The accessibility of hand drum building and playing, even to those with no musical training, enables students to experience instant success. These percussion activities can be enjoyable and motivating to anyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, musical preferences or age, and are useful in creating a strong sense of group identity and a feeling of belonging. The very process of building a djembe drum builds competence and confidence, as students perform many small tasks and feel a repeated sense of accomplishment and completion.

The Drums Not Drugs program, led by AJALI of Trinidad, provides a unique team-building experience while touching upon history, diversity and the arts. Rhythm based practices are a natural way to provide young people with opportunities to creatively channel and release emotions and frustrations. The drum circle is an ideal vehicle for working collaboratively, as students have to learn and practice together — and depend on each other for success. Social interaction skills are developed, improving communication and relationships with others.

Working together in rhythm to promote cooperation rather than competition, results in a feeling of group synergy and cohesion. Peace and understanding are encouraged among participants helping to reduce prejudice and discriminating attitudes. The inspiration of the musical environment enables all participants to feel part of the community, while celebrating diversity.
Having AJALI, a performing folk group comprised of master artists from Trinidad , as the instructors for the program, provides an authentic cultural experience for students.

Our ‘Drums Not Drugs’ message is conveyed through the achievement of a “natural high,” gained by learning and engaging in the arts; a powerful alternative to the traps of a drug-induced chemical high. The drumming program uses traditional Afro-Caribbean percussion to teach lessons that are universal, and we know this activity to be a constructive alternative to substance abuse and other forms of self-destructive behavior. This program aims to assist students in their development as productive members of their schools and the community at large.

Public performances serve as a great incentive and help to raise confidence in the players and the group. Students discover that if they focus on a goal they can achieve it. Drumming illustrates this self-discovery and promotes self-confidence through the successful completion of the Drums Not Drugs program. Youth are able to mark their accomplishment by recording their own professional CD. Student leaders are empowered to give back to their communities by performing, leading workshops and facilitating drum circles in a variety of settings.

Targeted Groups At risk youth, all ages

Program Settings After School Programs, 4-12 Residential Programs Community Programs Foster Care Settings Juvenile Justice Settings Return to Top Program Content In the drum-building program, students receive all materials necessary for crafting their own drum including an authentic hand-carved African djembe shell, rings, head, rope and fabric. It is an art in and of itself to “rope a drum.” Students will learn the intricacies of lacing and tuning their drums, as well as the maintenance required thereafter. Once all the drums are prepared, students then devote themselves learning how to play world rhythms in a drum circle. Students are able to mark their accomplishment by recording their own professional CD and doing a performance at the end of the program. For example, The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council was awarded grants from the Katherine Matthies Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to implement the Drums Not Drugs program at the Tinney Community Center in Ansonia , CT. In just seven weeks during twelve two-hour sessions, students built their own djembe drums, learned a variety of world rhythms, recorded their group CD and performed at several community events. “We serve children with social & behavioral challenges, emotional issues, even mental disabilities, with each child functioning at a different level. Your drumming program has enabled all of our children to participate together. There are very few activities that can achieve this while at the same time produce such positive results.” - Molly Leahy School Psychologist at Connecticut Children’s Place East Windsor     Return to Top   Program Outline: (Based on meeting one time per week)         First 12-week cycle: A minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 20 will participate in the program.                                                                                                                                                              Second 12-week cycle: A minimum of 10 new students will participate in the program. Up to 10 graduates from the first cycle who wish to continue will become apprentices. Third 12-week cycle: A minimum of 10 new students will participate in the program. Apprentices from the second cycle may be hired as youth instructors or return to their own communities in order to perform and to lead workshops. Up to 10 graduates from the second cycle who wish to continue will become apprentices. Any given cycle could be incorporated into a summer program, where new students can join the program and apprentices/youth instructors have employment opportunities. Return to Top  Benefits for Youth Participants and Sponsoring Organizations Youth will participate in a quality program with an anti-substance abuse theme to be held during high risk after school hours.   Youth will have a unique team-building experience while touching upon history, diversity and the arts.   Students will learn technical and social skills that they can apply to various aspects of their lives. Because the program is built on a train-the-trainer model, youth will learn how to perform and lead workshops in a variety of settings.   The drumming program can potentially provide youth employment opportunities.   Organizations would have their own music group made up of local talent that can be featured at many events. When performances take place, the organization will also be promoted.   Organizations can involve the youth drum corps in corporate partnerships; for example, student leaders can gain experience by performing or facilitating drum circles at companies.   Community events can be created around the drummers, such as a ‘Drug-Free Awareness Day’ attended by schools or other groups.