WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEST AFRICA

by James Molito and Beth Pennington
Students clustered in the Welcome Center Monday of Week 5 for music, merriment, and movement. Headed by the Mali born maestro Isa, the group donned ornate traditional garb as they showed students the vibrant world of West African culture. As lively beats filled the hearts of students they joined in tandem with smiles shooting across their faces. As the night marched on a wave of students joined alongside the group, performing a soulful symphony of djembes. With haunting beats filling their heads, students scampered to join in an energetic dance. As the night was coming to an end, students simultaneously sung out a traditional West African song lead by the steady sound of Isa's voice. The proctors attempted to wrap up the night with a final frantic dance but the students just could not stay away as the whole auditorium was dancing. With pounding beats still resonating in their hearts and minds, the students left the Welcome Center fully engrossed in the wonderful world of West Africa.

One of the authors participating in Monday's drum performance