Drum in Joy Workshop @ Guilderland Public Library

Chelsie Henderson (EarthBeat Music) with special guest Abdul Samassa invite you to learn about an exuberant and thunderous path toward lifelong happiness... DRUMMING! West African hand drums will be provided and you will be shown how to get into a groove from the moment your hands meet the drums.

Event Details

WHEN: Sunday, May 10  | 2:00 - 3:15 pm

WHERE: Guilderland Public Library

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | Ages 13+

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST + REGISTRATION: FREE | You must register ahead

World Labyrinth Day Drum Circle

Join our EarthBeat Music Drum in Joy community for a sunset drum circle at Hudson Crossing Park to conclude World Labyrinth Day celebrations!

Drumming, singing, and dancing are all encouraged!  This all-ages event requires no prior experience—bring your percussion instruments, clap your hands, or simply come and enjoy the rhythm!

Rain or shine!  Shine = OUTSIDE in labyrinth | Rain= UNDER COVER in pavilion

Event Details

WHEN: Saturday, May 2 | 6:30-7:30 pm

WHERE: Hudson Crossing Park Labyrinth

FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson featuring Drum in Joy students + EarthBeat Drummers

COST: FREE | Donations will be accepted for Saratoga Immigration Coalition

Drum in Joy! Pop Up Workshop

Drum in Joy! is designed to build confidence, foster community, and promote well-being through the power of drumming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play djembes and dunduns in a group setting, this is your chance to dive in and learn about the important culture-bearers, history, and rhythms of these dynamic instruments while experiencing the wonderful energy of playing with a loving group of people.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Thursday, April 30 at 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: Refuge, 1813 5th Avenue, Troy NY

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | For ages 13+ | 20 students max

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $30 (A djembe can be rented for an additional $5)

Djembe + Dunduns Workshop with Grandmaster Bolokada Conde

Djembe + Dunduns | for All levels

Malinke Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde from Sankaran region, Guinea, West Africa will join our community to offer four West African drumming workshops over two days. We LOVE learning from Bolokada and look forward to his masterclasses!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: Burton Hall, 1071 State Route 40, Greenwich NY

WHO: For all levels | Ages 13+ | 30 participants max

INSTRUCTOR: Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde

COST: $45 (take both Tuesday + Wednesday evening classes for $85)

If you need to rent a djembe or dundun, please email Chelsie and pay an extra $5 cash at the time of the workshop.

Community West African Drumming Workshop with Bolokada Conde

Malinke Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde from Sankaran region, Guinea, West Africa will join our community to offer four West African drumming workshops over two days. We LOVE learning from Bolokada and look forward to his masterclasses!

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00-12:30 pm

WHERE: Greenwich Free Library, 148 Main Street, Greenwich NY

WHO: For all levels | Ages 13+ | 40 participants max

INSTRUCTOR: Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde

COST: FREE | You must preregister with the Greenwich Free Library

Djembe + Dunduns Workshop with Grandmaster Bolokada Conde

Djembe + Dunduns | for All levels

Malinke Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde from Sankaran region, Guinea, West Africa will join our community to offer four West African drumming workshops over two days. We LOVE learning from Bolokada and look forward to his masterclasses!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: Burton Hall, 1071 State Route 40, Greenwich NY

WHO: For all levels | Ages 13+ | 30 participants max

INSTRUCTOR: Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde

COST: $45 (take both Tuesday + Wednesday evening classes for $85)

If you need to rent a djembe or dundun, please email Chelsie and pay an extra $5 cash at the time of the workshop.

All Levels Djembe Workshop with Grandmaster Bolokada Conde

Djembe only | beginner friendly!

Malinke Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde from Sankaran region, Guinea, West Africa will join our community to offer four West African drumming workshops over two days. We LOVE learning from Bolokada and look forward to his masterclasses!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00-5:30 pm

WHERE: Burton Hall, 1071 State Route 40, Greenwich NY

WHO: For beginners | Ages 13+ | 40 participants max

INSTRUCTOR: Grandmaster Djembefola Bolokada Conde

COST: $30

If you need to rent a djembe, please email Chelsie and pay an extra $5 cash at the time of the workshop.

