Meet Our Performers
The Women’s Drum Center has three groups that provide entertainment for fundraising events, public concerts, and private parties. Performances are high-energy celebrations of world music, perfect for audiences of all ages and backgrounds!
drumHeart is the WDC’s premiere performance drum ensemble, currently directed by Alexandra Ray and Jo Klein. For over 30 years, drumHeart has delivered powerful drum music for community fundraisers, walks, and runs. They are equally at home at the Orchestra Hall as at the Minnesota State Fair! Their repertoire includes original songs composed for the group, traditional West African music, and Brazilian samba music. Through this variety, drumHeart delivers unique performances that leave audiences energized by world music.
drumHeart, 2023
Interested in becoming a member of drumHeart and being part of a performance ensemble? Each year we host open auditions for new members to join us. Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Get familiar with the types of drums we play by attending both a hand drum and stick drum class at the Women’s Drum Center. A list of our current drum classes can be found, HERE.
Step 2: Attend a Drumline Camp (offered various times throughout the year) at the Women’s Drum Center with drumHeart’s assistant director, Jo Klein. This is where you will learn some of our basic stick drum warmups and exercises, which will help prepare you for our auditions. You will get a copy of our audition sheet music during our camp. Check our calendar for Drumline Camp dates.
Step 3: Practice the audition pieces on your own and when you feel ready, email info@womensdrumcenter.net to schedule a time to audition. *Note that reading sheet music is not a requirement for drumHeart members and sight reading will not be part of the audition process.
drumHeart is now on Instagram! Follow @drumheartWDC for gig announcements, drumming tips and tricks, member features, and so much more!
Women Who Groove is WDC’s lively community-based ensemble, led by Bettie Seitzer. The Groovy Women enjoy sharing their drumming and songs, measuring their impact through audience members’ smiles. Their repertoire includes West African drum songs, original pieces, and bucket drumming. Women Who Groove also sings several traditional songs that feature drumming and voice.
Women Who Groove, 2021
Djembe Diyamu is WDC’s co-ed group, led by Dan Engebretson. The group performs traditional West African music, paying careful attention to the cultural context and history of the songs. Djembe Diyamu educates and enriches any event with their high-energy performances.
Djembe Diyamu, 2022 Annual Concert
Djembe Diyamu, 2021 Annual Concert
Hire us
Music is a universal language that can soothe, connect, and energize. Let WDC collaborate with you to bring customized music to your event. Add one or more of WDC’s unique performance ensembles to your next event or program for lively world percussion music. To discuss details, availability, and fees, contact WDC at 651.206.7617 or info@womensdrumcenter.net.