In World Percussion, students learn ... to play drums and rhythms from around the world. At the same time, they get to build community and strengthen their internal and communal sense of musical timing. We use authentic drums from Central and South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, learning regional techniques, styles, and social contexts.
The World Percussion program started ... in 2004, after returning from studying in Ghana. It began as a once-a-week after-school club, and over time, we expanded it to a ninth-grade group, then into the Middle School, and eventually into the Upper School. Once we had ensembles thriving in all three divisions, we launched World Percussion Night in 2016 to celebrate the students' work, standing alongside Jazz Night and Orchestra Night as a major evening of student learning.
Some other GFS faculty that have helped me along the way are ... Caroline Davidson, Larry Hoenig, and Debbie Stahl. They were instrumental, as was our former Head of School, Dick Wade, in helping the World Percussion program grow. Over the years, Taia Harlos (the previous Music Department head), our Head of School Dana Weeks, and Director of Academic Program Carol Rawlings Miller provided great support. The current Music Department head, Brian Bersh, continues to be incredibly supportive.