Classes & Events
FULL! Frame Drumming for Absolute Beginners @ Saratoga Springs Public Library 4 Week Series Begins!
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
Resilient Drummers All Levels Djembe 6 Week Series via Zoom with a Final Gathering Begins!
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 Village of Victory Hall
WHO: All Levels | Ages 13+
INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST: $150 per household!
FULL! “Farewell to 90 Broad Street” Brazilian Samba Jam
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
FULL! “Farewell to 90 Broad Street” Djembe Jam with Wayne
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 (Class 2 of 2)
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
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 (Class 2of 2)
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 (Class 2 of 2)
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 (Class 1 of 2)
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 (Class 1 of 2)
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 (Class 1 of 2)
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
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
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
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
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
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.
West African Drumming + Dundun Dance Workshops with M’Bemba Bangoura at Malta Cultural Arts Festival
West African Drumming + Dundun Dance Workshops with M’Bemba Bangoura at Malta Cultural Arts Festival
Event Details
WHEN: Saturday, October 4 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Drumming Workshop 1 @ 11:00-11:45 am
Drumming Workshop 2 @ 1:00-1:45 pm
Dundun Dance Workshop @ 3:00-4:00 pm (space is limited!)
WHERE: Malta Community Center | 1 Bayberry Drive, Ballston Spa NY, 12020
FACILITATOR: Master Drummer M’Bemba Bangoura
COST: FREE
REGISTER: No need to register for the earlier drumming workshops, but do email Chelsie to reserve a spot in the dundun dance workshop as space is limited!
West African Djembe Drumming Workshop with M’Bemba Bangoura
West African Djembe Drumming Workshop with M’Bemba Bangoura
Guinean Master Musician M’Bemba Bangoura will be at EarthBeat Music to offer a Djembe Drumming Workshop. We LOVE learning from M’Bemba and look forward to his masterclasses!
CLASS SPECIFICS
WHEN: October 3 at 6:30-8:00 pm
WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville NY 12871
WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced), ages 13+. Limited to 16 people.
INSTRUCTOR: Special Guest Master Musician M’Bemba Bangoura
COST: $30
If you need to rent a djembe, please email Chelsie and pay an extra $10 cash at the time of the workshop.
Autumn Equinox Frame Drumming Workshop and Community Drum + Song Circle Celebration for Saratoga Peace Week
Autumn Equinox Frame Drumming Workshop and Community Drum + Song Circle Celebration for Saratoga Peace Week
Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Event Details
WHEN: Monday, September 22 | 6:00-7:30 pm
6:00-6:30 pm Intro to Frame Drumming @ Pavilion
6:45-7:30 pm Drum + Song Circle @ Labyrinth (or under Pavilion if there is rain)
WHERE: Hudson Crossing Park Pavilion and Labyrinth
FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST: FREE | Donations accepted for Saratoga Immigration Coalition
REGISTER: No need to register ahead!
ADDITIONAL INFO: Rain or shine. Please bring a chair and the drum of your choice.
This program is part of a series of community offerings for Saratoga Peace Week.
FULL! Drum in Joy! Fall 2025 8 Week All Levels (Tuesday Option) Series Begins!
Drum in Joy! Fall 2025
FALL 2025 | 8 Week Series | All levels (Tuesday option)
Join us 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 music. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to drum or create music with a group, this is your chance to dive in and experience the joy of playing together. The All Levels” Option is for beginners to more advanced players!
Eight 75-minute classes
Two 45-minute “practice jams”
Weekly recap videos
A Community Celebration + Jam
Discounted 1:1 lessons
VIP access to community events and visiting Master Drummers!
CLASS SPECIFICS
WHEN: Tuesdays September 9 to November 11 at 4:00-5:15 pm. No classes on September 16 or October 14.
WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY
WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced), ages 13+. Limited to 15 students.
INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST: $360, or $125 monthly payment option. $495 for two people from the same household. Never hesitate to inquire about sliding scale/scholarship opportunities.
FULL! Drum in Joy! Fall 2025 8 Week All Levels (Sunday Option) Series Begins!
Drum in Joy! Fall 2025
FALL 2025 | 8 Week Series | All levels (Sunday Option)
Join us 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 music. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to drum or create music with a group, this is your chance to dive in and experience the joy of playing together. The “All Levels” Option is for beginners to more advanced players!
Eight 75-minute classes
Two 45-minute “practice jams”
Weekly recap videos
A Community Celebration + Jam
Discounted 1:1 lessons
VIP access to community events and visiting Master Drummers!
CLASS SPECIFICS
WHEN: Sundays September 7 to November 9 at 5:45-7:00 pm. No classes on September 21 or October 19.
WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY
WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced), ages 13+. Limited to 15 students.
INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST: $360, or $125 monthly payment option. $495 for two people from the same household. Never hesitate to inquire about sliding scale/scholarship opportunities.
FULL! Drum in Joy! Fall 2025 8 Week Performance Track Series Begins!
Drum in Joy! Fall 2025
FALL 2025 | 8 Week Series | Performance Track Option
Join us 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 music. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to drum or create music with a group, this is your chance to dive in and experience the joy of playing together. The “Performance Track” Option is designed for those who show dedication to the technique, music, culture and history of West African traditional music, and are ready to continue building upon their strong foundation of rhythms and skills. There will be a short audition to join.
