Traditional Rhythms from West Africa
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People who hear and see us perform say that we look so happy and seem to be having so much fun. That is because we are!
United by the love and awe that we feel toward West African traditional rhythms, we are life-long students of this rich and complex music, with experience ranging from a few years to many. We humbly seek opportunities to learn from our African teachers every year and then share the gift they give us in this uplifting music.
Each rhythm we play has a specific meaning in West African villages, whether it’s a celebration, accompaniment for work in the fields or signifying an important rite of passage. The rhythms are polyrhythmic – made up of multiple, interlocking patterns of beats and silence. When music is played in West Africa, everyone is involved. There is no audience, only participants! The music is “good” when there is participation and involvement from all. So we invite you to come be inspired and share the joy that is West African drumming!
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GRANT ELLERBECK - Director
Grant is a life-long musician who made a few bucks as a kid playing accordion in show bands at Summer resorts in the Catskill Mountains. Then followed a detour through a bit of guitar, piano , then college, family and lots of work.
His musical home-coming came on that life-changing day when he went, almost by chance, to one of Dave Kobrenski’s West African drumming workshops. It was the start of a life-long devotion to learning, playing, and teaching this most amazing music.
"The satisfaction and joy of learning and sharing this music with this amazing group of players are truly beyond describing, and are some of the things in this life that I'm most grateful for."
That same gratitude extends to my dear and incredible wife Julie. We are so blessed to be able to share in our wonderful journey together.
Grant is a life-long musician who made a few bucks as a kid playing accordion in show bands at Summer resorts in the Catskill Mountains. Then followed a detour through a bit of guitar, piano , then college, family and lots of work.
His musical home-coming came on that life-changing day when he went, almost by chance, to one of Dave Kobrenski’s West African drumming workshops. It was the start of a life-long devotion to learning, playing, and teaching this most amazing music.
"The satisfaction and joy of learning and sharing this music with this amazing group of players are truly beyond describing, and are some of the things in this life that I'm most grateful for."
That same gratitude extends to my dear and incredible wife Julie. We are so blessed to be able to share in our wonderful journey together.
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DIANE HOFFMAN - Member
I came from a musical family. My mother played the piano and my father, self-taught, plays the piano, guitar, accordion and harmonica. I took piano lessons as a kid and currently have a piano, ukulele, acoustic and electric guitars which I play for my own enjoyment.
In 2006, I was introduced to a drum circle, fell in love with the jembe and purchased one.
Arabalon was formed as a spin-off from the monthly regular drummers, and I have been playing not only the jembe but also the larger drums. I find drumming to be a great musical experience. Each beat, slap, hit, etc., speak for themselves which relates to a wonderful harmony when combined together.
I came from a musical family. My mother played the piano and my father, self-taught, plays the piano, guitar, accordion and harmonica. I took piano lessons as a kid and currently have a piano, ukulele, acoustic and electric guitars which I play for my own enjoyment.
In 2006, I was introduced to a drum circle, fell in love with the jembe and purchased one.
Arabalon was formed as a spin-off from the monthly regular drummers, and I have been playing not only the jembe but also the larger drums. I find drumming to be a great musical experience. Each beat, slap, hit, etc., speak for themselves which relates to a wonderful harmony when combined together.
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JACQUELINE LAWTON - Member
Jacqui has studied West African drumming for over 10 years. She finds this music to be addictive, grounding, challenging and lots of fun to play.
“I love music, all kinds of music. It always has been and always will be an important part of my life. Music brings me joy and makes my heart sing. I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of this talented group of drummers and for having this amazing gift in my life."
Some of the teachers Jacqui has studied with are Gail Williamson, Steve Ferraris, Baba Olatunji, Dave Kobrinski, Grant Ellerbeck, and Namory Keita.
Jacqui loves learning, performing and sharing these traditional rhythms with others.
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BEN BYNUM - Member
Ben’s first exposure to West African drumming was in High School with a one-day intro class. The music captivated him but he didn’t pursue it.
