Hello lovers of rhythm!

Here is my Spring Into Summer Schedule:

Courtenay Recreation Register 250 338 5371

Drums Alive: Mondays, Apr 13 - Jun 22 (no class May 18 - this is not marked in the Rec Guide so please confirm at registration) Upper Native Sons Hall -- 12:15 - 1:15 pm

Intermediate African Drumming: Fridays, Apr 10 - Jun 19 (no classes Apr 17, May 15 & May 22) Upper Native Sons Hall -- 12 - 1:00 pm

Beyond Beginners African Drumming: Fridays, Apr 10 - Jun 19 (no classes Apr 17, May 15 & May 22) Upper Native Sons Hall -- 1:30 - 2:30 pm

NEW****

Intro to Frame Drumming: Fridays, Apr 10 - Jun 19 (no classes Apr 17, May 15 & May 22) Upper Native Sons Hall -- 2:45 - 3:45 pm (please register and order your frame drum for purchase ASAP; no extras available at class)

***in this class we use handheld drums similar to but NOT THE SAME AS indigenous frame drums, and we play with our hands not with beaters; the art of the frame drum has ancient roots and we will be playing in the style of Layne Redmond (for absolute beginners!)***

Royston Community Hall  Pre-register by emailing Monica (drumdeva@gmail.com)

Mondays, Apr 6 - Jun 15 (no class May 18)

Duns: 2:30 - 3:15 pm (experienced players only, or with permission of instructor)

Intermediate African Drumming: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

***June 22: SUMMER SOLSTICE potluck/jam/fundraiser--2:30 - 4:30 pm

Errington  register by contacting Kristine: stephenson@live.ca

*** Please note: Errington is currently in the middle of a session; new session doesn't begin until end of April --we run till Apr 21 with no class Apr 7 and a make up class Mar 31)***

NEW SESSION:

Tuesdays, Apr 28 - Jun 23 (no class May 19)

Beyond Beginners African Drumming 3:30 - 4:15 pm

Duns 4:30 - 5:00 pm (experienced only, of with permission of instructor)

Intermediate African Drumming 5:00 - 6:00 pm

***There will be a Beginners class facilitated by Dan Shadboldt starting in April as well! Please let me know if you'd like me to put you in touch with Dan :) ***

Little Qualicum Hall  pre-register by emailing Monica (drumdeva@gmail.com)

Thursdays, Apr 16 - Jun 11

Radiant Lotus Qigong for Women: 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

(this is an ongoing class; if you are interested in joining as a beginner, please contact instructor first)

"Sisterhood of the Drum" (Frame Drumming Sessions): 12:45 - 1:45 pm

(this is an ongoing class for women, following the ancient path of ancestral women frame drummers à la Layne Redmond, which includes stepping and chant along with playing both the frame and jingled frame drums -- if you are interested in joining as a beginner, please contact instructor first)

And mark your calendars (more info to follow):

July 17, 18 & 19: Marimba and Drum Camp with Robin Layne and Bobby Bovenzi -- this powerhouse duo has an incredible line up of rhythms to share with you!

In August (TBA): Drumming with Koca! Back by popular demand! Don't miss this opportunity to learn and "play" with master djembefola, my teacher and dear friend, Kocassale Dioubate!

In the spirit of rhythm,

Monica

 Hello rhythm tribe!

Here is my upcoming schedule for January - March 2026! Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions...

Courtenay: Native Sons Hall (register 250 338 5371)

Fridays, Jan 16 - Mar 27 (no class Feb 6, Feb 27)

Intermediate African Drumming: 12 - 1 pm (***please note that only students who are in dun class in Royston will be playing duns in this class***)

Beyond Beginners African Drumming: 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Beginners African Drumming (will likely not run due to low registration): 2:45 - 3:45 pm

******Current Beyond Beginners Drummers: Please register for Beyonds; you will hear from me via email if there will be changes to scheduling (ie if you should switch up a level).*******

Mondays, Jan 12 - Mar 23 (no class Feb 16)

Drums Alive for Every-Body: 12:15 - 1:15 pm (sorry this class is already full with a waitlist)

Royston Community Hall (pre-register through Monica via email)

Mondays, Jan 12 - Mar 23 (no class Feb 16)

