Bedford Djembe Group

High energy African drumming and song

At last there is now an African drumming group in Bedford, where you can learn traditional djembe and dun dun rhythms from West Africa and sing the joyous songs they accompany.

Here you can see some of us performing in December 2009 as part of a Bedfordshire Music showcase concert.

Location

We had originally been playing at Elstow Bunyan Chapel on Fridays, but from 16th June 2009 onwards we meet at 7pm on Tuesday evenings in The Arena Building at Bedford College, close to the town centre south of the river. Here's a map, where letter 'A' marks the college campus on Cauldwell Street (near MK42 9AH) which is a one-way system just before the bridge leading into town (St. Mary's Street). Turn left off Cauldwell Street into the college, and then turn immediately right at the mini-roundabout into the car park. You can either park in the front car park or go through the barrier into the rear car park. The Arena building is directly east of this front car park adjacent to Cauldwell Street. If coming by car, you will need to pay £1 to park in the car park, even after 7pm, or face being clamped/fined by trigger-happy attendants right up to 10pm unfortunately. Sorry but this is out of our control. Alternatively, share lifts or use public transport since buses stop nearby.

On arrival, go into the lobby and press the buzzer so we can let you in (keep buzzing if nobody comes and you can hear drumming). Also, if ever you turn up and we're not in the main hall, we'll be in the library which is just next to the kitchen (turn left on entering the Arena Building).

Times

Yes, the sessions will carry on all throughout the summer holidays! Any weeks where the class is not happening will be announced here and also on our (low-traffic) mailing list, so sign up for updates by sending me an email if you want to be kept informed. Here's a printable flyer if you have a noticeboard to publicise the sessions.

All Tuesday evening sessions start at 7pm and end at 10pm. Complete beginners who've never played a drum before need to arrive at 7pm for briefing on the basic techniques, and can stay until the break from 8:50pm-9pm. They are welcome to join us any week, although private tuition beforehand is always beneficial, either one-to-one or in small groups. Other newcomers and Improvers might wish to stay on for longer until they feel like they're getting out of their depth or their head is full! Intermediate/Advanced players may come for the whole session (better value, since the cost is the same regardless), but should arrive before 8pm to avoid missing out on learning new rhythms.

Levels

The sessions are structured so that everyone gets some focus on their level of playing ability. If you're not sure which category would benefit you most, you can check your level of playing. Our first quarter-hour (7pm-7:15pm) will cater for new Starters, then Beginners from 7:15pm-8pm, going slowly through simple parts for rhythms we'll play faster later on. Intermediate/Semi-Advanced players arrive before 8pm and ramp up the speed until 9pm and maybe Advanced players will take it to the next level again for the last hour, depending on who is present. We'll pause for a short break just before 9pm to chat, after which Beginners depart. Intermediates are welcome to stay until the end but may be given easier parts to play than the Advanced players. This is only a rough outline, and will all depend on how unstoppably we get locked into a particularly enjoyable groove :-)

As long as they are keen players and can behave maturely, older children aged 11 and above are welcome, accompanied by a parent. If there is sufficient demand I may start a group for younger children aged 7-10, since some of you have expressed interest.

Cost

£7 for Newcomers/Starters/Beginners/Level 1 players (2 hours)
£8 for Intermediate/(Semi-)Advanced/Level 2/Level 3 players (3 hours, but no cheaper if you come for less time)

This cost includes use of dun duns; djembe hire is £1 extra; let me know in advance so I know to bring a spare drum for you, or just turn up if you have your own.

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