As soon as West African musician Diali (pronounced “Jelly”) Cissokho began playing the kora at Bonlee School in March, the audience of fifth and seventh graders were mesmerized by the tranquil music. Diali spoke about love, family, and respect while playing and singing fables in his native Wolof language.
The students were treated to three days of individual classroom workshops where they learned to play djembe drums, sing in Wolof, dance like no one was watching–and, most importantly, work together as a cohesive team.
At the start of the workshops, some students weren’t sure what to make of Diali, with his brilliantly colored dashiki and booming, accented voice. One student kept whispering to a friend when Diali spoke and wasn’t playing his drum when instructed. Diali pulled the student aside and whispered, “I give you respect, and you give me respect. Understand?” The student, flushed, nodded quickly with reverence. After their week together, where Diali drummed and danced happily alongside that once doubtful young man, that same student went to hug Diali and ask him to sign his favorite hat, a sign of true respect.
“I personally saw students who, in my experience, have never been willing to speak in a group, let alone dance, do both without fear or hesitation,” shared Bonlee music teacher, David Clark.
By the last day of workshops, students were in sync and beating their drums with force, smiling and tapping each other when someone needed help staying on beat. Some students closed their eyes to really feel the drum beats and rhythm of the songs. They cheered each other on while pairs got up to dance with abandon in the middle of their class drum circle.
“We are here to make each other happy,” Diali told the students. “Why are we all dancing? Because we want to make people happy!”
They extensively practiced their drum songs, chants, and dances before their performance on the last day. And, of course, one part of their performance was playing as long and as fast as they could on their drums. “How are your hands?” Diali asked with a big grin. “My hands were white, but now I’m bright red!” laughed a student, in response. “This is exhausting, but it’s kind of fun!” shared another.
“On the last day, I was blown away to see how many parents came to see their students perform. That opportunity for the students to share what they have learned was very special,” shared Diali.
“Diali is truly remarkable with the kids!” said a Bonlee custodian who watched the workshops and performance. “He makes me want to have this kind of joy every day,” she added, later purchasing a handmade djembe drum of her own from Diali.
To put it best, one fifth-grade student proclaimed: “These were the best days ever.”
This transformative residency was powered by Raintree Community for the Arts.
Arts for Resilient Kids programming is made possible by partnerships with Chatham County Schools, Chatham County, the North CarolinaArts Council, and many individual, foundation, business donors.
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