Croton Students Feel the Rhythm

From the Croton-Harmon schools:

Clutching djembe drums between their legs, Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School fourth-graders carefully beat their instruments using the “gun,” “go” and “pa” (bass, tone and slap) motions to create African rhythms.

For the third year, percussionist Mike Veny is spending a few weeks at CET in Croton-on-Hudson to introduce and advance all students with the djembes.

“I would like to give a big thanks to the PTA, Ms. [Marlena] Peters and Principal Mrs. [Kelly] Maloney for making it possible for me to be here,” said Veny. “I get to work with kids on drumming in a circle and that teaches them not only about rhythm, but building community and learning to work together.”

Veny says he uses the same games and lessons with adults in the corporate world to remind them about these valuable skills and it’s beneficial for CET students to be able to practice them at an early age.

“It’s amazing,” said music teacher Marlena Peters. “Because he has been coming for three years, I have been able to see the growth from year-to-year. It’s unbelievable.”

Fourth-grader Nicholas Godek said he enjoys how Veny breaks down the rhythms in easy-to-understand words for students.

“He always makes different patterns to help us learn the songs,” he said.

Veny’s drumming lessons allow students to learn at their own pace without feeling left behind, as they are always able to join in and play with the group, said Peters. “The kids get excited,” she said. “They are just so engaged, it’s amazing.

View a video of the drums in action on the Croton-Harmon School District website: www.croton-harmonschools.org.

Photo Captions:

• Percussionist Mike Veny (second from right) and Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School music teacher Marlena Peters (right) worked with students on African beats using djembe drums.
• Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School fourth-graders practiced African rhythms using djembe drums.