Africa alive with drums

THE sound of African drums filled the Beaconhills College junior campus last week – taking students deep into the jungles of Western Africa.
A total of 150 African drums pounded in unison as part of a drumming and dance session at the school as performers from Salaka Interactive Drumming demonstrated to students part of their culture.
Performing Arts head Wes Smith said the performers from Ghana brought 150 djembes (African drums) to the event, so all students from Prep through to year six had the chance to learn some simple African drum beats and chants.
He said students and staff loved getting up on stage to play a variety of drums and percussion instruments during the 50-minute concert, as well as trying their hand at some African dancing.
“The concert included a variety of African storytelling, dancing, singing – and lots of fun and laughter,” Mr Smith said.
“The students really enjoyed the cultural stories and learning about African language and terminology.
“They also gained a fantastic perspective into how drumming is used as a form of communication in more remote parts of the world, instead of using phones or computers.”