Southeast Women`s Rhythm Retreat 2015

Southeast Women’s
Rhythm Retreat
2015
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
DrumRise & Happy Beat Drumming
Welcome
DrumRise and Happy Beat Drumming WELCOME you to the 2015 Southeast Women’s Rhythm
Retreat at Camp Greenville in beautiful Cleveland, SC.
What is this retreat about?
Our goal is to provide you with a safe, fun, and women-centered environment where you can:
 Relax - escape the busy world and responsibilities of everyday life
 Create – new goals and new images of yourself
 Unify – by connecting with other women
 Reflect – through quiet meditation
 Recharge – find renewed strength and focus by awakening the power of sisterhood,
participating in workshops, and reconnecting with nature at Camp Greenville
 Reset – your life by leaving empowered, energized, and ready to realize your dreams
How
By providing opportunities for self-exploration through drumming, song, dance, and rhythm. By
allowing you to let go in your own way, at your own pace, in a beautiful and safe environment.
The current line-up of workshops/services includes the following:
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West African Drumming (Djembe &
Dunun)
West African Dance
Taiko Drumming
Impromptu Glorious Chorus
Catch a Groove (organic rhythm
experience)
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Shekere
TaKeTina
Yoga
Belly Dance
Massage (for extra fee)
Where
Camp Greenville YMCA Camp
4399 YMCA Camp Road
Cleveland, SC 29635
Nestled in the mountains of South Carolina, Camp Greenville offers a wide variety of activities
and the opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature. Here are a few highlights:
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Close proximity to many natural recreation areas (Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National
Forest, Jones Gap State Park, Caesar's Head State Park and Mountain Bridge Wilderness
Area)
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Information on South Carolina Information (South Carolina Information Highway SCIway)
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Within 1 hour drive of Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC; 30 minutes from Brevard, NC;
and 45 minutes from Hendersonville, NC
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1400+ acre mountain top setting
Accommodations
The camp has reserved three lakeside cabins for the women’s retreat. These cabins feature bunk beds
and several showers, toilets, and sinks per cabin.
A public phone is provided for your convenience and is available for use at all times. It is located at HIPP
Cabin. The code 12345 will get you in the door.
Emergency Contacts
AOD Pager: 1-800-932-8038
Greenville County, SC EMS: 911
Brevard County, NC EMS/Fire: 828-884-3244
Transylvania Co. Sheriff: 828-884-3244
Camp Registrar: 336-880-3536
Rules
In order to ensure the safety of our guests and the quality of the experience, we request that
you adhere to the following simple rules:
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No pets
No burning candles in the cabins (only permissible during massage and approved workshops).
No illegal activities.
No littering.
Please leave Camp Greenville a better place than you found it.
Enter only buildings designated as your cabins or for your activities.
Do not write on cabin walls or furniture.
For safety purposes, we do not allow running in camp (unless supervised by one of the camp
staff during an activity). We are in a rustic environment, there are hazards such as venomous
snakes and poison ivy—stay on trails to help avoid these dangers.
All waterfronts are off limits unless a water activity is specifically authorized and supervised by a
Camp Greenville staff member.
All ropes center and group dynamics areas are off limits unless an activity is specifically
authorized and supervised by Camp Greenville personnel.
Please stay on pathways as you walk around camp.
Please do not ring the bells; they are part of our emergency system.
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas, and never in the presence of students or in
buildings.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on camp property. Those found in violation will be asked
to leave immediately without a refund.
To help save energy, please keep cabin doors closed and lights off when not in use.
Please emphasize that nature is to “observe not disturb.”
No weapons of any kind are permitted at camp. This includes firearms, hunting bows, knives,
any flammable liquids, and fireworks.
For your safety, please stay away from any construction areas at camp.
Please recycle! Recycling centers are located throughout camp.
Note: Failure to comply with the rules may result in your expulsion from the retreat without a
refund.
Retreat Schedule
The retreat schedule may be subject to change. We are working hard to offer our wide variety of classes
in a way that gives each participant the opportunity to experience as many of our instructors as possible.
After your register for the event, you will receive an email update with any changes to the schedule.
