IN THE BEGINNING - WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Written by Greg Whitt Friday, 26 June 2009 00:00

UNC-G Extension Eduction offers a traveling summer program each year called the All Arts & Sciences (+ Technology) Camp.  This is where I first met the djembe!

Back in 2001 I first heard the call of the drum while I was an event planner at NC State University. One of my camps was the All Arts & Sciences program from UNC-G. Bob Prout throws a tremendous traveling road show that hits Greenboro, NC State, and William & Mary. On Friday morning at camp, they conclude with the All-Arts, Sciences & Technology Camp Festival. Parents are encouraged to attend the festivities, which begin with an Olympic-style parade. A slide show of the week's activities follows the parade. Following the slide show, parents will have the opportunity to see their children's work and meet the instructors. The first year I worked with their program, a djembe drummer lead the parade. I was so inspired that I joined the parade and followed it to the end. I finally asked the drummer what he was playing and how he got started. I spent six months trying to find lessons, took six weeks of classes, and I was hooked. The only problem was there was no-one to play with! So, I posted flyers in coffee shops, used book stores, and the local music retailers. Twelve people showed up for the first meeting of the World Percussion Club that eventually became the Raleigh Drum Circle. Each year since then I’ve led that parade with a drum of my own. Today is one of those days. It takes me back to the beginning, back to basics, back to my roots, to the place where I first discovered the drummer within me. It’s a beautiful and humbling thing to give back to the group where it all started for me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity of discovery and change that has so profoundly affected my life!