West African Drumming Ensemble

The West African Drumming Ensemble is open to all Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff, plus community members who want to experience and share the power of group drumming. Using djembes, dundun drums, and iron bells, this ensemble performs traditional music of the Mande ethnic groups living in Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast.

Ensemble members practice proper drum techniques while layering rhythms together and improvising over the music. This ensemble is in demand; performing at various campus events and at Music Department concerts. In addition to exciting, intricate rhythms, performances also include traditional songs, dances, and costumes.