Friday 9/25/15
Location
1:00 – 2:30
Check In / Unloading
2:30 – 4:00
Catch a Groove #1
Mulligan Center
Taiko #1 (25 max participants)
Lodge
Belly Dance #1
Mulligan Center
TaKeTiNa
Lodge
6:00 – 7:00
Dinner
Dining Hall
7:30 – 8:00
Opening Circle
TBA
8:30 – 10:00
Sekere #1
Mulligan Center
Free Time (Massage / Private Lessons)
Lodge
9:00 – 11:00
Fire Circle
Fire Circle
11:00
Lights Out / Quiet Time
4:30 – 6:00
Saturday 9/26/15
Location
7:00
Yoga #2
TBA
8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
Dining Hall
9:30 – 11:00
Belly Dance #2
Mulligan Center
All-levels Djembe #1
Lodge
Taiko #2 (25 max participants)
Lodge
Impromptu Glorious Chorus #1
Mulligan Center
Lunch
Dining Hall
11:30 – 1:00
1:00 – 2:00
Group Picture
2:30 – 4:00
African Dance / Drumming for Dancers #1
Lodge
2:30 – 4:00
Beginner Djembe
TBA
4:00 – 5:30
Catch A Groove – organic rhythm experience #2
Mulligan Center
Dunun Workshop
Lodge
5:30 – 6:30
Guided Nature Hike
TBA
5:30 – 7:00
Sekere #2
Lodge
6:45 – 7:45
Dinner
Dining Hall
8:00 – 9:30
Impromptu Glorious Chorus #2
Mulligan Center
Taiko #3 (25 participants max)
Lodge
9:00 – 11:00
Fire Circle
Fire Circle
11:00
Lights Out / Quiet Time/ Day Commuters must leave by this time
Sunday 9/27/15
Location
07:00
TBA
Yoga #2
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
Dining Hall
09:30 – 10:30 All-levels Djembe #2
Lodge
Guided Nature Hike
10:30 – 12:00 African Dance / Drumming for Dancers #2
TBA
Lodge
Beverly/Elise/Terry – Special Joint Workshop
Mulligan Center
12:30 – 1:30
Lunch
Dining Hall
1:30 – 2:00
Closing Circle
Lodge
2:00
Check Out
Featured Instructors
AMY JACKSON (All-levels Djembe), a drummer since age 9 and student of
the djembe since 2002, is the director of DrumRise in Atlanta, GA. She is also a
performer, musical director, educator, events coordinator and (in her
“previous life”) an RN of 30 years.
Amy’s passion is bringing people together through the inspirational power of
rhythm, which she achieves through her dedication to teaching the traditional
music of West Africa and facilitating the transformational, meditative rhythm
and movement modality, TaKeTiNa.
Her home is a hub for visiting international artists, including renowned
initiated master djembefolas Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate and
founders/co-creators of Taketina, Reinhard Flatischler and Cornelia Flatischler.
Amy brings an infectious enthusiasm to her teaching and has a unique ability to inspire both kids and
adults to reach their fullest potential. She performs with two high-energy percussion West African
ensembles, Ten Blocks Away and ConunDrums, tribute band “Taylor Made” and a retro-rock band, The
Crustaceans, her classmates since she was 9 years old, who inspired her to become a percussionist.
All-levels Djembe
Amy’s class will be filled with joy, fun, and toe-tapping, spirit- filled energy. Using the step-by-step Tam
Tam Mandingue pedagogy, Amy will introduce good technique, basic sounds for the djembe, fun warm
ups, a traditional West African rhythm, songs, splashes of history and culture from West Africa, and
always a surprise or two sprinkled in!
ROBIN “BOUNTOURABI” LEFTWICH (Drumming for Dancers / Alllevels Djembe), co-owner of Happy Beat Drumming, has been a
student of West African art and culture for over 25 years. Her three
trips to Guinea, West Africa have given her a unique and authentic
perspective on the role of the djembe in African ceremonies,
celebrations, and everyday life.
