Feel the beat

Students at Crone learn to play African drums

Students at Clifford Crone Middle School are marching to the beat of a different drum. Under the direction of teacher Karen Olsen, the Jammin' Jembes, a 15-member drum circle, are learning about percussion in a whole new way.

"Instead of making the printed music come to life, we work together to bring the feel of a particular beat to life," said Olsen, band teacher and instructor of the drum circle. "Djembes are traditionally used at community celebrations and ceremonies, and in the Jammin' Jembes, we stress the sense of community, which drumming can create."

A djembe is a skin-covered drum that originated in Africa. Meant to be played with bare hands, the goblet-shaped drum produces a wide range of tones.

And when director Karen Olsen tells her students to feel the beat, she means it literally. Instead of reading sheet music, members listen for Olsen's direction regarding beat and tone.

"In a traditional band, there is set music which must be played to the composer's specifications," said Olsen. "African drum music comes out of an aural tradition so students do not use written music, and the parts are more flexible and open to in-the-moment modification and improvisation."

Olsen said leading the Jammin' Jembes is very different from conducting a traditional band.

"We still strive for a good sense of time, good tone quality and good technique," said Olsen, "but there are many differences."

Sixth-grader Brendan Brackin finds the djembe to be a fun alternative to the traditional band.

"I have always liked the drums, but have never played them," said the 11-year-old, who plays coronet at Crone. "It's upbeat and lively, and just a fun group. My twin sister and two of my good friends play in it, too."

While it takes years to be a true expert on the djembe, Olsen said anyone, regardless of musical experience, can be a part of the Jammin' Jembes.

"A good sense of rhythm and beat makes for a good djembe player, but that is something which can be developed," Olsen said. "We have members who are involved in other branches of the Crone music department, but this is not a prerequisite. We welcome all students."

This is Trevor Sammeth's first year as a member of the drum circle. The eighth-grader has never played an instrument before, but after just one week, he is developing his musical talent.

"It is fun to play the African drums," Sammeth said. "I get to do something that I have never done before."