West African Drum Set Suite

The West African Drum Set Suite is an exciting piece that adapts three traditional djembe and dunun rhythms from West Africa to the conventional Western drum set. It also incorporates two optional songs to be sung at various points in the composition. Percussionists looking for new and interesting ways to expand their drum set vocabulary while exploring a rich drumming tradition will find both in this work.

Program Notes

The West African Drum Set Suite is a product of the desire to incorporate traditional Mande djembe ensemble rhythms into a “single player” model on the modern drum set. Though the instruments of the drum set are different from those in the traditional djembe ensemble, similar timbres can be found between the two. Furthermore, some of the essential polyrhythmic relationships of the ensemble can be represented through a composite approach on the drum set by one player. The intent is not to replace the ensemble. It is, rather, to enhance the capabilities of the drum set player to find new musical and rhythmic possibilities that are unique to djembe music.

Grade Level: Medium Difficult
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

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Instrumentation

Hi-Hat + attached seed pod or rattles
Kick Bass
Floor Tom
High Tom
Snare Drum (snares off)
Cowbell or Iron Bell