Bountou has a special talent for sharing her love of the djembe and
African culture with students of all levels. She has traveled
throughout the Southeast teaching drumming, drum-building,
performing, consulting, and providing workshops. Bountou has
studied in Guinea with Fode Moussa Camara and various teachers
from the Gbassikolo Ballet. She has also studied with Aly Camara,
Mohammed Decosta, Bolokada Conde, Nansady Keita, Famoudou Konate, Mamady Keita, John Scalici,
Jim Donovan, Ubaka Hill, Bill Scheidt, and Tom Harris.
Drumming for Dancers
In this class, students will play for a live dance class (see West African Dance). This experience allows
students to experience how drum and dance fit together. Students may also have the opportunity to
begin learning solo phrasing to accompany specific dance moves.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
-
Helen keller
COLLEEN CAFFREY (Dunun/TaKeTiNa), co-founder of DrumRise
has been playing and teaching djembe since 2003 and is a
certified instructor with Tam Tam Mandingue, the global
network of djembe schools founded by Guinean Master
Drummer, Mamady Keita. Colleen has worked closely with
Keita transcribing 72 rhythms (traditional and original
compositions) to be published in his upcoming book,
“Nankama.”
Colleen is committed to helping people deepen their rhythmic
sense to empower their own creative expression. As a certified
TaKeTiNa facilitator, Colleen uses a kinesthetic learning process
to help students deeply embody polyrhythmic relationships
found in West African and other archetypal rhythms. Through TaKeTiNa she also guides people
to use rhythm as a meditation modality – promoting the practice of presence and mindfulness
to experience inner stillness and universal connection in music and movement.
Dunun (Sangban, Kenkeni, and Dununba) are the melodic bass drums of the Mandingue
drumming orchestra. These drums are traditionally played with a stick in one hand, striking the
skin in and a metal striker in the other hand playing a bell.
We’ll cover traditional West African rhythms, emphasizing the archetypal patterns that you can
use to learn new rhythms faster and create your own variations! The bell patterns on their own
can be applied to any percussion instrument and can be an empowering, solidifying force for
cohesive groove in a community drum circle setting!
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what
they have planned for you? Not much. “
-
Jim rohn
RACHEL JUREN (Beginning Djembe), co-owner of Happy Beat
Drumming, has been a student of West African drumming for 8
years. She teaches djembe and dunun as well facilitating drum
circles and group events. Rachel has combined her love of
leadership studies to create a series of rhythm-based team
building and leadership workshops. In addition to teaching,
Rachel is also a drum-builder. She makes custom dununs and
ashikos.
She travels throughout the Southeast providing workshops and
teaching drumming. Rachel has studied under Robin
“Bountourabi” Leftwich, Bill Scheidt, Aly Camara, Mohammed
Decosta, Bolokada Conde, Nansady Keita, Ubaka Hill, and Jim
Donovan.
Beginning Djembe
In this class, Rachel will use fun games and a pressure-free environment to introduce students to basic
technique for playing the djembe. Students will learn the three primary sounds, proper body and hand
position, and a brief history of the drum. A traditional rhythm and song will be taught.
“The secrect of getting ahead is getting started.”
- Mark twain
CHRISTAN CARTER-PORET (African Dance), has been communicating
Gods gifts and words through dance since the tender age of 6.
Beginning at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Orleans, Mrs. Judy
Legier took Christan under her wing. In 1996, Abdoulaye “Papa”
Camara, one of the major contributors to African Dance in the United
States, founded Allahbatu Traditional African Dance and Drum
Company where Christan’s confidence as an African
Dancer/Instructor and her imprint on the African Dance Community
in New Orleans as well as other places became evident. Since the
disaster of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Christan has relocated to
Atlanta, GA, where she quickly immersed herself, husband, and kids
into the Atlanta African Dance Community, began teaching classes
and continued to be a strong supporter of the exposure of African
Culture to as many as possible. This joyful spirit continues to study
and make efforts to keep the traditions and dreams of her
predecessors alive. To know and work with Christan is to know pure unconditional love for the African
Dance and Drum Cultures, communities, people, music, energies, and characters it brings together.
West African Dance (joining the drummers in the second 90 minutes of Bountourabi Leftwich’s
“Drumming for Dancers” class.)
