AJALI

	Gerard Hector is a fourth generation drummer, native of Trinidad . He specializes in building drums and is skilled in the rhythms of West Africa and the Caribbean, whether it be sacred or secular. He was the lead performer for Cocorite Ujamaa, an award-winning Calypso Folk Group in Trinidad, and was head of a performance group, The Emancipation Cultural Performers.
	Neal Joseph has accompanied Gerard Hector in the building and playing of drums for the past thirteen years. He was the bass player for both Cocorite Ujamaa and The Emancipation Cultural Performers.
	Kathy-Ann Belcon, professional dancer & choreographer of AJALI, can provide Afro-Caribbean dance instruction as part of any drumming program or one-day workshop.

AJALI has been the artists –in –residence at The Ethel Walker School since September, 2000. During this time, they have led drum circles for the Farmington Valley Arts Center, taught dance classes at the Hartford Conservatory, received a grant from the Greater Hartford Arts Council to conduct drum/dance workshops for REACH / The Alternative High School of West Hartford; created an after-school enrichment program for The Cobb School; performed at Childrens’ Hospital, The E. Hartford Library, Borders Bookstore, the Bloomfield Drum Festival, GHJCC, The Hartford Insurance Company, Suffield Academy, Trinity College and many middle and high schools throughout the Greater Hartford area.

Currently, the members of AJALI are the primary instructors for Drums Not Drugs, an educational youth business of Our Piece of the Pie, a program of Southend Community Services. They also lead Drums Not Drugs, an anti-substance abuse program that focuses on prevention through drumming. These programs have run successfully at several DCF facilities including CT Children’s Place in Windsor, Community Solutions of Bloomfield and Long Lane Center for girls in Middletown.

Trinidad is often referred to as the “land of culture,” as it is home to the most diverse population in the Caribbean. Gerard has designed programs and performances to enhance awareness and understanding of cultural diversity. They provide an enriching experience for groups of any age, through their interactive drum/dance workshops.