nankama
 
Our school had the pleasure of starting the year in September with an artist in residence with Bobby. Both the staff and students really enjoyed their time with him. While learning to play several different African drums students also learned respect for another culture, patience with each other, respect for the drums and gained self -confidence. The students loved seeing the native clothing that Bobby wore. Bobby was very organized but also knew how and when to go with the flow of the group he was with. The all school assembly at the end of the residency where each class performed (teachers too) has been the highlight of our year. Bobby knows how to bring out the best in each student. We'd love to have him back again! Thanks again MR. Bo! Barbara Coolman Bobby, I just wanted to again tell you how much we enjoyed the performance last week. I had several teachers say that it was one of the best assemblies we have had. Thanks again, Janice Janice Matti Media Coordinator Malabon School Drumming has proven to be an excellent therapeutic tool for alcoholics and addicts. These rhythm sessions have allowed the group meetings to flow more smoothly, with participants feeling more connected to each other and able to flow in the rhythm of the discussion. When someone needs to be heard or another person needs the guidance of a fellow group member, the barriers of trust and ego have been broken, allowing for tremendous cooperation and therapeutic moments. I saw the patients transform in one and half hours. Often their first introduction to drumming would be closed, negative, suspicious and/or resentful about what was happening. In a matter of moments, those same people would be laughing, smiling, and playing. I’ve seen the angriest patient become filled with joy; the most anxiety-ridden patient beating the drum ecstatically and sweating; the shyest person blossom and play the most beautiful rhythms. Several clients have followed through with bringing drumming into their life, while others say it opened their minds up to not prejudge things and be more confident to try new activities that aren’t drug or alcohol related. Many many thanks Bobby for five years of dedicated service! Becky Collins Associate Mental Health Professional CADC II Thanks a bunch for your recent visit to OSB. You did a very nice job of engaging our kids from the start and keeping them interested throughout your time here. Many of our student's are particularly tuned in to sound and rhythm and others are not. You managed to appeal to all levels of ability and attention in a way that was wonderful and enjoyable to see, both in the small-group drum circle setting and the large-group, more formal, concert setting. Our kids were involved and demonstrative in both settings without getting out of hand. The pleasant, gentle but focused, approach that you used was effective and appreciated. Both students and staff have commented to me how much they enjoyed your visit and have expressed their hope that you can come back.   Thanks again, Relan Colley Teacher of the Visually Impaired Bobby came in to do a session with the OSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble during the annual retreat. The ensemble had been having rhythm issues for the entire performing season up until the day of the retreat. Bobby set up an environment where all the musicians felt safe expressing themselves and getting in touch with the inner rhythm that resides in us all. I believe that this is what sets Rhythm Events aside from other team building groups and speakers; they provide a safe environment to create a genuine musical experience that the group will share in. There is no bond in the world like an artistic one, and Bobby provides quick, easy, and fun access to that. Our rhythm locked up in the rehearsal later that day like I've never heard before. Rhythmically, it was like listening to a different band. Ed Propst, Music Educator.   Did you miss the OCAC Celebrate the Season Potluck Dinner last week? Then you also missed a fantastic evening of spontaneous drumming, led by Bobby Bovenzi.  He got the joint jumping with maracas, drums, and other tympani. Everyone had a chance to find the rhythm of the food they had just enjoyed, like "MEAT-balls-in-OLIVE-oil" and "WIENers and BEANS". Even people you would never expect to see holding a drum were rockin' out with rhythms from around the world.... Many thanks for donating your time!! Penelope Johnson
Secretary
Oliver Community Arts Council WOW! YAY!! There were SO MANY great comments about the drumming gathering at the UUF Men's retreat this weekend. That was wildman time when the lights were out and everyone was wailing and chanting! What a kick to see 75 year old Leo with this big grin on his face, slapping on a drum, and many other similar sights. For me, besides the joy of being in the wash of changing rhythms, it broke back memories. Years ago, we had a Men's group of about 30 men who met weekly - the first 15-20 minutes was drumming and dancing, and it was wonderful and raucous and invigorating. The other night I was drumming next to John Sulzman, who was in that original group, and we were both transported back to that earlier time. Thanks! Wolfgang Dengler On behalf of everyone at the Spring Creek Project, I want to thank you for the wonderful drum and dance performance Nankama gave at Catching Fire. It was a powerful moment in the symposium, and your embodiment of so much soulful energy was just what we needed. Many, many thanks. I look forward to working with you again. All best, Charles Goodrich Department of Philosophy Oregon State University On behalf of Home Life, our clients, and our staff, I would like to thank Common Pulse for the fun and experience they gave to us. Bobby offered us the perfect opportunity to let OSU's Peer Health Advocates and the Home Life clients to meet each other and enjoy themselves. Some of us were slightly introverted, and not quite comfortable with playing for others, while the majority of the Home Life clients beat away to their hearts' content. The combination was fantastic: a chance for the introverts to play for a group of nonjudgmental extroverts, and a place where extroverts could soak up the energy through drumming, rhythm, chanting, and dance. As Bobby explained in during the introduction, when group of people congregate and play a single, steady rhythm, the heartbeats of everyone in the room begin to pump to that same rhythm, bringing them all to the same speed. Such was the case with Home Life and Peer Health Advocates. By the end we were drumming, swaying, and dancing as one. -- Christine Newell Volunteer Coordinator Home Life, Inc. Thank you for providing a wonderful memory for the Wilson children during your recent “Artist-in-Resident” experience.  They learned, they performed, they remember!  Your curriculum provided not only music lessons, but grade level culturally appropriate instruction as well.   Once again you infused rhythmic enthusiasm in the students, kindergarten through fifth grade.  Feedback from the students is unanimous: “the drum guy rocks!”   On behalf of the administration, staff, parent community, and especially the students, thank you, Bobby, for a job well done!   Gerry Kosanovic Principal, Wilson School Thanks for chatting with me yesterday! I must say my adult class went a lot better, at least the last hour did. Have you ever taught a class with 2 master drummers watching and listening. Yes, one drummer brought her friend Bara to the class. Another couple brought their teacher from the Bay area Karamba to the class. Needless, to say I was nervous...but when we got done with putting the djembe parts for Bala together everyone including the master dancer Ma Ture from Guinea clapped and gave nice compliments. Kudos to you instructor as I have learned from the best! Dave Visiko, past student now instructing