Duns (experienced players or with permission of instructor): 2:30 - 3:15 pm

Intermediate African Drumming: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

***Tentative, depending on interest*** 

Wednesdays, Feb 4, 11 & 18

Introduction to Frame Drumming: Everyone Welcome - 2- 3 pm

Please email Monica ASAP to express interest; participants will be required to bring their own frame drum (recommended: REMO Fibreskyn 14" or 16" https://www.long-mcquade.com/46946/Drums/Hand-Frame-Drums/Remo/Frame-Drum-Fiberskyn-14-Inch.htm) ***Native American First Nations handheld frame drums intended to be played with beaters will likely not be appropriate for this class - check with Monica if unsure***

Errington Community Hall (register thru ACRA/Kristine: stephenson@live.ca)

Tuesdays, February 24 - April 21 (No class March 31 and  April 7)

***No Beginners session***

Beyond Beginners African Drumming: 3:30 - 4:15 pm

Duns (experienced players or with permission): 4:30 - 5:00 pm

Intermediate African Drumming: 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Little Qualicum Hall (pre-register through Monica):

Thursdays, Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12 (not 19, 26), Mar 5, 12, 19 (not 26)

Radiant Lotus Women's Qigong: "Rising" (for continuing students) - 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Sisterhood of the Frame Drum: 12:45 - 1:45 pm (***Jingled frame drum/tambourine will be incorporated; scheduling may change to lengthen class times - TBA via email) 

***Tentative depending on interest***  

Tuesdays, Jan 13 - Feb 17 

Radiant Lotus Women's Qigong: "Unfolding" (for beginners) - 11 - 12 noon 

That'll do I think ,

Warm winter wishes and a blessed Solstice to one and all,

see you in the new year...if not sooner!

Monica's Spring into Summer Drumming and Rhythm Events Schedule 2025

 Hello drumming and rhythm enthusiasts!

Here is my newest schedule of drum classes and rhythm events: March - June 2025.

Please register asap as some classes fill quickly. Hope to see you!

__________________________________________

COURTENAY RECREATION: register 250 338 5371

African Hand Drumming: April 11 - June 27 (no class Apr 18 & May 9) - all classes Upper Native Sons Hall

INTERMEDIATE DJEMBE : Fridays 12 noon - 1:00 pm

BEYOND BEGINNERS DJEMBE : Fridays 1:30 - 2:30 pm

BEGINNERS DJEMBE : Fridays 2:45 - 3:45 pm  *** If this class does not run due to low registration, all those registered will be contacted with other options.***

Drums Alive for Every-Body: Mar 31 - June 23 (no class Apr 21 & May 19)

Mondays, 12:15 - 1:15 pm ***This class fills very quickly!***

ERRINGTON: register with Kristine (stephenson@live.ca)

African Hand Drumming: Apr 1 - June 17 (no class Apr 22 & May 20) - all classes at the Errington Hall (*except beginners, see below)

BEYOND BEGINNERS : 3:00 - 3:45 pm

DUNS : 4:00 - 4:30 pm

INTERMEDIATE DJEMBE: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

**Trish is holding Beginners classes on MONDAYS, Apr 7 - June 9 (no class Apr 21 & May 19) in the small hall, 3:00 - 3:45 pm **

ROYSTON: email me to confirm your spot

African Hand Drumming: Mar 31 - June 16 (no class Apr 21 & May 19) - all classes at the Royston Community Hall

DUNS (advanced - or with permission): 2:30 - 3:15 pm

INTERMEDIATE DJEMBE: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

BRADLEY CENTRE, COOMBS: register through thebradleycentre.com

Drums Alive: Apr 9, 16, 30, May 7, 14, 28, June 4, 11, 18 & 25

Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm (participants must bring their own exercise ball)

RADIANT LOTUS WOMEN'S QIGONG: please email me if you are interested

Tentative dates: 

INTRODUCTION TO RLWQ  April 10

7 CLASS SESSION Apr 24, May 1, 8, 15, 29, June 5 & 12

Thursdays, time and venue TBA (venue will be in the Oceanside/Qualicum area)

SUMMER SOLSTICE DRUM CIRCLE/POTLUCK/FUNDRAISER

JUNE 19, 4 - 6 pm

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS WITH BOBBY BOVENZI and ROBIN LAYNE!