Drum in Joy! Pop Up Workshop

Drum in Joy! is designed to build confidence, foster community, and promote well-being through the power of drumming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play djembes and dunduns in a group setting, this is your chance to dive in and learn about the important culture-bearers, history, and rhythms of these dynamic instruments while experiencing the wonderful energy of playing with a loving group of people.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Thursday, April 16 at 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: Refuge, 1813 5th Avenue, Troy NY

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | For ages 13+ | 20 students max

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $30 (A djembe can be rented for an additional $5)

Drum in Joy! Pop Up Workshop

Drum in Joy! is designed to build confidence, foster community, and promote well-being through the power of drumming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play djembes and dunduns in a group setting, this is your chance to dive in and learn about the important culture-bearers, history, and rhythms of these dynamic instruments while experiencing the wonderful energy of playing with a loving group of people.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Thursday, April 9 at 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: Refuge, 1813 5th Avenue, Troy NY

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | For ages 13+ | 20 students max

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $30 (A djembe can be rented for an additional $5)

Frame Drumming for Absolute Beginners @ Easton Library

2 Week INTRODUCTORY series

Discover the history and basic techniques and rhythms of the ancient hand-held frame drum.  Frame drums will be provided for all participants, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Mondays March 30 + April 6 at 1:30-2:30 pm

WHERE: Easton Library, 1074 New York 40, Greenwich NY, 12834

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 18 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST + REGISTER: FREE! You must call the Easton Library to register: 518-692-2253

Drum in Joy! Pop Up Workshop

Drum in Joy! is designed to build confidence, foster community, and promote well-being through the power of drumming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play djembes and dunduns in a group setting, this is your chance to dive in and learn about the important culture-bearers, history, and rhythms of these dynamic instruments while experiencing the wonderful energy of playing with a loving group of people.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Thursday, April 2 at 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: Refuge, 1813 5th Avenue, Troy NY

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | For ages 13+ | 20 students max

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $30 (A djembe can be rented for an additional $5)

Frame Drumming for Absolute Beginners @ Easton Library

2 Week INTRODUCTORY series

Discover the history and basic techniques and rhythms of the ancient hand-held frame drum.  Frame drums will be provided for all participants, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Mondays March 30 + April 6 at 1:30-2:30 pm

WHERE: Easton Library, 1074 New York 40, Greenwich NY, 12834

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 18 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST + REGISTER: FREE! You must call the Easton Library to register: 518-692-2253

Drum in Joy! Spring 2026

march-may 2026 | 8 Week Series | All levels

Join our EarthBeat Music “drumily” (drum+family) for Drum in Joy!, an 8-week West African drumming course designed to build confidence, foster community, and promote well-being through the power of drumming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play djembes and dunduns in a group setting, this is your chance to dive in and learn about the important culture-bearers, history, culture and music of these dynamic instruments while experiencing the magic of playing with a group of people. “All Levels” is for beginners to more advanced players!

• Eight 75-minute in-person classes

• Two 30-minute Zoom “practice jams”

• Weekly recap videos

• A culminating Community Celebration + Jam

• Discounted 1:1 lessons

• VIP access to community events and djembe/dunduns masterclasses with visiting artists!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Sundays March 15 to May 17 at 4:00-5:15 pm. No classes on April 5 or May 10.
The two complimentary Zoom “practice jams” dates and final Celebration + Jam location + time will be announced at our first class!

WHERE: Village of Victory Hall, 23 Pine Street, Victory Mills NY, 12884

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced) | For ages 13+ | 30 students max

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $360, or $125 monthly payment option. $495 for two people from the same household, or $170 monthly payment option. Never hesitate to inquire about sliding scale/scholarship opportunities.

Final Celebration for Resilient Drummers + Strummers!

For current Resilient Drummers and Resilient STrummers Students

Let’s gather together to play the rhythms and songs we shared remotely over 6 weeks!

Event Details

WHEN: Sunday, February 22 at 2:00-3:30 pm STRUMMERS; 3:00-4:30 pm DRUMMERS
(3:00-3:30 pm STRUMMERS + DRUMMERS together)

WHERE: Greenwich Free Library, 148 Main Street, Greenwich NY, 12834

WHO: For current drumming and strumming students.

