Drumananda Serenity and Joy Through Drumming
by Lori Caskey-Sigety
I've been drumming since the tender age of 10. I remember lugging around the heavy, awkward Ludwig snare drum case that was almost as big as I was, drumsticks in one hand, and the case in the other. At the time, I played music to gain acceptance from peers, to learn new skills, and to release frustration in a positive way.
Jacquee Dickey also showed interest in drums at a young age. When she was nine, Dickey discovered her sister's drum pad. Unfortunately, others leaned into traditional gender roles and dissuaded her. When Dickey inquired about playing drums in junior high, her band director shut her down, stating, "Girls don't play drums."
Twenty-seven years later, after a cancer diagnosis, Jacquee proved him wrong by picking up the drums and never setting them down. Drumananda was born.
Drumananda is literally the blend of two words: drum and ananda, which is Sanskrit for bliss or happiness, one of the highest states of being. Dickey has committed her life to helping people through her academic studies, Master of Arts and Master of Divinity. Her past and current vocations speak to her service of others: fundraiser, social worker, pastoral minister, and world percussionist. Through Drumananda, Dickey hosts drum circles and fundraisers for humanitarian causes, performs local concerts and events, and teaches both individual and group classes.
Dicky plays various percussion instruments, including the dundun drums, which are wooden bass drums she strikes with sticks to accompany the djembe (pronounced jem-bay), the main instrument in which she is certified. The djembe is an ornate wooden drum that is struck by the hands with three tones: slap (high note), tone (middle note), and bass (low note).
I have also taken lessons from Jacquee and Drumananda in peaceful venues. As an example, a group of students traveled to Anam Cara Sanctuary Farm located in LaPorte, IN, where donkeys, goats, horses, and humans interact and experience mutual healing through drumming. I sat outside on the beautiful grounds at Sacred Waters in Mishawaka, Indiana, where feral cats and deer wander out from the woods, drawn by the energy and vibration of the drums. I have also taken lessons inside the lovely worship space with the stained-glass windows at the Southside Christian Church in South Bend, IN, and performed once at a Sunday service.
Recently, I experienced a boost of natural dopamine and a cardio workout when attending the Drumananda Drum and Dance Circle fundraiser for SITEAW (Shifting Ideas Through Education for African Women, Inc.) at the Southside Christian Church (siteaw.org).
A recurrent theme in the lessons taken with Dickey and Drumananda is accessibility. I believe this is a result of the lack of accessibility to drumming Dickey experienced as a girl.
Drumananda is for everyone. There are drummers of varying skill levels in the circles; the advanced players assist the beginners. No prior experience is required to take lessons, and new drummers are welcome. The ability to read music is helpful, it is not a requirement to learn to play the djembe.
Drumming sessions usually last an hour and a half and are presented in six-week sessions throughout the year. Students are mostly adults, but children and teens occasionally participate. The prices for taking classes are reasonable, and quality-made djembes can be rented or purchased through Drumananda.
Participants engage in warm-up exercises, learn proper drum striking techniques, and gain an understanding of West African history, rhythms, songs, and traditions. Dickey uses an oral tradition similar to the Suzuki learning style.
Although she has taught for over 30 years, Dickey continues to study at the Chicago TTMD Academy. Her mentors and teachers are from: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda, Africa.
Through Drumananda, Jacquee Dickey has been inspiring and teaching members in the Michiana community to find serenity and joy through drumming. Through her experiences, she would also be the first to show that girls do play drums.
Learn more about Drumananda and sign up for classes at drumananda.com.