AUGUST 16 - 17 at the Royston Hall: Stay tuned!

And check out https://www.jamcamp.org/2025-camps -- you might find something you like! ;)

In the spirit of rhythm,

Monica

Hello Drumming and Rhythm Enthusiasts! 

Back from my cross Canada road trip and eager to get back to drumming with all of you, albeit starting a little later this fall! 

Here's my schedule:  

COURTENAY, Native Sons Hall 

Register: 250 338 5371 

Intermediate African Drumming 

Fridays 12 noon - 1 pm, October 4 - December 13 

**please note we are downstairs in the Native Sons on Oct 11, Nov 22 & Dec 6 (park and enter from the back) 

NB Registration is low - which almost never happens! Please register asap! 

Beyond Beginners African Drumming 

Fridays 1:30 - 2:30 pm, October 4 - December 13 

**please note we are downstairs in the Native Sons on Oct 11, Nov 22 & Dec 6 (park and enter from the back) 

NB We are ON! :) 

Beginners African Drumming 

Fridays 2:45 - 3:45 pm Oct 11 - Dec 13 

**please note we are downstairs in the Native Sons on Oct 11, Nov 22 & Dec 6 (park and enter from the back) 

NB This class will run only with minimum registration met; so far there are not enough registrants....if you know anyone who would benefit from the joy of drumming in community, please pass along this info! 

Drums Alive for Every-Body 

Mondays 12:15 - 1:15 pm Oct 21 - Dec 16 (no class Nov 11) 

NB This class is FULL :) Please get yourself on the waitlist! __________________________________________________ 

ROYSTON, Royston Community Hall 

Register at the door, first class. Email me FMI. 

Mondays, 2:30 - 4:30 pm Oct 21 - Dec 16th (no class Nov 11) 

Duns (not for beginners except with permission of instructor): 2:30 - 3:15 pm 

Intermediate African Drumming: 3:30 - 4:30 pm ____________________________________________________ 

ERRINGTON, Errington War Memorial Hall & Small Firehall

** Register with Kristine @ ACRA: stephenson@live.ca 

Tuesdays, 2:30 - 6:15 pm ** note time changes**, Oct 22 - Dec 17 (no class Nov 12) 

Beginners African Drumming 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Small Firehall (right next to the War Memorial Hall) 

Beyond Beginners African Drumming 3:30 - 4:15 pm in the Small Firehall (right next to the War Memorial Hall) 

Duns ( beginners only with permission of the instructor) 4:30 - 5:00 pm in the Small Firehall (right next to the War Memorial Hall) 

Intermediate African Drumming 5:15 - 6:15 pm in the LARGE HALL (Errington War Memorial Hall) 

NB Apparently renos are done at the big hall - but our regular booking was "stolen" LOL so for this session ONLY, we have to do the smaller hall next door until Intermediates. Please come in if you are early but be SILENT if class is still in session. Help moving duns over to the big hall (and for general set up of chairs, etc) would be greatly appreciated (from 5:00 - 5:15 pm) - cheers! _________________________________________________ 

BRADLEY CENTRE, 975 Shearme Rd. Coombs To register, use this link: https://form.jotform.com/242316587263258 

***NEW!*** DRUMS ALIVE Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm Oct 9 - Nov 27 (participants must bring their own exercise ball, inflated, preferably 65" or larger) ____________________________________________________ 

LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY HALL, Qualicum Bay 

To register and FMI, email me! There are only a few spots left in this course.... 

**NEW!** Radiant Lotus Qigong for Women (RLWQ) 

Oct 17 (Intro class) through Nov 28, Thursdays 10 am - 11:15 am. 

