Help Fund Musical Research in Ghana

Do you remember the first time you heard a drum? The boom boom boom that made your insides move? I do. It was on the song “Wipe Out” by The Safaris. And I was hooked for life. I wanted to DO the thing that made me want to move.

Hello. My name is Todd Garland and I have spent most of my life playing and performing music, from banging on pots and pans as a toddler to being on stages opening for bands such as Los Lobos, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Robert Randolph, and more. Now a music educator, I work to inspire others to create and perform the music that exists inside them. This summer I have an opportunity to deepen the experience of my students and my community by traveling to Ghana and learning from one of the most revered drumming cultures in the world.

Part of my community offering includes an after-school African Drumming program where students learn about the rhythms, cultures, and musical traditions of the peoples of West Africa. The students are enthusiastic about the music and are always excited to share what they learn by drumming for school assemblies, rallies, and concerts throughout the year. Every style of popular music owes its groove and danceability to African drumming. The opportunity to research this style of music and culture to share it with my students and community is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In addition to learning about Ghanaian culture and music, I will be conducting research for my master's thesis.

Having first-hand knowledge and connection with the Ewe culture of West Africa will bring a depth of knowledge to my students and community that is not accessible through regular teaching resources. I will be able to share with my students intimate details of village life, cultural knowledge, musical understanding, and give them a broader perspective of life in a different country. The workshop includes daily music instruction in drumming and singing as well as visits to cultural sites in Ghana. We will travel to neighboring villages to learn about differences in their traditions and listen to their musical ensembles. In addition to paying village instructors, the workshop fees will provide funds for the village inhabitants.

The funds raised through this campaign will cover the cost of airfare and the workshop, approximately $5000. Any funds exceeding the goal will be used to purchase instruments from the villagers and donated to the village.

Please join me on this journey. Follow me as I will share photos and videos of the experience for all to enjoy.

Thank you!

(Please see link below for more details.)

http://www.dunyo.com/intothesound.html