The Communities of Learning, Fall ’06 Employing Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“When you drum alone, you make a beat, but when you drum together, you make a song.”

Ryan Remchuk, Sp. ’06 COL student

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“At first, it was very quiet. I think it was quiet because not everyone knew each other and it was early. But once we started playing the drums and learning songs, some of us woke up. It was a good experience. Depending on others to make a beat to fit in the first beat was complicated because they might do the beat that you were going to do or not make it fit. But it worked out fine. I had fun”.Jennifer H.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

Djembes are traditional African drums with a resonant voice and wide range of tones.

Connie Ralston, (far left) who drums with the group Beliza, is teaching the COL participants a beat.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“I was very impressed with how the instructor explained how to use each type of drum. I never knew there were so many. I'm glad I participated in this activity. That was what I called a "hands on" learning expierence.”Sean J.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“I thought the drumming experience was fun and exciting. It was different and very interesting to learn about the different types of drums that come from around the world. They all had different sounds and were made differently. I thought it was fun to collaborate together as a group and see other people trying to play the drums. . . I look forward to having another experience like that. Its interesting to see that people can all work together to make such a beautiful sound!”Jessica W. (second from left)

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“I believe the drumming workshop was a great experience. I have learned about many drums that were created throughout the world. Ms. Connie taught us about the different shapes and how to make music with the instruments. I have learned how to work as a team. Even though it was a fun experience, we learned a lot.”Sharon D.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“On September 11th, 2006 the Communities of Learning went to the auditorium to learn about various African drums, their origins, and the meaning behind drumming. We all sat in a large circle. Toward the end, we all got to pick a drum and experience its sound. We came up with several beats. Once it was time for a new beat, we passed the drums to our left. The message of the workshop was we all must work together to achieve one sound or goal.”

Le’Shania B.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“My experience during the drumming exercise went very well. It taught me a lot. I learned to collaborate and to work together to create a beat with others. I liked the whole drumming experience because it was very fun. I’ve seen people play drums with drum sticks in parades and bands, but I’ve never seen someone play the drums by hand. I only saw it on television. Learning the different types of drums was also new to me. I didn’t know that they had a name for each one. Overall, I really enjoyed myself and I learned a lot.” La’Daleia C.

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“At the drumming workshop, I learned how to play four different drums while singing the African songs that we were taught. We were shown how to introduce our portion of the music to be played within the group without being overpowering, as well as how to ease out of the group, in order to have the music still have a nice tune to it. We were shown that when you do an activity such as this one, if you shy away, adding very little to the group, you will be over powered by others. You will be unheard, and unnoticed. On the other hand, if you are overpowering, you tend to drown out others who may be able to contribute something meaningful with a beautiful sound. In this activity - as well as in college and life, we all need to contribute our share to be seen and heard. Yet at the same time, we need to listen to and work with others, to create one meaningful end result.”Sally W. (foreground)

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“I went to a drumming workshop. The instructor was Ms. Connie. She was very entertaining and gave us a lot of information about all the drums she had collected over 15 years. It was a different experience for me because I have never been to anything like that. She did teach us some songs including the words. I think that the most fun out of all would have to be when we went around the circle and got to add a beat in to make our own song. I had a really wonderful experience and the time of my life!!!”

• Katie W. (6th from left, next to pink shirt)

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

“Successful students employ interdependence, building mutually supportive relationships that help them achieve their goals and dreams, while helping others to do the same.”

Skip Downing, author, On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life

Interdependence: The Drumming Workshop

TNCC, Fall 2006 Communities of Learning Drumming Workshop