OVERVIEW
Ensembles
Djembe Diyamu
drumHeart
Rhythm Connection
Taikollaborative
Women Who Groove
The WOMEN’S DRUM CENTER has five groups that provide entertainment for fundraising events, public concerts, and private parties.
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
Djembe Diyamu
Djembe Diyamu is WDC’s co-ed group. 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.
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!
drumHeart
drumHeart is the WDC’s founding performance drum ensemble, currently directed by Alexandra Ray and Jo Klein. Their repertoire includes original songs composed for the group, traditional West African music, and Brazilian samba music.
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).
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 everyday words into dynamic percussion patterns.
Interested in joining a group?
We would love to welcome you into the community at the WDC! Each ensemble has their own requirements for becoming a member, and we recommend starting by taking a few classes or workshops to get familiar with the studio. Click here for more info.
come for the DRUMMING, stay for the COMMUNITY
WDC Weekly Class + Rehearsal Schedule
Sundays
10:30 - 11:30am: West African Level 1 Class
11:45 - 1:45pm: Djembe Diyamu Rehearsal
5 - 7pm: Taikollaborative Rehearsal
Mondays
7 - 8:30pm: Rhythm Connection Rehearsal
Tuesdays
5 - 6pm: Hand Drum for Beginners Class
6:30 - 8:30pm: Women Who Groove Rehearsal
Thursdays
6:30 - 8:30pm: drumHeart Rehearsal
FAQ's
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Each ensemble leader has prerequisites for joining their individual groups. Please visit the corresponding website pages to learn more or email info@womensdrumcenter.net We will be glad to answer your specific questions!
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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
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Visit our GENERAL FAQ’s page or email us at info@womensdrumcenter.net
2026 Annual Concert Finale, All Ensembles