Summer 2009 Update & Photos!

YWDEP mentor Nancy Umanzor ‘05 shares a mid-summer update on the 2009 summer enrichment program.

This year’s YWDEP girls are really eager to get their hands on the djembe, kenkeni, sangban, and dununba drums! In each session that YWDEP 09 has had so far this summer, I’ve noticed that all the girls are intrigued and gravitate to all four of the ensemble drums. Having this diverse interest in all the types of drums we incorporate in YWDEP has become an essential part in playing as a unit. The girls get a chance to learn and practice technique on all these drums, which requires concentration and lots of patience, for example the rhythm Mendiani. With this particular rhythm they have demonstrated time and time again that they are motivated in learning all the different parts to each drum and take it to the stage. I know and believe that their knowledge and skill level will only grow throughout the program and I can’t wait to see the end result, which, will of course blow the audience away this coming September!