Your participation includes:
Eight 75-minute classes
Two 45-minute “practice jams”
Weekly recap videos
A Community Celebration + Jam
Discounted 1:1 lesson
VIP access to community events and visiting Master Drummers!
CLASS SPECIFICS
WHEN: Sundays September 7 to November 9 at 4:00-5:15 pm. No classes on September 21 or October 19.
WHERE: EarthBeat Music, 90 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY
WHO: For experienced drummers, ages 13+. Limited to 12 students.
INSTRUCTOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST: $360, or $125 monthly payment option. $495 for two people from the same household. Never hesitate to inquire about sliding scale/scholarship opportunities.
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
EarthBeat Community Intergenerational Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations will be accepted for Master Drummer Namory Keita and his family
On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. For this special end-of-Summer Circle we will have a BOUNCY HOUSE for all to enjoy, sponsored by our friends at the Kayak Shak. This Circle will be specially designed for children and families, but all ages are welcomed! Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along!
Our circles are rain or shine as we are under cover. Some drums and percussion will be on hand to share.
Event Details
WHEN: August 28 | Bouncy House opens at 5:30 pm! Drum Circle begins at 6:30 pm.
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for Namory Keita. No registration necessary.
West African Drum + Dance Workshops with Seny Daffe
West African Drum + Dance Workshops with Seny Daffe
August 24 | Drum + Dance Offerings | All levels
Guinean Master Musician Seny Daffe will join our community to offer three West African drum and dance workshops. We LOVE learning from Seny and look forward to his masterclasses! There are three workshop offerings:
1:00-3:00 pm Djembe and Dunduns Drumming Workshop
3:30-4:45 pm Djembe Drumming Workshop
5:00-6:00 pm Guinea Dance Workshop
Take one, two or all three workshops!
CLASS SPECIFICS
WHEN: August 24 at 1:00-6:00 pm
WHERE: Village of Victory Hall, 23 Pine Street, Schuylerville NY 12871
WHO: For all levels (beginner to experienced), ages 13+. Workshops are limited to 20 people.
INSTRUCTOR: Special Guest Master Musician Seny Daffe
COST: $45 for Djembe and Dunduns Drumming Workshop; $30 for Djembe Drumming Workshop; $25 for Guinea Dance Workshop. $95 for all 3 workshops!
If you need to rent a djembe or dundun, please email Chelsie and pay an extra $10 cash at the time of the workshop.
Djembe Technique Workshop with The Djembe Lab
Djembe Technique Workshop
with The Djembe Lab | Taught by drum builder + instructor Wayne White
Bring your djembe and get ready to stretch your playing! Participants will start with a warm up, then will learn/review tuning basics. This will be followed by a drumming class based around a traditional West African rhythm.
Event Details
WHEN: Sunday, August 10 | 6:30-7:45 pm
WHERE: EarthBeat Music
FACILITATOR: Wayne White
COST: $30
REGISTER: Email Wayne to register!
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations accepted for local social justice + environmental organizations
On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along! These circles are rain or shine as we are under cover.
Event Details
WHEN: August 7 | 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Tamara Woolsey with Adam Witt
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for various community organizations. No registration necessary.
{CANCELLED} EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
{CANCELLED} EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations accepted for local social justice + environmental organizations
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along! These circles are rain or shine as we are under cover.
Event Details
WHEN: July 31 | 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Chelsie Henderson with Drum in Joy + Strum in Joy students
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for various community organizations. No registration necessary.
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations accepted for local social justice + environmental organizations
On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along! These circles are rain or shine as we are under cover.
Event Details
WHEN: July 24 | 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Wayne White
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for various community organizations. No registration necessary.
Drum in Joy Practice Jam
Drum in Joy Practice Jam
For current summer drum in joy students
A complimentary 45 minute practice jam that is tailored to DiJ students' wishes.
Event Details
WHEN: July 21 | 1:00-1:45 pm
WHERE: EarthBeat Music
WHO: For Current Drum in Joy students.
COST + REGISTER: Free with DiJ registration. No RSVP required.
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations accepted for local social justice + environmental organizations
On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along! These circles are rain or shine as we are under cover.
Event Details
WHEN: July 17 | 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Paul Postiglione
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for various community organizations. No registration necessary.
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
EarthBeat Community Drum + Song Circle
Thursdays during Summer months | donation baseD*
*Donations accepted for local social justice + environmental organizations
On Thursday evenings throughout the Summer we will bask in the beats and sing with joyful voices at the magical Fish Creek Marina Pavilion. Bring a chair, a drum or other percussion, a song to share and/or dance along! These circles are rain or shine as we are under cover.
Event Details
WHEN: July 10 | 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Fish Creek Marina Pavilion (behind Harvest and Hearth)
FACILITATOR: Kathleen McGowan and Drum in Joy Rhythm Sisters
COST + REGISTER: Donations accepted for various community organizations. No registration necessary.
Drum in Joy Practice Jam
Drum in Joy Practice Jam
For current summer drum in joy students
A complimentary 45 minute practice jam that is tailored to DiJ students' wishes.
Event Details
WHEN: July 21 | 1:00-1:45 pm
WHERE: EarthBeat Music
WHO: For Current Drum in Joy students.
COST + REGISTER: Free with DiJ registration. No RSVP required.