FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West African drumming presentation to be given at Bates, area schools

LEWISTON, Maine -- An anthropologist and musician will present a lecture/performance on West African drumming at Bates College on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Olin Arts Center Concert Hall. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Robert L. Thompson, who has a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Indiana, will give a talk, "The Call to Dance: Mandinka Drumming as Social Life in The Gambia," accompanied by drumming and singing.

From a drummer's perspective, Thompson, an accomplished performer, will discuss "The Call to Dance" as a metaphor for social life, interaction and negotiation. "Mandinka drummers in The Gambia strategize and communicate through performances of musical/ritual phrases," Thompson said.

Drummed examples will include regional and ethnic styles, linguistic musical connections, intra-ensemble communication and drummer-dancer interactions.

As part of his visit to Bates, Thompson will offer a number of performances/demonstrations in community schools. His presentations will cover the social nature of Mandinka life, West African life in general and the social nature of music making.

Here is a schedule of Thompson's school visits. All are workshops unless otherwise noted.

• Tuesday, May 21: 1 p.m., Pettengill School, Lewiston, grades 4-6; 2 p.m., Farwell School, Lewiston, grade 6.
• Wednesday, May 22: 9 a.m., Longley School, Lewiston, grades 4-6; 10:30 a.m., Montello School, Lewiston, grade 2; 1 p.m., Minot Elementary School, grades 6-7; 1:30 p.m., Minot Elementary School, grades 1-7 (performance).
• Thursday, May 23: 9 a.m., Montello School, Lewiston, grade 2 (performance); 10:30 a.m., Martel School, Lewiston, grades 3-6; 1 p.m., Farwell School, Lewiston, grades 4-6 (performance at Bates College).
• Friday, May 24: 9 a.m., Pettengill School, Lewiston, grades 3-6 (performance); 10:15 a.m., Longley School, Lewiston, grades 4-6 (performance); 1 p.m., Martel School, Lewiston, grades 3-6 (performance).

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