dununbabe.com
Sandpoint, Idaho
and San Diego, CA
ali
About
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7AjGICD3wQ
Ali Thomas is an experienced and gifted djembe teacher, performer and group leader. Her charismatic style and ability to connect with students of all ages, cultures and experience levels make her a popular and sought-after instructor.
As a TTM Certified Teacher for Tam Tam Mandingue, Ali is part of an elite, international group of djembe teachers who have traveled to Africa as part of their studies, and demonstrated extensive knowledge of traditional rhythms, as well as the cultural and historical significance related to the rhythms. Tam Tam Mandingue USA (www.ttmusa.org) is a school of West African drumming founded by legendary djembe master Mamady Keita (www.mamadykeita.com). The school is dedicated to preserving and transmitting Mandingue musical tradition.
Ali has primarily studied under Mamady Keita and had the unique privilege of living with him and his family in San Diego, CA, for three years. During this time, she gained deep insight into the nuances of West African culture, as well as specialized djembe building techniques. She has studied and performed internationally with Mamady, including an historic journey to his home village of Balandugu, Guinea. Other teachers she has taken workshops or on-going classes from include:
· Famoudou Konate http://www.famoudoukonate.com/
· Mabiba Baegne
http://www.lokole.org/Home.html
· Lamine “Dibo” Camara http://www.forefote.com/aboutus.php
As a teacher, Ali has a remarkable ability to “translate” complex drumming patterns into an understandable language for her students. She guides students to understanding with her dynamic style and vast array of teaching tools she has acquired from her 9 years of teaching experience. Ali is as comfortable working with large groups of children in school settings as she is teaching level-specific workshops for adults, regular weekly classes, and one-on-one lessons.
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The Benefits of Learning Djembe from a TTM Certified Teacher:
- Every certified TTM teacher has undergone extensive training in Mandingue rhythms and has been personally approved by Mamady Keita. The TTM logo indicates that the teacher has passed an examination to demonstrate his or her proficiency in a wide range of Mandingue rhythms.
- Certified TTM teachers are committed to accurately preserving Mandingue rhythms as they have been played for centuries.
- Every certified TTM teacher has spent time in Guinea and experienced Mandingue culture first hand. A TTM teacher will not only teach traditional rhythms, but also teach the cultural significance of each rhythm in its traditional setting.
- A certified TTM teacher has proven his or her skill at playing solos that are true to the traditional style of the corresponding rhythms and their origins.
- A certified TTM teacher has knowledge of the instruments of the Mandingue percussion orchestra and will provide accurate information about their origin and history, including regional variations in playing style.
- A certified TTM teacher is required to participate in a continuing education program. This ongoing commitment ensures that TTM teachers retain their existing skills as well as actively develop new ones.
- A certified TTM teacher is committed to being a mentor and advisor in your artistic development.
Sandpoint, Idaho
and San Diego, CA
ali