Over 20 years later the opportunity arose to organize a local drum circle with a drumming friend, which continued for about a year. Grant planted the seed at one of those circles to join his newly formed group. Eventually he did and has never looked back only looking forward to every opportunity to experience the joy of this music.
“Learning to hear and be able to play the tightly woven and complicated rhythms of West Africa has been a long and beautiful journey.”
Ben’s first exposure to West African drumming was in High School with a one-day intro class. The music captivated him but he didn’t pursue it.
Over 20 years later the opportunity arose to organize a local drum circle with a drumming friend, which continued for about a year. Grant planted the seed at one of those circles to join his newly formed group. Eventually he did and has never looked back only looking forward to every opportunity to experience the joy of this music.
“Learning to hear and be able to play the tightly woven and complicated rhythms of West Africa has been a long and beautiful journey.”
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TRACEY OSBORNE - Member
Tracey took her first hand drumming class in 2003 and never looked back. She studied first in the Gainesville, Florida area with Leon Larson (Baba Leon) and attended workshops with Gordy Ryan, both long-time students of Babatunde Olatunji. She had the opportunity to perform and record with Baba Leon's group, the Lost Safari Drummers for one year before moving to back to New Hampshire.
Tracey has found New England to be rich with West African Drumming enthusiasts, students and opportunities to study with Master Drummers.
Tracey has been drumming with Arabalon since 2007 and is continually inspired by the group's dedication to keeping the West African traditional rhythms alive in this part of the world and by the shared excitement Arabalon brings to each Wednesday night rehearsal and performance.
Tracey took her first hand drumming class in 2003 and never looked back. She studied first in the Gainesville, Florida area with Leon Larson (Baba Leon) and attended workshops with Gordy Ryan, both long-time students of Babatunde Olatunji. She had the opportunity to perform and record with Baba Leon's group, the Lost Safari Drummers for one year before moving to back to New Hampshire.
Tracey has found New England to be rich with West African Drumming enthusiasts, students and opportunities to study with Master Drummers.
Tracey has been drumming with Arabalon since 2007 and is continually inspired by the group's dedication to keeping the West African traditional rhythms alive in this part of the world and by the shared excitement Arabalon brings to each Wednesday night rehearsal and performance.
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CAROL RUH - Member
Carol's first drumming experience began at the invitation by a co-worker to attend an intimate drum circle in a friend's home. The acceptance of a stranger who never touched a drum was very empowering. She is forever indebted to her and her friends as it began an immediate connection with the gift of the drum.
"Its brings a joy to play and to share with others the rhythms of the drums."
Carol's first drumming experience began at the invitation by a co-worker to attend an intimate drum circle in a friend's home. The acceptance of a stranger who never touched a drum was very empowering. She is forever indebted to her and her friends as it began an immediate connection with the gift of the drum.
"Its brings a joy to play and to share with others the rhythms of the drums."
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D ELSWICK - Member
D started attending drum circles and drum classes about 9 years ago with Gail Williamson. She has also learned from Dave Kobrenski, Mary Lamenzo, Julie Corey, Grant Ellerbeck, Mz. Imani, Namory Keita as well as every drummer she has ever drummed with. Her main passion is West African Drumming but loves other form of percussion as well; taiko, Native American, Celtic, etc.
The three years she has been with Araba-lon have been the most rewarding and stimulating of her life and her love of sharing the passion and fun of West African Drumming only grows with time. It is her honor and privilege to drum with this group of crazy, wild and wonderful people and look forward to many more years doing so.
D started attending drum circles and drum classes about 9 years ago with Gail Williamson. She has also learned from Dave Kobrenski, Mary Lamenzo, Julie Corey, Grant Ellerbeck, Mz. Imani, Namory Keita as well as every drummer she has ever drummed with. Her main passion is West African Drumming but loves other form of percussion as well; taiko, Native American, Celtic, etc.
The three years she has been with Araba-lon have been the most rewarding and stimulating of her life and her love of sharing the passion and fun of West African Drumming only grows with time. It is her honor and privilege to drum with this group of crazy, wild and wonderful people and look forward to many more years doing so.