Sponsored by
My Passion: Banging the drum for the joys of African music making
I've always had an interest in world music, but until two years ago I'd never really played an instrument, let alone experienced the thrill of being a part of a group.
However, after some friendly persuasion, I went along to a local drumming circle called Honeydrum, and I've never looked back.
I would never claim that a career in marketing and design is a natural way to develop a sense of rhythm, and, at first, I did struggle to keep with a beat.
I began playing African music, mainly the djembe – a skin-covered hand drum – and I persevered because I loved it so much.
After a year with Honeydrum and a few gigs – mainly in front of friends – I began playing with the samba band, which has been a terrific experience. Sometimes there are up to 20 people playing, which is very impressive – although not something to try if you're suffering with a headache.
As well as the djembe, I play the tam in the samba band. While only a small drum, its tight nylon skin makes it probably the most piercing instrument in the ensemble. It cuts over the top of everything else, so everyone always knows I'm there. Perhaps that's the marketing side of me coming out.
As one of the key members of the band, there is constantly pressure to turn up to every rehearsal, class and gig, but when it all comes together and we're playing in front of a few hundred people, it is always worth it.
The sense of achievement when playing with your friends, the band is tight and everyone is dancing, is just fantastic.
Honeydrum is also a great community to be a part of, with so many musicians and people from the Leeds area sharing in the experience. There are even some people who come to all our gigs and are almost a part of the group – they even join us on our trips.
In just a short time, drumming has become a major part of my life. I rehearse twice a week with both the African and samba groups, working with beginners who bring new energy
and enthusiasm.
Honeydrum is going from strength to strength, with bigger gigs and even some festival appearances. Last year, we played Planet Leeds in which we paraded up Briggate before playing on
the main stage.
The highlight of my time with the band has definitely been the two Raise the Roof festivals, held annually at the West Indian Centre in Chapeltown, Leeds.
With more than 1,000 attendees, it was so busy we ended up playing in the audience and some of the crowd trying their hand at accompanying us – on our own instruments.
Working in a design agency can sometimes be very hectic, with deadlines to meet and clients to impress.
After a hard day in the office, drumming is a terrific way to unwind, as well as introducing me to people with often very different professional lives.
Natasha Harrison, business development manager at ICM Creative Communications in Leeds.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Ball is in Leeds United’s court over contract - Snodgrass
- Celtic interested in Leeds United’s White
- Sister ‘saw parents kill teenager Shafilea Ahmed for bringing dishonour on family’
- Fears over faith split fuelled by free school proposals
- Luton Town 1 York City 2: York clear their heads after early blow to claim their place back in Football League
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
