Helen travels to Guinea, West Africa over the past nine years (since 2001) where she lives among the Malinke people. While there, she studies under world-renowned musician Famoudou Konate, grand master of the djembe drum and its orchestra (bass drums-dununs). Helen spends her time learning traditional music, dance, songs and local culture of Guinea. She is the North American Representative for Famoudou Konaté. Helen has toured with Famoudou during his North American "From Hand to Hand: The Wassa Kunba! Drumming Experience" Workshop Tours (2006-present).
Helen has also studied drumming with Master Drummer Mamady Keita, Nansedy Keita, Sayon Camara, Ubaka Hill, Babatunde Olatunji, and many others. She has studied West African dance with Fanta Kaba and Sire Yalo as well as others in Guinea.
Helen has enjoyed the benefits of music since her childhood. In turn, she now brings the joy of drumming into your life through her workshops. Her teaching style allows even the novice to experience the joyful feel of community drumming. Helen teaches traditional Malinke rhythms from West Africa as well as non-traditional original compositions. The drum awakens our innate creativity and provides a channel for an introspective journey. Feel refreshed, revitalized and rejuvenated as you reconnect to your primal origins. Join her for a wonderful community drum experience.
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