During my sabbatical for the 2017-18 academic year, I vowed to take advantage of the additional available time to do things I “always wished I was able to do.”

One of those things was to learn more about drumming. I discovered the Women’s Drum Center (www.womensdrumcenter.org) in St. Paul, where classes are offered ad hoc. It is a stimulating, welcoming, and encouraging environment, and I have truly enjoyed participating and learning.

Pre-concert Demonstration: Avoiding the rain and drawing people in

On Saturday, 9 June, they presented a concert and silent auction to promote the organization.  I participated in a pre-concert demonstration outdoors (right), and in two numbers during the concert (video, above).

These two numbers by my group “grooveHeart,” which is led by Marisa Cuneo-Linsly, were titled “Daoo with a bit of Shazaam.” The description in the program says, “Written by Alyse Emanuel, DAOO has influences from Mozambique rhythms. Shazaam, written by Kari Kjome, features elements of Brazil, Ghana, and funk. It demonstrates that music can be made without expensive instruments.”

I had a blast, and I’m happy to be able to share this sample with you.