Students will learn West African Dances and Songs from Senegal, Mali, and/or Guinea. The class begins
with a warm-up, then transition into the dance through the history and song presentation, finally
progresses to more energetic movements, ending in a bantaba circle for self/personal expression. This is
a multi-level class (beginners – advanced) accompanied by live African drumming. Please wear
comfortable clothes, loose or stretchy, a lapa (optional), and prepare to dance with your bare feet.
ELAINE FONG (Taiko Drumming), is an accomplished taiko (Japanese
drums) artist, with over 30 years of experience which includes:
being the founder of Odaiko New England, www.onetaiko.org, based in
Massachusetts; ten years with Soh Daiko in New York; and being a member
of the West-Coast based taiko groups Maze Daiko and Kiku Daiko.
Ms. Fong has ten years of dance training, and over 20 years of rhythm
teaching experience. She has collaborated with choreographers, has
composed for film and for the theater.
Ms. Fong is a certified Taketina rhythm teacher, advanced level. She has
an undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and an MBA from Yale
University. Her working career spans the public, private and non-profit
sectors.
www.rhythmsinlife.com
Taiko-style Japanese Drumming
Have you had a secret yearning to pound on something other than a table with no consequence? Have
you wanted to express your inner “ferocity” in a positive way?
Taiko is a great way to unleash your inner potential. Bring out the “inner” drummer in you. Play with
ease using your entire body and your voice to create an energetic and rhythmic flow. No experience
necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm. Taiko is a physical experience; wear loose and comfortable
clothing.
Elaine Fong, founder of Odaiko New England leads this visceral style of drumming. She’ll demonstrate
the technique on authentic Japanese taiko drums. The class will play on easy-to-make “trash-can taiko”
and we’ll send you home with instructions on how you can make your own!
ELISE WITT (Impromptu Glorious Chorus), The producer of the
Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage calls Elise Witt “a performer to
remember with international savvy and personal charm.” Elise was
born in Switzerland, raised in North Carolina, and since 1977, has
made her home in Atlanta. She speaks five languages fluently,
sings in over a dozen more, and has been a cultural ambassador to
South Africa, Italy, China, Switzerland, and Nicaragua.
A songwriter and composer, she tours the the world with
her Global, Local & Homemade Songs.™ Her latest CD Valise, is her
11th recording for EMWorld Records, and an album of her
compositions have been arranged for choirs in the Elise Witt
Choral Series. From 1980-2000, Elise sang with the Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus under the
direction of Robert Shaw and, in recent years, she has studied extensively with masters of
improvisation Bobby McFerrin, Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, David Darling, and Rhiannon, whose pedagogy she
incorporates into her own teaching. She has earned a reputation as a masterful educator, encouraging
even the shyest singers to revel in their voices. Her workshops and concerts use music as a language to
celebrate our cultural diversity while appreciating our connections as one human family.
EliseWitt.com
Impromptu Glorious Chorus™
Elise leads a session of glorious group singing, teaching in a style so easy that, before you know it, the
room is in perfect harmony! Drawing from her love of diverse melodies and rhythms, Elise may
introduce a Brazilian samba, a Congolese storysong, an Italian round, or four-part harmonies from
Zimbabwe. There are lots of songs in English, including songs from the African American tradition, quirky
rounds, food songs, Bobby McFerrin style Circle Songs, Elise originals, and lots more!. All of the songs
are broken down into easily learnable parts and become thrilling to sing in a group. Whether you've
sung all your life or think you "can't carry a tune in a bucket," in no timeat all, you'll find yourself part of
an Impromptu Glorious Chorus!
IYA OLORI ORIYOMI (Sekere), is best known and loved by all her
students as MAMA YEYE, the Sekere Woman of Atlanta.
Ma Yeye is a Yoruba Priestess of Obatala /Oshun who has traveled
throughout the U.S. and Africa as a Sekere ((sha-ka-ray) percussionist,
educator, performing artist, playwright and dance/theatre instructor.
