NE drummers put fingers to rhythm
by Ashley Smicker
ne news editor

NE Campus drummers are drumming to a different beat this semester in the music department with an African hand drumming class.
Taught by Warren Dewey, the class will perform Tuesday, Feb. 24, in College Hall, NCAB 1111, at 2 p.m.
The department’s regular 2 p. m. recital lab will feature music composed, arranged or influenced by African/African-American tradition.
The program will feature students of all levels; included will be spirituals arranged in the classical tradition, poetry readings and African hand drumming.
Dewey, a percussionist for years, wanted to share his knowledge with students. He said he wanted students to get attached to African drums and rhythm.
“Reality inspired me to teach this class, as did my love for rhythm,” he said.
African hand drumming rhythms are from western Africa.
African rhythm comes from different regions of Africa.
The drums the students use in class are authentic African instruments called djembe.
“This is a great class for people who want to take an elective,” Dewey said.
Gillian Kitchen said she took this class because she loves and enjoys playing the drums and she wants to broaden her horizons as a musician.
“It’s fun; it’s a rush to be in a drum circle,” she said.
Eric Estrada took the class because he has played drums for a while and wants to expand his knowledge as a percussionist.
Estrada enjoys the instruments and is glad to earn credit for the class.
Jenny Huff joined this class through a desire to be a percussion expert.
Huff also wanted to learn African/Cuban drumming techniques.
Dave Emerson has been playing hand drums for six years and said he wanted to learn new rhythms and meet other drummers.
Emerson has taken a couple of music classes at UNT and said he jumped at the chance to take another music class on NE Campus.
Emerson plans to move to Africa.
Alex Elfrink said he finds the class relaxing.
He has been playing music most his life and wanted to take private lesson; instead, he joined this class, which he said work out for the best.
The class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays 2-3:20 p.m., taught only on the NE Campus. Dewey hopes to continue with the program and offer the course again next semester.
Dewey said listeners are welcomed but cannot participate.