If you are interested in the amazing practice of Radiant Lotus Qigong for Women, developed by renowned Qigong teacher Daisy Lee, which offers dynamic (yet extremely gentle) techniques for healing and empowerment, please let me know asap! The power of the Radiant Lotus Qigong Practice is in embodying how women can heal, nourish, and harmonize their bodies, emotions, and mind. Practicing or “playing” Qigong dissolves blockages in your flow of Qi, enabling your full life-force energy to move smoothly and radiate out into all aspects of your daily life. __________________________________________________ 

WINTER SOLSTICE DRUM CIRCLE/POTLUCK/FUNDRAISER As always, we will gather to drum together, share food together and spread love & joy through rhythm; we're into our 6th year of sending Mary Clare through school in Kenya through our fundraising efforts -- way to go, tribe! Stay tuned for details regarding date and venue; I'm trying to get us into the Errington War Memorial Hall this year..... _____________________________________________ 

In the spirit of rhythm, 

Monica

Winter Solstice Event

and

Monica’s 2024 schedule of drumming (so far J)

 

 

Hello drumming enthusiasts!

 

This year’s Winter Solstice Drum/Potluck/Fundraiser will be DEC 18^th from 4 – 6 pm at the Royston Hall (at the lights in Royston). Please bring a potluck dish to share (pre-cooked, we haven’t rented the kitchen) with anywhere from 15 – 40 people J (and your own plates & eating utensils) as well as any drums/rhythm instruments you may have! As always, family and friends are invited and there will be extra drums available for use. AND if you are feeling so inclined, we are once again raising funds for another year of schooling for our dear Mary Clare in Kenya! Please check emails before heading out – as always, this event is weather-dependent! OH: and have I mentioned how much I LOVE POTLUCKS?!?

 

Please note: my refund/credit policy is changing a bit for 2024 for Royston classes. There will be no refunds or credits issued in the event that classes are cancelled due to weather or instructor illness (you may have noticed the latter has not happened for the last almost 4 yrs!!). If, however, weather or instructor illness force more than 2 weeks of cancellations, credits for any missed classes above the initial 2 will be issued to those students requesting them. Everyone attending my classes should be receiving, free of charge, videos to use for at-home practice and, as many of my current students (you know who you are, thank you! J) have pointed out, this allows all of you to get into the groove even when classes are not in session due to unforeseen circumstances. If this is an issue for anyone, you can always feel free to pay the drop in fee instead of paying up front for the full session….Thank you all for your understanding!

 

SCHEDULE 2024 (for now)

 

 

COURTENAY REC – register 250 338 5371 asap (some classes fill quickly and registration has been open since Nov 14)

 

Intermediate African Drumming:

Fridays, January 12 – March 22 (no class February 9) 12 noon- 1:00 pm Native Sons Upper Hall

 

Beyond Beginners African Drumming:

Fridays, January 12 – March 22 (no class February 9) 1:30 – 2:30 pm Native Sons Upper Hall

***as there is no beginners class scheduled, please sign up for this class for now if you are a Beginner and/or don’t feel ready as a Beyond Beginner to move to Intermediate. I will be in discussion with Courtenay Rec early January to determine how this class will look and will be in touch with those registered. If you are uncertain as to what to register for, email me J NB Beginners WILL BE offered again in the spring session but there is never any guarantee that it will run – very dependent on numbers so get those friends of yours registered!***

 

Drums Alive for Every-Body:

Mondays, January 22 – March 18 (no class February 19) 12:15 – 1:15 pm Native Sons Upper Hall

 

 

ROYSTON – pre-register by emailing me

 

Mondays, January 22 – March 18 (no class February 19)

 

Intermediate Dun duns (African bass drums): 2:30 – 3:15 pm

Intermediate African Drumming: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

**sorry no beginner duns this session (anyone interested, please send me an email so I can gauge numbers for a possible class in spring)**

 

 

ERRINGTON  - pre-register through ACRA (Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association) or by emailing Kristine: stephenson@live.ca

 

Tuesdays, February 27 – May 14 (no class March 26), Errington War Memorial Hall

 

Beginner African Drumming: 3:00 – 3:45 pm

Intermediate Dun duns (African bass drums): 4:00 – 4:30 pm

**sorry no beginner duns, only those attending Intermediate Djembe can sign up for this class**

Intermediate African Drumming: 4:30 – 5:30 pm

 

***NEW***

Wednesdays, March 6 – May 1 (no class March 27), Errington War Memorial Hall

DRUMS ALIVE: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

***Please spread the word about this class starting up again in Errington! Check out what it’s all about by visiting: Drums Alive Comox Valley on Facebook J ***

 

--

Monica 

AMAZING WEEKEND OF DRUM & DANCE with Kocassale Dioubate!

