The WOMEN’S DRUM CENTER (WDC) is a thriving community with five performance ensembles: Djembe Diyamu, drumHeart, Rhythm Connection, Taikollaborative, and Women Who Groove. Each ensemble offers an opportunity to learn about world percussion, technique training, and the cultural context of the rhythms that are played. Percussion is our passion and joy is our expression.
Overview
Djembe Diyamu
Djembe Diyamu is WDC’s advanced West African drum ensemble. They play traditional music and pay careful attention to the cultural context and history of the songs. Djembe Diyamu educates and enriches events with their high-energy performances. Learn more
Taikollaborative
Taiko + Collaborative = Taikollaborative! Taikollaborative performs high-energy taiko (Japanese drumming) arrangements and collaborative world-beat works, as well as nurturing the talents of modern composers -- and comes together as a community through the love of rhythm and fun! Learn more
drumHeart
drumHeart is the WDC’s founding performance drum ensemble. Their music is a mix of global rhythms that draw inspiration from Brazilian samba‑reggae, Jamaican funk grooves, Haitian music, and West African drumming traditions. Learn more
Women Who Groove
Women Who Groove is a dynamic group of women who learn and perform the music and instruments of West Africa. Their instruments include djembes, Dunns, gyils (West African xylophones) and Adenkums (gourds played rhythmically to accompany singing). Learn more
Rhythm Connection
Rhythm Connection is an exuberant hand and stick drum ensemble. Their repertoire includes traditional songs, as well as imaginative original works. The group uses mnemonic phrases to turn the cadence of language into dynamic percussion patterns. Learn more
Find your beat. Join the WDC!
Each director has their own requirements for becoming an ensemble member, and we recommend getting started by taking a few classes or workshops to get familiar with the studio.
See the FAQ’s below to learn more.
WDC Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule
Sundays
11:45 - 1:45pm: Djembe Diyamu
5 - 7pm: Taikollaborative
Mondays
7 - 8:30pm: Rhythm Connection
Tuesdays
6:30 - 8:30pm: Women Who Groove
Thursdays
6:30 - 8:30pm: drumHeart
come for the DRUMMING, stay for the COMMUNITY
DJEBME DIYAMU
RHYTHM CONNECTION
WOMEN WHO GROOVE
DRUMHEART
TAIKOLLABORATIVE
“The WDC is an incredibly supportive community. I love the challenge of learning new songs and learning about the music of so many different cultures and countries. There are also opportunities to make your own instruments!”
~Alyssa M, drumHeart member
FAQ's
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Each director has prerequisites for joining their individual ensemble. Please visit the corresponding ensemble pages to learn more or email info@womensdrumcenter.net We will be glad to answer your specific questions!
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Rehearsals are held once a week throughout the year, and performance season is from April - November. Please visit the corresponding ensemble pages to learn more or email info@womensdrumcenter.net
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No, performing is not a requirement for most of our ensemble groups. We understand that it can take a while to learn the rhythms and get comfortable on the stage. We are devoted to lifelong learning and nurture the pursuit of music-making by creating quality experiences for everyone.
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Yes! The WDC offers scholarships on a quarterly basis for ensemble rehearsals. These are granted as funds allow. Click HERE to learn more.
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Yes! We have many ways that you can become an important member of the WDC community.
Volunteer
Share your Talents or Ideas
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Visit our GENERAL FAQ’s page or email us at info@womensdrumcenter.net
Learn new skills, meet new friends, and who knows, maybe find yourself on stage!
2026 annual concert finale with all ensembles.