She LOVES sharing African dance, movement, culture, music, and
theatre while inspiring the youth she often works with to be triple
threats on stage. facebook.com/groups/MamaYeyeAmazing
Sekere (Shay-ka-ray) is an African hand drum made from a gourd strung
with Beads, nuts, shells or seeds.Today, Sekeres are played in bands,
drum circles, parades, choirs, worship celebrations, live concerts and
festivals all over the world.
Terry Garthwaite (special workshop), is an internationally known
singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and teacher. In performance,
Terry has shared the stage with BB King, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, The
Band, Allen Ginsberg, and Santana, and for many years led the iconic
Bay Area band Joy of Cooking with Toni Brown. She has produced
recordings by many artists, including Rosalie Sorrels, Rhiannon, and
Ferron’s award-winning “Shadows on a Dime.” Currently she is
working on We're All BORN SINGING, the new CD by Elise Witt, and
Terry's new recording LEGACY will be out later this year.
BEVERLY BOTSFORD (Catch a Groove / Special), is a
cross-cultural percussionist and educator, blending
music, movement, and spoken word in solo and
ensemble presentations. Embracing drumming
traditions and inspirations of Africa, Cuba, South
America and her native North Carolina, she weaves
colorful rhythmic tapestries with her infinite array of
collected and homemade instruments.
Beverly celebrates more than 30 years of full-time, professional experience, performing and teaching in
an infinite variety of situations. Highlights include 13 years of touring with Chuck Davis and the African
American Dance Ensemble as well as more than a decade on the faculty of the American Dance Festival.
Over the years, she has shared her passion for rhythm and culture in hundreds of school and community
residencies, workshops and performances, in solo and ensemble presentations. Since 1998, Beverly has
toured internationally with Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon in such venues as the
Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. Television credits include
appearances on CBS “Good Morning,” BET Jazz, UNC-TV’s “Our State” and WRAL’s award winning,
“Smart Start Kids.”
Recent highlights include work with the Urban Bush Women Dance Company as well as performances
with Nnenna Freelon in London, Greece, Brazil, Angola and in Hawaii for President Obama and 200
world heads of state.
Beverly offers a variety of solo and ensemble performances as well as workshops and residencies. She
tailors presentations to the needs of the presenter, the audience and in educational settings, to the
curriculum. She is on the touring and education roster for the NC Arts Council and is a member of
Alternate ROOTS, www.alternateroots.org, intersecting arts and activism to build a better world.
RULESTER “RU” DAVIS (Belly Dance), is a former Modern/Jazz Dancer
from Detroit. After she completed her Peace Corps Volunteer Service in
Kenya, East Africa, where she learned African Dancing, she then traveled
to Egypt. During her 9 month stay in Egypt, Ru learned Classical Egyptian
Belly Dancing. Ru says “Dancer’s are connected all over the world”,
after traveling to 18 countries.
Intro to Belly Dance with Ru will get women of all ages, shapes and
sizes moving and grooving. No experience needed!
SAFIYAH PANKEY (Massage), has been a certified massage therapist
for 10 years and a drummer for 12 years, as a founding member of the
all women’s drum ensemble, ConunDrums!
Safiyah will be offering massage (for a fee) during select times
throughout the weekend. Her weekend calendar will fill up fast, so
see Saf early! Safiyah’s "Soothing Hands" Massage Therapy services
include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage NMT and Chair
Massage.
CINDY STARK REID (Yoga), is a licensed massage therapist and a
licensed professional counselor. She has been practicing yoga for over
30 years. Cindy has been facilitating workshops and classes in
mind/body practices for 20 years. She is a Wellness Facilitator at
Piedmont Cancer Wellness in Atlanta, GA. Cindy has also been
drumming since 2001, as a founding member of the Atlanta-area all
women’s drumming group, ConunDrums!
Contact Us
If you have questions about the retreat, please feel free to contact us:
DrumRise
P.O. Box 33054
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: (404) 783-0409 or (404) 784-2462
Email: amy@drumrise.net
Web: www.drumrise.net
Happy Beat Drumming
P.O. Box 6362
High Point, NC 27262
Phone: (336) 880-3536
Email: bountou@happybeatdrumming.com or rachel@happybeatdrumming.com
Web: www.happybeatdrumming.com