We had a wonderful weekend drumming and dancing with Koca (Nov 11-12)! Thanks to all who contacted me to express interest: it was a FULL HOUSE! 

Koca is now on his way back to Guinea for a number of months; but when he comes back (2024), he and I have something INCREDIBLE planned for all you rhythm lovers! STAY TUNED :) 

Hello all you rhythm lovers! Here is my fall schedule, hope to see you at one class or another! 

COURTENAY Register through Courtenay Recreation 250 338 5371 

Drums Alive: Mondays 12:15 - 1:15 pm Native Sons Hall, Sept 18 - Dec 18 (except Oct 2, 9 & Nov 13) 

Intermediate African Drumming: Fridays 12 noon - 1:00 pm Native Sons Hall, Sept 8 - Dec 15 (except Oct 6, 13, Dec 1, 8) 

Beyond Beginners African Drumming: Fridays 1:30 - 2:30 pm Native Sons Hall, Sept 8 - Dec 15 (except Oct 6, 13, Dec 1, 8) 

Beginners African Drumming: Fridays, 10:15 - 11:15 am Upper Filberg, Sept 8 - Dec 1 (except Sept 22, Oct 20, 27, Nov 10, 17, 24) *** This class runs only subject to minimum registration being met. *** 

ROYSTON (Royston Community Hall) Preregister by replying to this email. 

All classes run Mondays, Sept 18 - Dec 11 (except Oct 9 & Nov 13) (12 classes) 

2:30 - 3:15 pm Intermediate/Advanced Duns/African Bass Drums (if you are new to this class, please contact me for permission) 

3:30 - 4:30 pm Intermediate/Advanced Djembe + Duns 

ERRINGTON (Errington War Memorial Hall) Register with Kristine @ ACRA: stephenson@live.ca 

All classes run Tuesdays, Sep 12 - Dec 12 (except Oct 10, 31, Nov 14) 

3:00 - 3:45 pm Beginners African Hand Drumming 

4:00 - 4:30 pm Duns/African Bass Drums (if you are new to this class, please contact me for permission) 

4:30 - 5:30 pm Intermediate/Advanced African Hand Drumming (+duns) 

LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY HALL (Qualicum Bay) Register through Lighthouse Community Recreation (https://recreation.lighthousehall.ca/recreation-programs/) 

Drums Alive Wednesdays, Sept 13 - Nov 1, 5:30 - 6:30 pm 

Weekend Appetizer Workshops (HealthRhythms, African Drumming & Bucket Drumming): Dates/Times TBA **please email me if you want to be kept in the loop** 

WINTER SOLSTICE POTLUCK/DRUM/FUNDRAISER Royston Community Hall, 4 - 6 pm Dec 18th 

Bring a dish to share, your instrument(s) (there will be some to share), your friends & family, your donation to Mary Clare's continuing education in Kenya, and your good spirits! We'll hope the weather holds! All welcome 

SPECIAL EVENTS!! A very special treat for the Comox Valley! My friend Shasta is bringing a TaKeTiNa workshop back to the Island! Please read and register - you won't regret it... 

TaKeTiNa Rhythm Meditation 7:30-10 pm, Sept. 15th Sally's Yurt, 1957 Arden Rd. Courtenay 

$20 or pay what you can. 

This is a very rare opportunity to be led into a deeply embodied experience of rhythm by Shasta Martinuk & Ruby Rowat, the only two certified TaKeTiNa teachers in Canada, assisted by special guest teacher Deborah Masterson from Hawaii. 

Email shastamartinuk@gmail.com to register and for more information. 

What are we offering? TaKeTiNa is an embodied, collective rhythm process using your senses: voice, simple steps, and claps. Come along to fall into, and out of, rhythm. Discover how you learn, and learn something new. We each are alive with rhythm: a beating heart, breathing rate, times to sleep, time to be aware. Participants are invited to listen to, and heed, your body's signals: should you feel like lying down, or letting go of the steps and participating only with your voice, or observing the process - all Ways are welcome. 

