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PostPosted: Sun Nov 10, 2002 4:06 am
by Anthony Martin
I wanted to know if anyone knew of any percussion playing ensembles in the D.C. Metro area? Or possibly starting one?

I'm open to suggestions and as well as all styles of Afro-Cuban music.

???

PostPosted: Mon Nov 11, 2002 2:10 pm
by 120decibels
Anthony,

I live in D.C. (well, in suburban Maryland). There are lots of opportunities to play. Drop me an email and we can either talk about it our email back and forth.

I don't think there are a lot of percussion ensembles, but you can get involved in lots of drum circles if you're interested in that. Also, there are some african teacher-run groups that perfoem on a periodic basis. If you're into Djembe, I can point you in that direction, too.

I've been thinking of trying to put together a percussion group in the area. If nothing else, I could facilitate it. Get in contact with me if you're interested.

dakota120@aol.com

Zach

PostPosted: Tue Nov 26, 2002 1:24 am
by KingKongas
I just found this post! I'm in the DC area and am currently in a percussion class which is mostly Afro-Cuban at Catholic U in DC.

I'd be interested in hearing from either/both of you!

PostPosted: Tue Nov 26, 2002 7:00 pm
by 120decibels
OK. Here are some suggestions:

1.) Jaqui MacMillan, a friend and superb musician, runs a number of drumming workshops, drum circles, etc. in the D.C. area. Her web site is http://users.erols.com/jaqui/ I highly recommend her Villiage Tree Drum Circle. If you go to one of those, you'll probably see me. She plays djembe, and most of her workshops are geared toward African drumming.

2.) There are many teachers in the area (including me) that teach group and private lessons. Drop me an email if you're interested.

3.) If you interested in getting an ensemble or drum circle together from scratch, get in touch with me. Like I said, I'd be happy to participate or facilitate.

KingKongas, who teaches your class?

Zach

PostPosted: Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:11 pm
by tamboricua
Are you guys aware of the Latin American Folk Institute?

http://www.lafi.org

They have some Afrocuban drum and song classes, as well as some ensembles. Some other names that come to mind in the DC area;

David Font
Steve Bloom-Havana Select
Mark Merella
Mark Corrales-owner of the batadrums.com web site.

All this cats are very deep in the Afrocuban tradition.

Hope this helps!

Saludos, Jorge Ginorio

http://www.rhythmweb.com/jorge

PostPosted: Wed Nov 27, 2002 2:37 pm
by 120decibels
I was aware of the lafi. I met Mark Marella a week or so ago. He plays bata, timbales, chekere, and others with my teacher, Sam Turner, quite a bit.

Thanks Jorge!

Zach

PostPosted: Thu Nov 28, 2002 3:58 am
by KingKongas
I have a percussion ensemble concert on Dec. 8 @ 1:30PM at Catholic U. I'd love for you and anybody out there to come. Give me feedback... whatever....

Lemme know...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2002 12:51 am
by KingKongas
Hey 120... Sorry I overlooked this part of your post.... Luis Garay teaches the class at Catholic U.

I have heard of LAFI too and was wondering what kind of format the teaching is based on? Is it a loose, informal class or more strict and music-oriented?

I did check out the Jaqui McMillan site and would like to make it there one of these days. Also would like to explore learning under some local teacher in the area. Sam Turner is a name that I've heard of and would like to know more info on.

Anybody in the DC are coming to the percussion ensemble concert?