Asaadua drum rhythm

“asa”-fruit  “dua”-tree: “sweet fruit tree”

Bell pattern #1 (single bell)”

                Ta-tata-tata-ta-ta

Bell pattern #2 (double bell):

                Low-high-high   low-high-high

Rattle:

                Sa-sa-sa—sa-sa-sa

Tamalin drum (small):

                Open-mute

                Pem-pa

Dono(English pronunciation)/ Dondo (Akan) [using curved stick]:

                A: low-high—low-high—low-high-high-high-high (2x)

                B: low-high-high-high-high (2x)

Master drum (big Tamalin drum):

                Open-open-open—mute-mute

                Pa-pa-pa—pi-pi

These are literally the notes I have written in my book for Asaadua, the rhythm we learned together in our lesson with Johnson. All we did was write it out, and after writing it out, we could play it amazingly well. I was so surprised that we were able to learn it in a matter of an hour (or less, since I think we also spent time going over Kpatsa). I was so proud of us after class. He also showed us a little of the dance, and I’m glad we’re learning how to play a number of drums instead of just Kpanlogo, even though that’s the drum that’s coming home with me. Bridget and I both love going to class, and drumming is always so fun to me, although nowadays my hands are starting to hurt. Drum Village is also home to a lot of ants, which spend their time thinking I’m a tree and trying to climb me. And then they get angry around my neck and bite me, which is not fun at all.