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About Resounding Rhythms

Old Wooden DjembePhoto by dejankrsmanovic on Foter.com / CC BYBarbara and Eric vanBok are true enthusiasts for the Guinean drumming culture of West Africa. After years of study with the Boston based The DrumConnection, and ongoing workshops with the Taketina Method, they moved to Midcoast Maine. In February of 2006, Barbara and Eric started co-teaching West African ensemble drumming to the Midcoast Maine area and have maintained weekly classes since.

Barbara and Eric's classes are energetic and fun, with a strong focus on proper technique and the teaching of complete West African rhythms. They enjoy bringing the true ensemble experience to their students in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, as that is how the music is meant to be played and enjoyed.

Barbara and Eric’s main, current teachers are:

  • Sayon Camara, West African Djembe Master, now living in Vermont
  • Namory Keita, Famoudou Konaté’s nephew, now living in Portland, Maine

They have studied with:

  • Famoudou Konaté, West African Djembe Master and a living legend
  • Mamady Keita, West African Djembe Master and considered the most prolific djembe master in the world
  • Mamady "Wadaba" Kourouma, West African Djembe Master, now living in California
  • Billy Nankouma Konaté, son of Famoudou Konaté. A wonderful drummer and teacher
  • Reinhard Flatischler, world re-known musician, rhythm teacher and founder of the Ta-Ke-Ti-Na Method
  • Greg Burrows and Elaine Fong, teachers of the Ta-Ke-Ti-Na Method

Barbara 1Barbara vanBokAbout Barbara

Barbara attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. She was in the degree program for Audio Engineering and Music Production with a minor in voice performance and vocal technique. After working in the audio industry in New York City, she maintained her own graphic arts company for over 14 years. Later, she transitioned the company to a more web-based industry, and she personally switched to creating her own line of natural, essential oil-based perfumes. She continues to study natural perfumery, West African drumming, and she is a student of the bass guitar since 2018.

Eric 2Eric vanBokAbout Eric

Eric attended Florida Tech, where he earned his BS in Computer Science. He is a veteran of the computer industry with a range of experience in many aspects of the Information Technology field. Since 2005, he has specialized in building websites for small to mid-sized businesses, and his clients are spread across the country. He has always had a love for music and that has blossomed through the study and teaching of West African music.