Djembe Drumming Class

Service Description

Discover the vibrant rhythms of West Africa through a beginner friendly dynamic African Drum class. Drum rental is an additional $30 for to use a drum for the full 6 weeks. Prerequisites: Ability to understand the concept of rhythm and tempo A basic level of physical fitness and mobility using your hands and arms to play the drum. Ability to follow 2-3 step instructions Willingness to learn! No prior drumming experience required. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Michael Canty is a Columbia native and West African percussion enthusiast. His interest in music began at a young age, learning various instruments and genres of sound. As a young adult, Michael became deeply entranced in the rhythms of Africa, and West Africa specifically. This fascination coincided with his personal ancestral story and elevated his commitment to understanding the essence of the drum. Under the mentorship of Djembefolas (Master Drummers), Amara Camara and Ibrahima Dioubate of Conakry, Guinea, West Africa, Michael studied numerous techniques and performance styles which he enjoys exhibiting today. Currently, he is involved with many performance groups including Gye Nyame Dance Ensemble, Cultural Expressions, Libations, Jass Dog, and Namu Drum Company.

Cancellation Policy

SCHEDULING: Akoma Cares reserves the right to cancel classes, activities, and events and provide a full refund when minimum requirements are not met. PAYMENT AND CANCELLATIONS: Payment is due in full before the membership is active. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to class size limits. No refunds will be given for missed classes, activities, and events. COVID LIABILITY WAIVER: By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I or my children may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending an Akoma Cares event, activity and/or class. Such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the aforementioned event, activity and/or class may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, employees and other participants. I knowingly and freely assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with my attendance at an Akoma Cares event, class, and/or activity. (“Claims”). If I or my children are presenting any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 or if any of the following applies: 1. Fever, Shortness of Breath, Loss of Sense, Taste or Smell, Dry Cough, Runny Nose, Sore Throat. 2. Exposure, to your knowledge, to the COVID-19 virus. 3. Within the last 14 days, traveled outside of the country, I, the guardian must notify Akoma Cares immediately and refrain from attending an event, class and/or activity for 10 days starting from the date of incidences numbered above. PHOTO, VIDEO OR OTHER RECORDING CONSENT: By signing this form the parent/guardian gives consent to Akoma Cares to use images or filmed footage of events, activities and/or classes in printed materials or on the web for the purposes of promoting Akoma Cares events, activities and/or classes. Please note there is no compensation for the use of your child’s likeness in any of our materials. MEDICAL CONSENT: By signing this form the parent/guardian/student permits for medical treatment to be administered to the student by a qualified medical professional in the event of an emergency.

Contact Details

• Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, USA

  akomacares@akomacares.org