COST + REGISTER: Free with class series registration. No RSVP required.

Resilient Drummers All Levels Djembe 6 Week Series

January 14 | 6 Week Series | all levels

In the spirit of community, Resilient Drummers of all ages and experience levels are invited to play their djembes through the months of January and February via online classes with a final in-person gathering to play the rhythms explored!

Each week we will cover a technique exercise to strengthen your sound and confidence, and will learn djembe grooves for various genres influenced by West African music, such as blues, rock, funk and on.

Classes on Zoom are 40 minutes in total: 30 minutes of instruction followed by 10 minutes of Q + A and greetings! All classes are recorded and shared on the same evening as the class and will be accessible for the entirety of the 6 weeks.

Additionally, all participants may sign up for one complimentary 30 minute 1:1 lesson! A link to sign up for a lesson time will be shared one week before the classes begin. Please note that all private lessons will be held at Chelsie’s home in Easton.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Wednesdays January 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18 | 5:30-6:10 pm

Final Gathering on Sunday, February 22 | Time TBA

WHERE: Classes are online via Zoom | Final Gathering at Greenwich Free Library

WHO: All Levels | Ages 13+

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $150 per household!

Frame Drumming for Absolute Beginners @ SSPL

Begins January 6 | 4 Week Series | Beginners

Discover the history and basic techniques and rhythms of the ancient hand-held frame drum.  Frame drums will be provided for all participants, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 27 and February 3 | 4:00-4:45 pm

WHERE: Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs NY

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 18 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: FREE

Brazilian Samba Jam with North Star Samba

A “Farewell to 90 Broad Street Week” program. Join Colin Eletto and his current students for a Brazilian Samba percussion experience. Learn the fundamentals of Samba rhythm as played in the Carnaval parades of Rio de Janeiro. The evening will include a short demo by North Star Samba, then a hands-on Samba workshop, followed by a West African djembe and Samba drumming fusion! All drums and percussion will be provided.

10% of class fees will be donated to Bolokada and Friends Village Project.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Thursday, December 18 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music | 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY

WHO: For all experiences, ages 13+. Limited to 10 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Colin Eletto with Chelsie Henderson

COST: $25 | 10% of class fees will be donated to Bolokada and Friends Village Project

Djembe Jam with Wayne

December 16 | All levels

A “Farewell to 90 Broad Street Week” program. Drummers will play through many rhythms in what will be Wayne’s final drumming class at 90 Broad Street! A great opportunity to review rhythms you’ve learned in the past, and it is highly likely that you will learn something new to take home and practice!

50% of class fees will be donated to Bolokada and Friends Village Project.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesday, December 16 | 6:00-7:30 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced). Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Wayne White

COST: $25 | 50% of class fees will be donated to Bolokada and Friends Village Project

Intro to Frame Drumming

December 9 + 16 | 2 Week Series | Beginners

Discover the history and basic techniques and rhythms of the ancient hand-held frame drum.  Frame drums will be provided for all participants, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesdays, December 9 + 16 | 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $55 for both classes | Frame drums can be provided as needed!

Drum Circle for Bolokada and Friends Village Project

This final donation-based EarthBeat Music Drum Circle of 2025 is for all ages and all experiences, and will benefit the Bolokada and Friends Village Project. This 501c3 organization offers support to the people of Morowaya, a small village in Guinea, West Africa, through fundraising and the promotion of cultural arts programs that are educational, interactive, and exemplify the traditional music, dance, and folklore of the Malinke people.

Event Details

WHEN: Sunday, December 14 | 3:00-4:00 pm

WHERE: Village of Victory Hall

FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: Free | Donations accepted for Bolokada and Friends Village Project

ADDITIONAL INFO: Please bring the drum of your choice. There will be some extra drums and percussion to share!

Intro to Djembe Drumming

December 3 + 10 | 2 Week Series | Beginners

For total beginners, anyone who would like a refresher on the basics, or anyone who would like to go at a slow, intentional pace. A complete introduction to the West African djembe, from its history to playing technique and more!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Wednesdays, December 3 + 10 | 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $55 for both classes | Djembes can be provided as needed!

