Ewe and Ashanti Rhythms for Drum Set
Jerry Leake
Image courtesy of the artist
In this clinic and performance, Percussion Faculty Jerry Leake will showcase two Ghanaian drumming traditions: Ewe and Ashanti. Each will commence with a demonstration of traditional instruments, with a focus on understanding the spoken languages of ensemble patterns, master drum compositions, and pentatonic songs. The aim is to fully internalize musical time, groove, and mathematics. As the session progresses, participants will discover how to combine multiple patterns to achieve heightened independence using African drums. These innovative techniques will then be adapted to the drum set, incorporating corresponding sounds and styles. This includes shifting the feel of the bass drum to explore more contemporary possibilities. The session will also delve into the science of cross-rhythms (polyrhythms) and expanding cycles of 24/8, specifically tailored to the drum set.