West African Drumming

1
West African Drumming
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History of Drumming

• Evidence suggests that Slit African drums were
  used by the stone-age inhabitants of the region
  several thousand years ago.
• Drums were and still are used for communication,
  ritual, and entertainment.

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Drum Ensemble

• Instruments usually include drums in a variety of
  sizes and types as well as bells and rattles.
• West African drumming frequently begins with a
  time line played by one or more bells (single or
  double).
• The time line is a rhythm that may remain
  constant throughout the piece, or it may change
  to a different pattern.

4
Master Drummer

• Drum ensembles are often led by a master drummer
  who plays solos against the overlapping patterns.
  
• The master drummer leads the ensemble by playing
  signals that tell the other players to switch to
  a different section, change drum patterns, change
  the tempo, or end the piece.
• The master drummer also works with dancers to
  coordinate the dances and tempos.

5
Djembes
6
Congas
7
Talking Drum