Welcome to FremontDrum.com
Drummers and friends – it is with much excitement that I’m announcing the launch of my new Fremont Drum website! It represents the culmination of over 30 years of studying, learning, drumming, integrating and teaching African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
The Rhythms
We are offering over 700 African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms from over 18 countries, to learn and play along with, organized into 8 unique categories: Primary Rhythms, Two Drum Rhythms, Dialogues, Ensemble Rhythms, Solos, Bell & Clave Patterns, Break Phrases, and Special Phrases.
To best assist the learning process, each rhythm is presented in 3 formats: looping video (which can be watched in different speeds), easy-to-follow notation, and dynamic play-along audio (also available in different speeds).
May you find hours and hours of creative, rhythmic fun. And may you be inspired to share with friends!
The DrumBlog
Our vision for the DrumBlog is to be a worldwide community bulletin board, as well as a place to showcase music, artists and ideas. To this end, we have created the following categories:
- Artist Spotlight – We shine the light on local, national and international artists at the top of their game
- Member Showcase – Original music from our members (please submit your original music!)
- Drum Group/Band Showcase – Highlighting non-professional drum groups/bands
- Spotify Playlists – Carefully curated playlists, drawing from various African countries
- Bonus Rhythms – New monthly rhythms for members
- Rhythm Culture – Articles exploring rhythm origins, histories and stories
- Drums, Percussion & More – Exploring various drum related topics
- Deep Dives – In-depth explorations of rhythm and culture
- Site Features & Support – “How To” site feature articles
- Guest Articles – Written by artists and members (please submit!)
- Drum Beat – News, workshops, events & performances
The Store
Peruse the six different store categories!
- Online Memberships: Become a member! Available in two levels: Essential and Unlimited.
- Instructional Books: Do you have a copy of the Hand Drummer’s Bible, The New Conga Joy? Have you explored the book, Drum Talk? We also offer Will’s magnum opus, Shadowing the Lion: Over 500 Drum & Bell Patterns.
- Drums & Percussion: Check out our affordable, high quality djembes, bougarabous, dun duns, and more!
- Original T-shirts: 28 cool, funky T-shirt designs by Will Matthews.
- Original Paintings: Over 50 original works on canvas by Will Matthews.
- Rhythm Programs: Special programs crafted for your school or study group curriculums.
The Experience
We hope you find our site enticing and informative. Our primary goal is to spread the rhythms of Africa and Her Diaspora as far and wide as possible because we believe there is a healing power nestled within these rhythms and that this power is released, and community is created, through the playing of these rhythms. Enjoy!
~ Will
P.S. Proceeds from this site go towards supporting the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle and the International African American Museum in Charlestown, S.C. We are also developing programs in Ghana to provide computer and internet access to middle school kids as well as provide fees for children to attend secondary school.
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