Drumming Series to Entertain, Educate and Enlighten

Using percussive traditions from around the world, the World Beat Music and Dance Ensemble, directed by Michael DiMartino, will lead a series of participatory drumming sessions at Smith College on the first three Sundays of April in Davis Ballroom.

The ensemble, whose performances have included events at the White House and the United Nations Earth Summit Conference, uses music and dance to teach not only about cultural diversity, but skills for self-expression, stress reduction and community building.

According to event organizer and Smith student Billy Macri, "participants are virtually always moved by the connection they gain from the power of the drum."

The first session-which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m., April 2, in Davis Ballroom-is a multi-instrumental program that includes Celtic, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern drumming styles.

The second session from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 9 will be an inclusive World Beat drum circle and individuals of all skill levels will be encouraged to join in. The first half of the program will focus on technique and the language of the drum and the second half on rhythm and improvisation. A number of drums and hand percussion instruments will be available.

The final two-hour session on April 16 begins at 7 p.m. with an inclusive drumming circle featuring students participants. It will build up to a session accompanied by the World Beat Ensemble.

All sessions are free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible. For more information, call or e-mail Billy Macri at 413/584-2147 or BillyMGM@aol.com.

March 29, 2000