Drum Fun with Many Positive Benefits

Andrea DiPalma Yansane
June 7, 2022

Many of you already know that drumming has many positive benefits, but just in case you don't, let's talk about all the ways! Some of the specific benefits of Alseny Yansane’s upcoming All-Levels African Drum 5 Week course is that you will be studying a music making skill with specific techniques that add up to so much more than just banging on a drum. This starts with the proper body posture. Good posture strengthens back and core muscles as well as contributes to increased self-confidence. Learning the proper positioning of your hands on the drum creates good drumming habits from the start to allow for longevity with the practice.

Participants will also learn about the cultural context of the rhythms being played to give a deeper sense of the rich culture from Guinea and appreciation of how life events in that part of the world are commemorated. Expanding your world view doesn’t only amplify the appreciation that you have for your situation here at home, but also allows your mind to travel in ways that your body may not be able to and helps quelle the feeling of being home bound.

Also, by committing to a 5-week course you are greatly increasing the potential for perceptible growth in the artform and improvement in areas of sound quality, fluidity, speed, and endurance. This continuity contributes to improved ability to focus on a specific drum part and a greater capacity to hold steady while drumming in a poly-rhythmic group setting. Additionally, the class is structured so that students can build on skills from previous classes while moving through the 5-lesson series. Alseny will review past material for reinforcement while introducing new rhythms and arrangements to keep things interesting.

Lastly, the benefits from drumming will continue to make a positive impact in your life even after the class has ended. Having a creative outlet that promotes relaxation, enjoyment, and self-expression is crucial for quality self-care, especially during challenging times or if you have a busy schedule. Numerous studies show that drumming helps relieve stress as well as lower high blood pressure and high levels of cortisol in the body which cause many aliments from rapid weight gain, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and anxiety, depression, and irritability. The tempering of these negative health effects boost positivity, energy levels, and immunity which are all things that we really need right now as we transition into warmer weather.

We hope that you can join us in drumming up positive health together in Alseny's All-Levels African Drum 5 Week course Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15 pm, October 24-November 28 at WACAI headquarters in the Bethel neighborhood, just a 5 minute drive from downtown Eugene (address disclosed upon registration/payment). Traditional hand-made drums are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Register today by contacting Andrea@WestAfricanCulturalArts.org or calling/texting 541.731.1278 and pay with 1 of the 2 methods detailed below (scroll down)!
Tuesdays, September 19-October 17
5:45-7:15 pm

$75 pre-paid (7.5 hours of instruction)
$60 pre-paid students w/ valid ID

or

Early Bird Discount-register by Tuesday, October 17 11:59 pm
$70 pre-paid (7.5 hours of instruction)
$55 pre-paid students w/ valid ID

1.     Choose to pay via Venmo or PayPal:

Venmo:          WestAfrican-CulturalArts

PayPal:           WestAfricanCulturalArts@gmail.com

2.     If this is your first time attending drum course email Andrea@WestAfricanCulturalArts.org or text/call 541.731.1278
first and last name of drum student
email address
phone number
indicate whether you would like to reserve a drum or not

Registrants will receive a confirmation email with details for getting oriented for the first class