Friday, February 23, 2018

Sisterhood of Drummers


Empowerment
A sisterhood of drummers keep time to a Brazilian beat
The Batalá Washington is made up of 80 women of all ages
A sisterhood of drummers keep time to a Brazilian beat

The Lily News
February 19

“There’s something pretty incredible about having all women with these drums strapped around their waist,” Janine Sayles says. “It’s very empowering. And I think that we empower a lot of women who watch us.”
Conley decided to join “a couple months before my 65th birthday. It was my birthday present to myself.”

At 65, Conley is now the oldest current member of Batalá. And newcomers of all ages can be taught, even though there is no sheet music, video training or reference materials.

“The oral tradition of teaching and learning is really critical. That’s something we really embody with the music, and it also helps create community,” Rodden says.

It’s “consistent with the tradition of how the music was taught in Brazil,” Rosa Moreno says.

“Don’t be shy about anything,” Rodden says to newcomers about their demonstrative movements at a recent rehearsal. “If you think something is too much, take it two steps beyond.”

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