On January 31, ChildrenSong hosted a workshop for area teachers called Drumming With the Djembe.

The workshop featured the musicians and dancers of the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Children and teachers learned about improvisation, movement, and percussion, with plenty of hands-on opportunities to experiment. The workshop was filmed by NJN Public Television and featured in a segment for NJEA’s Classroom Close-Up. The segment aired on February 23.

Some of the pieces performed by the group included:

• Bon ca
• Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona
• Okakomborerwa
• Si, Si, Si

The goal of the workshop was to give teachers some materials that they could take back to their music classroom, including songs, dances, and drumming techniques. The children found authentic experiences in African Music to help them prepare for their upcoming spring concert.