presented thank you cards made by the entire class to the Homowo volunteers before the performance. 

The volunteers from Homowo said that they were particularly proud of this year’s class.  Alex, inspired to volunteer and drum by his father, a master drummer, said that the students this year were the best class he’s had so far.  He said their great listening skills and patience made them a pleasure to work with. 

Open Meadow would like to thank Alex and Mark, and the volunteers of Homowo African Arts & Culture for once again bringing Ghanaian drumming to the middle school and greater community.  You can learn more about the classes and performances offered at Homowo on their website.