FROM WIKIPEDIA - THE TRADITIONAL GRIOT
A griot (/ˈɡri.oʊ/; French pronunciation: [ɡʁi.o]),
ali or jeli (djeli or djéli in French spelling) is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer,
poet and/or musician
A 21st CENTURY GRIOT
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A modern African griot entertains, performs, teaches, exhorts and indoctrinates in 21st century culture.
He is a teacher, an artist, messenger and entertainer.
He is a teacher, an artist, messenger and entertainer.
THE TEACHER
David loves to teach. For him, teaching is a way of contributing to the growth of others by passing on the knowledge he has been privileged to gain, and in turn, it contributes to his growth. Teaching brings David back to the fundamentals of his passion for music. It continually regenerates his thirst for joy.
Elementary school Residencies
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"I tell them that one of them will maybe run their country one day and when that happens, I want them to promise to make me Minister of Arts and Culture and then nobody will have to pay to drum, sing, dance, mime or do art of their choice."
DAVID |
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Parents and teachers are often astounded by what the children have been able to accomplish. David's skill and caring bring out their energy, and they work hard. David delivers many elementary Artist-in-Residence programs. Most last one week, during which he brings his drums and teaching to all classes working towards a final performance on Friday.
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Students perform confidently to a level they hadn't dreamt possible! The students, the school staff (who never forget...) and the family who come to watch are delighted. The approach is captivating, combined entertainment and education.
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"On Monday, we met for the first time. On Friday, I had many new friends."
DAVID |
high School Residencies
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"I ask them not to forget me because I will not forget them either".
DAVID |
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The teen Artist-in-Residence workshops are designed to mentor. For sure, they are always engaging and entertaining but they are much more than a passing show. Youth - the teens - are at a wonderful age to teach. They are seeking, hungry for learning. They thrive on David's music and on his fearless, forward, assertive manner. The design is deliberate and the youth are taught. Students drum and sing in choreographed sequences and/or dances. The residencies focus on drums but always with the ultimate objectives of developing rhythmic awareness, musicianship and artistic sense.
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Amongst it all, David gradually weaves in information and ideas about cultures - his culture, the students' cultures, and other cultures. David will often introduce art workshops in mask and instrument making, and brings displays of artifacts, tools, artwork, traditional instruments, clothing and textiles. The seeds are sown for an understanding of what David calls Cultural Universals - the ways of being which bind all people. Cultural Universals are what people do - with what they have - wherever they live - to express universal human needs and emotions.
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WORKSHOPS
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"My method of teaching is unique. We start simple and we grow. With a group of any size, we can be playing in unison within 15 minutes! When we start simple, people remember what they learned"
DAVID David's work always builds on fundamental elements. Every workshop starts with simple musical statements and builds to the level that the group is able to reach, given the skill with which they entered the workshop.
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"Drums speak. I teach people how to speak drums.
Each one has its own voice” DAVID Workshops often have 10 to 20 drumming students of varying levels. David starts the day by introducing patterns - first with the entire group in unison and gradually building towards parts. Students who have worked with David before and know the patterns find new insights by playing in combination. Students learning patterns for the first time find a supportive group.
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one on one or small group TEACHING
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"David gives private or semi-private instruction plus master classes to students ranging from beginner to professional. "
DAVID |
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African drumming is an aural tradition. There are no charted scores. For one on one or small group instruction, David teaches by demonstrating and playing with students until they learn and can play rhythms only by recognizing the name. The approach develops flexible drummers and singers
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whose musical skills and repertoire are fully internalized and ready to be called upon under any circumstance. For master classes with professionals, David emphasizes rhythm and flow in a way that may be new to the artists and is often enlightening.
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"I view teaching as artistic mentorship. All of us have an artist inside.”
DAVID |
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CHOIRS
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"In my country of origin, we all sing! We sing when joyful, we sing when sorrow comes, we sing when we play, we sing when we work. And so I love to hear people sing and I love to help them sing together from their hearts! "
DAVID Choir directors find huge value in working with David. He and his drum with their invincible rhythm bring energy, focus and drive to any choir performance. His leadership unifies the singers as they blend and build their voices to create wonderful sound!
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KANKURAN |
Kankuran Mask and images of Africa
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A skillful blend of traditional African songs, born in the hearts and souls of generations, sung and drummed with western saxophone, guitar, bass and keyboard.
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african skies
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Arrangements of traditional songs and compositions by David.
The title track shouts out the thunder of the drums and the cries of the wildlife when the rains arrive. |
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folk tales from africa
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A joyful adventure for children and adults alike. Three wonderful folk tales told by David. The musical background is played on the Kora, a 21-string West African harp-lute.
Learn ... How the cat got its purr! Why dogs sniff each other! and What happens when Monkey see, monkey do! |
African drum workshop - volume 1
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Volume 1: Introduction to Djembe is a masterful introduction to the djembe and to West African rhythms. Read about David's lifelong affair with the drum, about how to buy and care for the instrument, and about posture and hand-positions.
The book's content is based on 17 rhythms which are described in words, drummed by David on the accompanying CD, and charted into Western notation. All are played on the djembe tone and bass pitches. Practice exercises and tips are included to help Individual students and teachers working with groups to go forward. Future volumes will address the Slap pitch on the djembe and rhythms played on other West African drums. |
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glimpses of africa
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"I come from a culture where much is spoken and less is written. I share by speaking. When I speak of my country and my continent of origin, I speak of my love of language, my drums, my music, my travels and how much I have been honoured to learn from them. I do this to play my part in educating the children who will rise up and return the respect to the Earth which gives us all our life and balance."
DAVID |
Glimpses of Africa is a very special presentation developed by David and presented to thousands of students. It offers a window into Africa and the African Diaspora (USA, Caribbean and South American). The Glimpses of Africa program promotes a positive perspective on multi-culturalism.
WEDDINGS & Celebrations
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"I believe in celebrations. I have played at weddings and performed the marriage ceremony. It is a privilege for me to share their happiness!"
DAVID |
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A blend of words, drum, song and activity. Perfect for the day and the audience. Create a unique experience for a wedding, an anniversary, Open House for your new business, celebration of an award, or acknowledge your very special family, friends or co-workers. Work with David as he designs the musical program and the ambiance and the messages you want passed along.
SHOWS
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Thoroughly entertaining. The pace doesn’t drop, the energy holds, the experience lingers when the moment ends.
David often performs in the Canadian provinces of Alberta or British Columbia. He himself is lead vocalist, MC and drummer soloist. For evening performances in clubs, he will often assemble his band Domba and fill the stage with other musicians playing guitar, saxophone, drum, other brass or keyboard. For conferences or public celebrations such as Canada Day, he may bring only drummers. |
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CALL OF THE DRUM
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