AND: Hold on to your hats, KOCA is coming back for workshops this fall! Another wonderful opportunity to learn African drum & dance from a master! If you are interested in receiving further info about Kocassale Dioubate, djembe master and griot from Guinea, West Africa, and the workshops he'll be offering in the Valley this fall on NOVEMBER 25 - 26, please email me. I will likely only send workshop details out to those who express interest. Thanks! 

LASTLY: anyone curious about or wanting to continue with BUCKET DRUMMING classes, please drop me a line. Things are in the works ;)

 MONICA’S 2023 SCHEDULE OF DRUMMING & RHYTHM EVENTS

JANUARY – MARCH

Courtenay Recreation (register: 250 338 5371)

Intermediate Drumming, Jan 13 – Mar 3 (8 classes)

Fridays, 12 noon – 1:00 pm

Beginners Drumming, Jan 13 – Mar 3 (8 classes)

Fridays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm

***Please note: if there is not enough registration for this class, it will not run again until April***

(Beyond Beginners students, new & returning, if you are

interested in a class, please send me an email – thanks!)

Drums Alive For Every-Body, Jan 16 – Mar 27 (no class Feb

20) ( 10 classes) ***Formerly Drums Alive Golden Beats***

Mondays, 12:15 – 1:15 pm

_________________________________________________________

Elder College (https://www.nic.bc.ca/continuing-education/eldercollege/comox-valley/cvec-registration-guides/)

Bucket Drumming 101, Mar 10 – 31  (4 classes)

Fridays, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

_________________________________________________________

Royston Community Hall (register by emailing Monica: drumdeva@gmail.com)

Intermediate/Advanced Duns, Jan 16 – Mar 27 (no class Jan 23 or Feb 20) (9 classes)

Mondays, 2:30 – 3:15 pm

Intermediate/Advanced Djembe + Duns, Jan 16 – Mar 27 (no class

Jan 23 or Feb 20) (9 classes)

Mondays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

***There will be one 30 – 45 min drum tightening workshop held this term from 1:15 – 2:15 ish, date TBA; please email me to express your interest – thanks! ***

_________________________________________________________

Errington War Memorial Hall (register by emailing Kristine: stephenson@live.ca)

Duns (all levels), Jan 24 – Mar 28 (9 classes, no class Feb 21)

Tuesdays, 4:00 – 4:30 pm

Intermediate/Advanced Djembe + Duns,  Jan 24 – Mar 28 (9 classes, no class Feb 21)

****If you know someone interested in BEGINNERS DRUMMING in Errington, please contact Kristine at the email above to inquire about start dates. ****

_________________________________________________________

Lighthouse Community Hall (Qualicum Bay) (register by going to: lighthousehall.ca/lighthouse-recreation/ or contacting Kelsey: recreation@lighthousehall.ca)

***subject to confirmation***

Beginners African Drumming (for new and returning students),

March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5, 12, 19, 26 (8 classes)

and

May 3, 10, 17, 31 (no class May 24) & Jun 7, 14, 21, 28 (8 classes)

Wednesdays, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

****this class will only run with enough registration****

Drums Alive

March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5, 12, 19, 26 (8 classes)

and May 3, 10, 17, 31 (no class May 24) & Jun 7, 14, 21, 28 (8 classes)

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

****this class will move to 5:00 – 6:00 pm if African Drumming does not run****

Monica's Annual Winter Solstice Drum/Potluck/Fundraiser

 

Monica's Annual Winter Solstice Drum/Fundraiser/Potluck!!

Sunday, December 18th, 5 - 7 pm

Royston Community Hall (at the lights in Royston)

Don't miss it! :) Drummers and their friends/family are all welcome. Some djembes and rhythm instruments will be available for use.

Please bring:

• a potluck dish to share (we'll be anywhere from 10 - 35 people LOL - you never know who'll show up!),
• your own plates/cups/utensils (we do not have use of the kitchen, officially),
• your instrument (djembe or other drum, shaker, claves, you name it!),
• a donation if you are able(to keep Mary Clare going to school in Kenya) and
• of course your joyous spirits!

This event is WEATHER DEPENDENT! Please check this space & emails before making the drive out :)

DRUMS ALIVE & BEGINNERS AFRICAN DRUMMING IN LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY

 Hello friends of rhythm!

