Living Rhythms Becomes Tam Tam Mandingue Winston-Salem
(WINSTON-SALEM) – Living Rhythms Drum School of Winston-Salem has become accredited by Tam Tam Mandingue (TTM), the world’s first international school of West African drumming.
Effective November 8, 2008, Living Rhythms changed its name to “TTM Winston-Salem,” becoming the 13th international branch of a school founded by world acclaimed master drummer, Mamady Keita.
Bill Scheidt, one of only 17 certified Tam Tam Mandingue professors in the world and current Director of Living Rhythms, will become Director of TTM Winston-Salem.
On hand to mark the school’s opening was TTM founder, Mamady Keita, who took time off from his world tour to visit Winston-Salem for the opening of the newest TTM school. While in town, Mamady Keita taught a series of professional-level workshops that attracted drummers from all parts of the world, including Belgium, France, Canada, Mexico, the western and southeast U.S.
“The opening of TTM Winston-Salem is a testament to the dedication, expertise and unique sense of community that exists among drummers in our area,” says Scheidt.
“Our partnership with TTM enables us to bring to Winston-Salem teachers and students from around the world who are committed to learning about, sharing and preserving West African drumming traditions.” Scheidt adds, “This partnership is a fitting one given that we live in the city of the arts.”
Other TTM schools are located in Japan, Israel, Germany, France, Portugal, California, Illinois and Washington, DC.
Bill Scheidt is one of a small group of international drummers who has been commissioned by Mamady Keita to preserve and teach the music, culture, spirit and traditions of the Mandingue djembe (West African hand drum).
Scheidt founded Living Rhythms in 2000. Under his direction, Living Rhythms has grown to become a thriving drumming school with classes, performances and events offered seven days a week. In 2007, Living Rhythms served over 34,000 people with a variety of programs ranging from public school performances and evening classes for adults to corporate drumming programs and drumming instructor training programs.