A free virtual program, the Youth Apprenticeship: African Drum Making Workshop program was sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs.
In Africa, the tradition of making drums was passed on from generation to generation. African artisans have learned to create drums by carving the trunks of trees and using vines as ropes. The program was virtual and freefor the audience target. Drum making kits were pre-packaged and available to participatant for pick-up. The designated pick-up location was Manga's administrative office.
The objectifs of this program which were for participants to gain knowledge of traditional African drum-making and be exposed to the process of building a drum did meet the expectations The participants were very interested in learning the process of making the drum. They worked diligently to build their own drum with the well explained instructions administered by Harun Black a pioneer of drum making in the Atlanta community . The participants enjoyed learning how to play some rhythms taught by artist Ibrahima Dioubate. Performances by participants and Manga ended the program beautifully.
Date: March 1- March 31, 2021 Class meetings: Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays Time: 4 to 6 p.m Grades: K - 12th grades and adults Planned schedule. Week one: Participants will join a drum-making demonstration to observe, and then will be guided to create a found-object drum using recycled materials. Week two: Participants will fabricate an authentic African drum as instructed by Master drum-makers Week three: Participants will work with Manga dance members and instructional percussionists to learn traditional African music and dance. Week four: Participants and Company members will perform.
