From the Diversity Committee

On Saturday April 22, WHMS community members from all levels, their parents, friends, and family joined the Diversity Committee for a night out at The Egg.

Our group of 40+ enjoyed an evening with Savion Glover and ORCHeST’DaNCE RA, where we were treated to the premier of a brand-new piece. With both scripted word and improvisational dance and music, we were taken on a journey through Savion’s career. We were given a peek inside Harlem’s famous Hoofers Club, the importance of it, and the incredibly talented Black tappers who supported, inspired and challenged each other there. The piece was meant to not only engage the audience, and highlight the incredible talent of the performers, but also to raise awareness about mental health.

A great time was had by all - “So good!!!” “Such an incredible experience!” “Our kids are young but they were standing and moving to the performance!” “Stunning evening” “Wow, that was amazing!!!”

As if the evening wasn’t exciting enough, Micah, from Stephanie and Naomi’s class was called on stage for a chat with Savion, during the post-performance talk.

We have heard African drums used in many of our WHMS performances. The drum typically used is Tjembe. But have you wondered what other types of drums are commonly used in Africa and what they sound like?

On this website, you can see and hear the sounds of some of the most popular African drums: Djembe, Udu, Bowl (Kettle), Bata, Log, Ewe, Atsimevu, Kids, and Talking Drums.

Brief descriptions on their origins accompany each instrument.