Drum on the Djembe

Before it's time to head home for turkey and cranberry sauce, the Department of Music will present a performance of the Djembe Ensemble--Duke's West African drumming group--with special guests including an Afro-Cuban drumming ensemble. The djembe class for beginning djembe students will also perform as a prelude. The show is in the Nelson Music Room in East Duke at 8pm Tuesday and will feature both students and professionals.

The djembe is a drum that originated from different African tribes in Senegal and Guinea and is traditionally accompanied with song. At the performance Tuesday, there will also be a singer accompanying the group. Sophomore Elisabeth Ferlic is a member of the djembe class and said the music of the drums "picks you up and you're taken up into it when the rhythm is perfect. But it takes a lot of work to get to that point."

The director of the Djembe Ensemble and class, Bradley Simmons, demands respect for the drum and the art. There are set rhythms and songs that each have a specific meaning, and it is important to understand the music the djembe creates.

Often times events like this are overlooked by the Duke community, but this is an event that should not be missed.