Advanced Djembe Technique

December 2 + 9 | 2 Week Series | For Experienced drummers

These fast-paced djembe classes will focus on djembe soloing and arrangements.

Prerequisites: strong tones and slaps; comfort playing 4/4 and 6/8 breaks; a “can do” attitude!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesdays, December 2 + 9 | 6:00-7:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For experienced djembe players. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Wayne White (The Djembe Lab)

COST: $55 for both classes

Intro to Frame Drumming

December 9 + 16 | 2 Week Series | Beginners

Discover the history and basic techniques and rhythms of the ancient hand-held frame drum.  Frame drums will be provided for all participants, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one.

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesdays, December 9 + 16 | 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $55 for both classes | Frame drums can be provided as needed!

Intro to Djembe Drumming

December 3 + 10 | 2 Week Series | Beginners

For total beginners, anyone who would like a refresher on the basics, or anyone who would like to go at a slow, intentional pace. A complete introduction to the West African djembe, from its history to playing technique and more!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Wednesdays, December 3 + 10 | 4:00-5:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For beginners. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: $55 for both classes | Djembes can be provided as needed!

Advanced Djembe Technique

December 2 + 9 | 2 Week Series | For Experienced drummers

These fast-paced djembe classes will focus on djembe soloing and arrangements.

Prerequisites: strong tones and slaps; comfort playing 4/4 and 6/8 breaks; a “can do” attitude!

CLASS SPECIFICS

WHEN: Tuesdays, December 2 + 9 | 6:00-7:15 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music

WHO: For experienced djembe players. Limited to 14 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Wayne White (The Djembe Lab)

COST: $55 for both classes

Drum in Joy Workshop @ Saratoga Senior Center

Event Details

Chelsie Henderson of EarthBeat Music invites you to learn about an exuberant and thunderous path toward lifelong happiness... DRUMMING! West African hand drums will be provided and you will be shown how to get into a groove from the moment your hands meet the drums.

WHEN: Thursday, November 20  | 3:00 - 4:00 pm

WHERE: Saratoga Senior Center

WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced)

INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST + REGISTRATION: $3 | You must contact the Saratoga Senior Center to register!

Drum in Joy + Strum in Joy Fall Celebration

For current fall Drum in joy and strum in joy students

Family and friends of current DiJ and SiJ participants are welcomed to join to listen and will be invited to drum and/or sing all together in the spirit of community at the very end.

Donations will be accepted for Guinean Master Drummer and Dancer Seny Daffe to support the resettlement process for his family.

Event Details

WHEN: Sunday, November 16 | 4:30-6:30 pm

WHERE: Village of Victory Hall, 23 Pine Street, Schuylerville NY 12871

WHO: For Current Drum in Joy and Strum in Joy students and their guests.

COST + REGISTER: Free with DiJ and SiJ registration. No RSVP required.

Drum in Joy Practice Jam #2

For current fall Drum in joy students

A complimentary 45 minute practice jam that is tailored to DiJ students' wishes. 

Event Details

WHEN: Thursday, November 5 | 1:00-1:45 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville NY, 12871

WHO: For Current Drum in Joy students.

COST + REGISTER: Free with DiJ registration. No RSVP required.

EarthBeat Music Drum + Song Circle for Wellspring

All donations at this Drum Circle will benefit Wellspring’s ONE Campaign during Relationship Abuse Awareness Month

Event Details

WHEN: Thursday, October 9 | 6:00-7:00 pm

WHERE: Saratoga Apple, 1174 NY 29, Schuylerville NY, 12871

FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson

COST: Donations accepted for Wellspring

REGISTER: No need to register ahead!

ADDITIONAL INFO: Rain or shine. Please bring a chair and the drum of your choice.

Drum in Joy Practice Jam #1

For current fall Drum in joy students

A complimentary 45 minute practice jam that is tailored to DiJ students' wishes. 

Event Details

WHEN: Monday, October 6 | 6:00-6:45 pm

WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville NY, 12871

WHO: For Current Drum in Joy students.

COST + REGISTER: Free with DiJ registration. No RSVP required.