My drum and the school

It’s been an interesting week with the “big” event being the splitting of my drum skin. I was working on my computer when I heard a huge bang similar to that of an exploding plug. I almost jumped out of my skin and was initially concerned about my laptop thinking perhaps the charger had exploded. Once I’d ascertained that that wasn’t the problem I sat there for a moment wondering what it could’ve been when it dawned on me it was the sound of a drum skin popping. I knew immediately it had been the skin on my own personal drum even though I’ve got 40 odd drums which I use when facilitating my drum circles. I need to purchase a few more as I like to keep 50 in stock but I’ve sold some over the past few months.
Anyway, I knew it had been my drum which had split as I’d nicked the skin slightly when removing the hair after replacing it a few months ago. It may not have happened but I decided to tighten it some more a week ago. Fortunately the skin split in such a way that I was able to use it to repair one of my smaller drums which needed a new skin. Recycle!!!
Just as well I have another drum as I had to facilitate a class at a school later that day. The class went very well although half my students were absent as he school had come out earlier and most had already gone home. The school is in a disadvantaged area where the children are susceptible to getting into drugs and gangs and so I go with the hope of making a small difference in their lives. They really enjoy it and already want to put on a performance even though they’ve only been drumming for 2½ months. They’re also all Afrikaans speaking which is quite a challenge for me as my Afrikaans is not my first language. I don't think I do too badly though although one of the children once said to me, “Oh, just speak English!” I had to laugh!!!

I would like to go into more disadvantaged schools/areas and teach the kids drumming but I can’t do it for nothing as I still need to make a living. The school I’m at is paid for by a charity in Norway. So, if anyone would like to sponsor me in doing just that and hopefully changing the lives of a few children, please get in touch.
Contact details on my website! - www.afrobeatdrumming.co.za
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