I would like to argue in favor of a bill seen in the
Multicultural committee meeting a week ago concerning the African Drums
Ensemble at KU club that performed at the Granada a few Saturdays ago. First of all the performance was spectacular and one that I have never heard before. I have heard African drums being played before but usually with other instruments. But this performance was very good and drew a large crowd outside of the Granada even though there was an event going on inside of the venue. Even when the event started some people still stayed outside to listen the music being created outside. There were about 50 or more people who stayed after the event inside had already begun. I think all the funds that they asked for should be allocated because I think this is a pivotal group on campus and in the
Lawrence community. This group takes normal University of Kansas students and raises their knowledge of African culture and traditions. There are many people on this campus and in the city of Lawrence who could benefit from this type of group because it raises their awareness and appreciation for a certain type of group and culture. This group gives people an opportunity to see first hand how African traditions can be passed down to people who have not been to Africa in their lives. I just like it because I like seeing things first hand instead of relying on what I see on television or by word of mouth.
They also learn how to drum very well, almost at a professional level. They also inform the crowd of what and why they are playing every time by giving a brief description of the piece and where it may have originated.
I think this group brings something different to the table and has many more benefits for its members and the community than negatives. They were basically asking for money to repair broken drum tops and tools to re-mount the heads of the drums. The money for the professional teacher is also relevant because he is the reason this group is so good and so successful. They could try to teach themselves from scratch but it wouldn’t be the same. They would just be learning from videos on you tube or what they think the music should sound like from interpretation, instead of a professional teaching them in a professional manner.
My name is Whitney Morgan and I am the Senator of the Black Student Union