If you know of anyone in the area from Fanny Bay to Parksville, they might be interested in joining in on Drums Alive and / beginners African Drumming at the Lighthouse Community Hall in Qualicum Bay - starting on October 19th! Aside from the class I teach in Courtenay (and one taught by a colleague there), there are no opportunities to participate in Drums Alive west of the Rockies -- how's that for SPECIAL! You don't want to miss it! Spread the word and contact me FMI: drumdeva@gmail.com

AWESOME WEEKEND WITH KOCA & SASHA!

What an amazing weekend of drum & dance with Kocassale Dioubate and Sasha Belle Hunt! We were challenged and we had FUN! There's nothing like having a master djembefola teach authentic rhythms -- we were honoured to have Koca teach us a version of Tiriba / Basikolo that he had never shared before, along with the story of how it originated in his family! Such a treat! Be sure to watch this space for future camps, and check out Koca & Sasha's website: kundaculture.com

 Hello dear friends of rhythm!

Here is my packed fall schedule - hope to see you all at one or more classes/events!

ROYSTON (Royston Community Hall)

Mondays, Sept 5 - Dec 12 (no class Oct 10) = 16 classes

Duns (for those with experience only): 2:30 - 3:15 pm

Intermediate/Advanced Djembe + Duns: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

(contact me for fees & to register)

ERRINGTON (Errington War Memorial Hall)

Tuesdays, Sept 6 - Dec 13 (no class Oct 11) = 14 classes

Duns (only for those taking the djembe class): 4:00 - 4:30 pm

Intermediate/Advanced Djembe + Duns: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

(contact Kristine for fees & to register: stephenson@live.ca)

NB Please let your friends and neighbours know that there will be a Beginners African Drumming class as well this fall, facilitated by our very own Sarah Gibson :)

QUALICUM BAY (Lighthouse Community Hall)

Wednesdays, Oct 19 - Dec 21 = 10 classes

Beginner African Drumming (for those new to drumming, and for those who are ready to get back into the groove): 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Drums Alive! (most fun you'll ever have getting fit & no experience necessary!): 6:30 - 7:30 pm

FMI & to register:

https://lighthousehall.ca/recreation-programs/african-drumming-beginner/

https://lighthousehall.ca/recreation-programs/drums-alive/

https://lighthousehall.ca/lighthouse-recreation/program-registration/

COURTENAY (Native Sons Hall)

Mondays, Sept 12 - Dec 19 (no class oct 10) = 14 classes

Drums Alive "Golden Beats" (but not just for seniors ): 12:15 - 1:15 pm

Fun-packed exercise class combining dance & drumming, no experience necessary!

Fridays, Sept 9 - Oct 21 (no class Sept 30) = 6 classes

AND

Fridays, Oct 28 - Dec 16 (no class Nov 11, 18, Dec 9) = 5 classes

(NB. I will be treating this as one long session, so "part 2" will be a continuation of "part 1" -- but you do not have to have done part 1 to do part 2 LOL)

Intermediate/Advanced African Drumming: 12 noon - 1 pm

(FMI: 

https://www.courtenay.ca/assets/Community/Documents/Recreation~PDFs/Fall%20pages%20CR%20small.pdf)

To register for Courtenay classes: 250 338 5371 or 250 338 1000

NB. Please welcome Sarah Gibson to her new position as facilitator of Beginners African Hand Drumming: Courtenay Recreation by spreading the word that it is FUN to learn to drum - anyone can do it!

MONICA'S WINTER SOLSTICE DRUM/POTLUCK/FUNDRAISER (for Mary Clare in Kenya)

Dec 18, 5 - 7 pm: Please mark your calendars NOW so that when the time comes, it won't be a "surprise" 

*******WEEKEND WORKSHOPS IN WEST AFRICAN DRUM & DANCE w/ KOCASSALE DIOUBATE from Guinea:

Aug 27 - 28 @ the Royston Community Hall

Please message me for more details; limited space still available in all workshops.

*******ISLAND DRUM CAMP w/ Jordan Hanson from Victoria:

Sep 30 - Oct 2

FMI: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ejar1ib9c0e44313&llr=kzbfoicab

In the spirit of rhythm,

--

Monica