West African Drum & Dance (A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration) Book & CD, DVD [Paperback]

Kalani; Ryan M. Camara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2007

The rhythms and dances of Guinea, West Africa spring to life in this ground-breaking multimedia collection from award-winning author Kalani and noted world percussionist Ryan M. Camara! More than just a drumming book, this easy-to-use method immerses teachers and students in traditional West African music, dance and culture through a step-by-step curriculum that maintains cultural authenticity. The World Rhythms! Arts Program (WRAP) is a multiple-discipline curriculum that incorporates drumming, singing, dance, and culture. Rooted in traditional West African music and dance, WRAP helps develop essential arts and life skills through a holistic approach to music and movement education. A must for your classroom! Curriculum Includes: Authentic Techniques & Rhythms, Performance Arrangements, Energetic Dance Steps, History & Culture, Instructional DVD, Play-Along CD

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Alfred Publishing (January 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739038699
• ISBN-13: 978-0739038697
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly honoring the Susu drum and dance tradition while keeping it accessible!, February 26, 2007

By 

Bill Matney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: West African Drum & Dance (A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration) Book & CD, DVD (Paperback)

There are quite a few books out there offering "West African Rhythms." Some are better than others, but in terms of cultural relevance, most if not all of these books seem to be missing something. They tend to be big on the "rhythms," and not so big on much else. More time may be spent on echaufements and solo lines than the songs, other instruments, and most importantly, the meaning of that particular music.

At almost 170 pages discussing only two "West African Rhythms," this book offers a true glimpse of the Susu culture; through teaching their history, their instruments, dancing, drumming, singing, and more. History and culture are offered in a straight-forward, digestible fashion... and when I say digestible, I'm also referring to actual Susu recipes.

West African Drum & Dance, a Yankadi-Macru Celebration is set up as a curriculum; one that could be used for an older elementary school class as easily as it could be used at the college level. Musical items are broken down and offered in a progressive fashion so that a teacher can customize the speed at which the material is presented. The DVD helps out a lot here as well, and when they show performances, it's from the actual village!

I've played Yankadi/Macru in various settings with people of various levels, including acclaimed Susu djembefola. Looking through this book, I have an entirely new perspective about what it is....it's not a rhythm, it's an involved, beautiful celebration.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in djembe/dunun, and/or in cultural music curriculums.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expand your understanding of West African Culture, December 28, 2009

By 

SimplyJules (Mequon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: West African Drum & Dance (A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration) Book & CD, DVD (Paperback)

Whether you are an experienced drummer/dancer, new to drum/dance, an educator or an xenophile, this is a great book to dive into. It is wonderful to see a well rounded presentation of one of the celebrations from one of the many ethnic groups of West Africa. You are exposed to the music, the break down of the rhythms, the dance steps, a few phrases in Susu, a little idea of the food and more. I love this book and hope the authors can bring us more books showing some the many other celebrations from the diverse cultures of West Africa.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great video, November 12, 2010

By 

Gianna Limone - See all my reviews

This review is from: West African Drum & Dance (A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration) Book & CD, DVD (Paperback)

I'm a junior high school dance teacher and purchased this item for a unit I was doing on West African dance. The video was very useful. The book seemed more geared toward teaching music, but there was some helpful cultural information that I was able to use in my dance class. My students enjoyed getting to see the cultural aspects as well as the dance and drumming presented in the video. It was definitely a worthy purchase for the video alone.