3 Day Drum Building and Playing

I'm thinking about holding this workshop once a year, I've had great success in the past and believe that a yearly workshop will give those who are out of town time to plan for this. I haven't decided on a time/date yet, and am happy to hear considerations of all those who are interested. Let me know your thoughts and I'll get something put together in the near future

Workshop Description:
This intense drum building workshop is for those who want to learn how to finish a drum shell, head it, and tune it up. We cover everything from hide preparation to shaping the bearing edge to traditional tuning techniques. Drums are often spiritual vessels and this is the perfect way to connect with your drum. The last day of the workshop we offer an intro lesson into West African drumming where we will learn technique and play a traditional rhythm as a group. Drinks and snacks provided.
Friday evening will consist of picking out your shell, skin, rope, and fabric. Introductions, Q&A, and maybe some drumming (we have lots of drums to play with). Saturday we will be leveling and shaping the bearing edge, cleaning and oiling the drum shell and wrapping the rings in fabric, knotting them and roping up the drum in a traditional West African method. Shew... that's a lot to say. Be prepared to come and work... it's not easy, but the reward of building your own drum is huge.
Saturday evening we will soak our skins, and mount them to the drums This isn't as much to type, but this is an intense and a critical part of the workshop. Getting the head on right involves keeping the top rings level, getting the correct amount of tension, and shaving the hide after it's mounted. Remember that myself and sometimes a friend that knows what's going on will be there to instruct you and push you in the right direction. We are here to answer any questions and help when you get stuck. The skins will dry out overnight.
Sunday we will inspect the drums and remind ourselves of the beautiful handiwork we are capable of. We will pull the vertical ropes tighter and then tune the drums using the traditional method often referred to as the Mali Weave, or pulling diamonds.
When all our drums are tuned up nice and tight, I will give an intro lesson on technique, history, and be available for any questions.
Sunday afternoon will be no more drum building (you will be thankful). Just playing. We'll have some time to put a rhythm together with a full ensemble so we aren't just drumming, we're playing music from West Africa with a specific meaning. This is a great way to bond with your new drum (as if the sweat wasn't enough).
You will go home with an excellent drum and the tools to build on your drumming adventures.

Space to this workshop is limited to 8 people, so sign up soon if you are interested. 100% refund of deposit for cancellation until one week before the workshop, after which a 50% refund until the day of the workshop. Anything canceled the day of will not be refunded. Contact us for group rates or larger parties. Deposit for the workshop is 100.00 and the remaining amount is due the day of the workshop and can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. See below for a price list.
For more information or to sign up for this workshop or any future workshops, contact Kevin Brown at 704-685-1952.
If you are interested in any of the RHD series drums for the workshop, I'll need at least 2 weeks prior notice so I can prepare the shell.

Complete Workshop Prices:
Ivory Coast djembe - 395.00
Guinea or Mali djembe - 575.00
Vegan djembe - 425.00
RHD Walnut Ashiko - 300.00
RHD Walnut Kenkeni - 325.00
RHD Walnut Sangban - 400.00
RHD Walnut Dununba - 500.00