Do you have a desire to drum and jam with others? Want to learn new rhythm skills and play in an ensemble? 

Join professional drummer and music educator, Yari Mander to learn the basic techniques and strokes of West African djembe and rhythms from West African traditions. In this 1.5 hour class on the farm, get ready to learn cool beats, develop new drumming skills, and connect and play music with others. Teaching will be scaffolded and there will also be time to jam, improvise, and create your own beats.

About the teacher: Yari Mander is a gifted music educator with a patient and supportive teaching style honed over more than 18 years of working with children and adults. He is also a professional drummer who has performed onstage with Joan Baez, Gamelan X, Reverend Michael Beckwith, Agape Choir, Octoprezel, and many other artists. Yari has multiple subject and music teaching credentials, is certified in Orff Shulwerk, and has taught music for almost 20 years at Bay Area private and public schools, and for one year in Brazil. He currently teaches music full time in Oakland Unified School District. Yari’s mission is to facilitate joyful, active, and transformational musical experiences for diverse individuals and communities. He enjoys guiding groups to greater levels of connection, confidence, unity, and teamwork through making music together.