To better understand Africa, its people and culture, what better way than to play and feel the continent’s indigenous beat?

Students at West Auburn High School got the chance to play some of the unique sounds of Africa on back-to-back Wednesdays in April – courtesy of a hands-on drumming clinic orchestrated by Seattle-based JAMTOWN Rhythm Events. 

The rhythmic music enhanced the students’ comprehensive study of the country. The percussion sounds – brought to life by way of authentic drums, bells, scrapers and güiros – artistically moved the class’s examination full circle.

“We have covered the political and general history of Africa. The only thing we didn’t do much of was the cultural part,” said Tom Parsons, who prepared and led the global unit for his social studies class. “The students took to it pretty well.”

John Hayden, JAMTOWN founder, introduced the class to indigenous instruments and how to use them. Hayden, a businessman, musician and producer, travels internationally to bring worldwide sounds back home to communities, including schools, businesses and groups. He works with artisans around the world – in as many as seven different countries – importing musical instruments.

Hayden welcomes the opportunity to share original instruments and music with knowledge-hungry students. Hayden believes in the power and influence of music.

“When you put them in touch literally with the real thing, it has the potential to strike a chord with them … to go deeper and learn more,” Hayden said. “The stuff we do lasts an hour or two … but frequently someone gets touched by the experience, and they follow it deeper on their own intuition.”

The students responded, following the beat and words of Hayden. They enjoyed the interactive-learning experience.

“It’s not like reading out of a textbook. It’s learning something that they do, that is part of their culture,” said Hannah Rochelle, a senior. “I’ve never heard anything quite like this or done it myself, so that’s pretty cool.

“This is how they tell stories and communicate with each other through music,” she continued. “Everybody has music in their culture, and it’s nice to hear something that’s not playing on the radio. It is something you can actually do.”

In addition, Parsons’ class went to the Seattle Art Museum to explore a large African exhibit. Museum members returned the favor, visiting students at the school to create African artwork.

The clinic was made possible by a National Education Association Student Achievement grant awarded to Nancy Olsten, West Auburn High School language arts and virtual school teacher. The grant funds cross-curricular, activity-based learning for students.