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kayreI love using music of other cultures in worship, to give an opportunity to stretch both musically and spiritually (certainly it does both for me). In seminary I had many chances to do music with students and faculty from around the world. One thing they impressed on me strongly is that drumming is integral to much African music; it simply isn't correct without a drum. Most of my Lutherans have little desire for this kind of stretching, unless they just happen to like the song. Sadly, despite a significant number of Congolese refugees in the congregation, the idea of a drum in worship was just too much for leadership, and I couldn't get permission to buy one or bring one in (and the Congolese were terribly poor; couldn't buy one themselves and were well aware it wouldn't have been welcomed anyway).
My Presbyterians are far more open, so I raised the question of a drum early on, and got responses ranging from neutral to very enthusiastic; I've been keeping my eye out for the right one since. Ten days ago, on an outing with a friend, we ran across a little shop full of African goods, including a number of djembes-- and it turned out the owner makes them! I was too rushed then to make a decision, but knew I wanted to go back before the end of the year, while I had 2014 budget funds left, and today was the day!
There were two customers in the store when I entered, so I lurked and browsed along with them, not wanting to ask the owner to demonstrate drums with others in the store. Eventually one of them admired one of the drums, so I admitted why I was there, and the owner played the two I was eyeing. After the others left, I listened to both drums again and played them a little, and made my selection.
While I was browsing a lovely amber necklace caught my eye; I picked it up and simply couldn't let go of it, so it came home with me too. The owner insisted that I wear it, and helped me put it on. (I did pay for it, but he gave me a discount on both items. I think a large sale late in the day was a big boost for him.)
My Presbyterians are far more open, so I raised the question of a drum early on, and got responses ranging from neutral to very enthusiastic; I've been keeping my eye out for the right one since. Ten days ago, on an outing with a friend, we ran across a little shop full of African goods, including a number of djembes-- and it turned out the owner makes them! I was too rushed then to make a decision, but knew I wanted to go back before the end of the year, while I had 2014 budget funds left, and today was the day!
There were two customers in the store when I entered, so I lurked and browsed along with them, not wanting to ask the owner to demonstrate drums with others in the store. Eventually one of them admired one of the drums, so I admitted why I was there, and the owner played the two I was eyeing. After the others left, I listened to both drums again and played them a little, and made my selection.
While I was browsing a lovely amber necklace caught my eye; I picked it up and simply couldn't let go of it, so it came home with me too. The owner insisted that I wear it, and helped me put it on. (I did pay for it, but he gave me a discount on both items. I think a large sale late in the day was a big boost for him.)
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Date: 2014-12-31 04:57 am (UTC)I really like the necklace, and I'm usually lukewarm to them.
Yay for the drum, I hope it really sparks a response for you. Wish I'd had good drum training when I was young.
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Date: 2014-12-31 02:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-01-01 11:27 pm (UTC)