Bernard Woma, one of Ghana's greatest traditional xylophone players, and lead drummer of the Ghana National Dance Ensemble, will perform in Hajjar Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will feature Woma's own group Saakumu Dance Troupe, an award-winning and leading traditional/contemporary dance and music groups from Ghana, West Africa. This will not be Woma's first performance on the D-E campus; in November 2010, Woma similarly performed and enthusiatically welcomed on-stage Middle School students enrolled in a Drumming elective course.

Robert Levin, D-E performing arts faculty member and teacher of the very popular Middle School Drumming elective, tells us, "This is an incredible opportunity to drum, dance, and have a vivid and wonderful West African cultural experience, here on our D-E campus.   The group's music and dance is joyful, expressive and highly participatory.  There will be plenty of opportunity for the audience to get up and dance to different drumming pieces, as well as to sit back and enjoy some great folkloric dancing displays, and to listen to Bernard's amazing xylophone performance." 

Levin continues, "The concert's first segment will be a performance by Bernard Woma and Saakumu, with a brief guest appearance by the D-E 7th and 8th grade West African drumming students.  The second hour will be a workshop where Woma and his group will teach drumming, singing and dancing to the audience. Drums, bells and rattles will be provided. Bring your dancing shoes!"

Tickets for D-E students, faculty/staff, and parents are $10 each: general admission for all others is $20 per person.  No advance purchase is necessary -- get your tickets at the door.  Questions can be directed to Robert Levin via Email at: levinr1@d-e.org