The ONLINE REGISTRATION PERIOD HAS ENDED. Please call the library to check for space if you'd like to register.
Join Fonziba Koster for a hands-on experience with Western Africa Jembe drums. Fonziba begins her program with a short video, Gifts From Mother Africa, about her time learning West African drumming and experiencing African cultures while she trained with master drummers from Mali, Guinea, Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
Participants are invited to join in a Family Drum Circle to play one of Fonziba's hand-carved jembe drums, and are taught to drum together in a two-part tribal beat. To make sure everyone can join in, Fonziba brings hand-held percussion instruments for kids too young (or too shy) for drumming, involves everyone.
Participants can also explore the African Home Display, featuring items used in an average home for cooking, eating, cleaning, washing, sitting, and sleeping. Kids are encouraged to handle the display contents, especially the grain crusher, which they will see in use in the video.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this free program for youth and families. Adults may register to attend with children younger than 8. Children 8 years and older may attend without other family members. If the online registration period is ended, or the program is full, you may call the youth desk at 641-754-5738, ext. 3 to be placed on a waiting list. Walk-ins may be permitted as space allows.