{"id":6,"date":"2019-04-08T19:19:36","date_gmt":"2019-04-08T19:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedemos.net\/alex38\/?page_id=6"},"modified":"2026-03-06T21:59:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T21:59:45","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arturorodriguez.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLet Me Help You <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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SERVICES<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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Links in Red Below<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a01- Rhythm Training for Drummers and Salsa Dancers.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02- Rhythm Ambassador school programs for Pre K through 12th Grade.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03- DJ or Live Music for any event<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04- Facilitated Drum or Music Celebration Circle for any event.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Call: 206-276-6401<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tRhythm Training For<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDrummers or Dancers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Afro-Cuban Percussion Lessons<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Lessons are customized to each student and typically run between 30 and 60 minutes. Instruction may focus on individual concepts or integrate multiple areas of study, depending on your musical background and goals.<\/p>

Study centers on authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditions, with strong emphasis on foundational technique, hand development, sound production, and timing. Topics include clave orientation, phrasing, and the relationship between individual parts and the larger rhythmic conversation. Technical exercises are designed to improve groove, coordination, endurance, speed, and control\u2014always in service of the music.<\/p>

A major focus is independence<\/strong>: the ability to execute multiple rhythmic roles simultaneously using hands, feet, and voice (including singing or counting clave). Developing independence directly strengthens your musicality, feel, and ability to function in real musical settings.<\/p>

Instruction may include conga, bongo, timbales, bata, and other Afro-Cuban percussion instruments, as well as stylistic studies such as Son, Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Ch\u00e1, Salsa, and folkloric forms. Lessons can also be applied to specific songs, ensemble parts, or original compositions you are currently working on.<\/p>

These lessons are ideal for percussionists seeking deeper stylistic understanding, stronger time feel, and a more authentic connection to Afro-Cuban music.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Solo Bata<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Improvisation<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Conga and Timbale Improvisation<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Improvisation<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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It’s never to late to learn to play drums.<\/strong><\/h4>


It’s super fun and so rewarding in so many ways.<\/strong><\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>

I will give you exactly what you need to learn, grow and thrive.<\/strong><\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>

You can do this.<\/strong><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Musicality for Dancers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Arturo Rodriguez<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Musician, Educator, and Performer<\/p>

Arturo Rodriguez performs a wide range of musical styles and has shared the stage with music legends including Tito Puente, Dave Valentin, Paul Horn, Pete Escovedo, Shawn Colvin, Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz, and Crosby, Stills & Nash and many more.<\/p>

Based in the Seattle area, Arturo is a passionate performer and teacher. You\u2019ll find him on stage performing live with his band \u201cPa\u2019 Gozar\u201d, performing school assemblies and residency workshops, leading drum circles, teaching in-studio classes, guiding private lessons, and leading musicality workshops for dancers.<\/p>

Arturo also offers self-directed learning through his collection of eBooks, CDs, and online mini-courses designed for musicians and dancers alike. Always warm and approachable, Arturo is happy to consult and help you find the perfect product, class, or musical experience to fit your needs.<\/p>

\"\ud83d\udce7\"\u00a0Email:\u00a0 ArturoReneRodriguez@gmail.com\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\"\ud83d\udcde\"\u00a0Call:\u00a0 +1 (206) 276-6401<\/strong><\/p>

Facebook Page.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Youtube Channel.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Instagram: \u201cLearn To Hear Salsa Music\u201d<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Salsa & Afro-Cuban Dance \n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Dance musicality is how dancers hear, interpret, and physically express music. It is revealed through which sounds or rhythmic components a dancer chooses to respond to, how those sounds are accented or highlighted, and how the dancer embodies the mood and emotional content of a song. At its highest level, the dancer is interpreting the music as if they themselves were an instrument within the band.<\/p>

The most effective way to develop true musicality is through\u00a0ear training with a professional musician<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 because ear training is everything.<\/p>

In my classes, I teach dancers how to hear rhythm more clearly, understand where the music begins, stay connected to the groove and clave, recover confidently if they fall off the beat, and develop natural flow. We start with the most basic \u2014 but absolutely foundational \u2014 understanding of rhythm, using universal principles that apply across Salsa, Afro-Cuban music, and social dance.<\/p>

Dancers learn to recognize and understand the\u00a0literal rhythmic and melodic components<\/strong>\u00a0being played \u2014 such as percussion, phrasing, and musical structure \u2014 before moving into the exploration of the\u00a0implied and inherent musical elements<\/strong>\u00a0where creativity and personal expression begin to emerge. Once these fundamentals are solid, dancers can move beyond counting and start responding authentically to what they hear.<\/p>

This approach gives students practical tools they can immediately apply on the social dance floor, allowing them to phrase movements musically, feel more grounded in the rhythm, and communicate their artistic ideas more clearly and more deeply with a partner \u2014 creating a true musical conversation.<\/p>

Ultimately, this work helps dancers build confidence, connection, and a deeper relationship with the music.<\/p>

Because really \u2014 isn\u2019t that what dancing is all about?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Learn To Hear Salsa Music<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Afro Cuban In Salsa Music<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Performances<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\"The Spirit of West Africa\"<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Todo Folklore - Rumba Guaguanco<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Seattle Rumba Project (SRP)<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\"Pa' Gozar\" Latin Dance Band<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\u00a0 After School\u00a0 \/ Assemblies \/ Residencies<\/strong><\/h3>

Rhythm Ambassadors\u00ae is your single source for cultural, music and dance education in the northwest. Take your students on a culturally enriched interactive journey.<\/p>

Assemblies, Residencies, Workshops, Class Demonstrations, Before\/ After School Programs.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tEvent Services<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDJ - Live Music - Drum Circles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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DJ \/ Live Music \/ Drum Circles<\/strong><\/h2>

We have over a million songs in our song library. No event is to small or big for us. We will walk you through every step of the way to make sure we have the right music for every part of your event. Professional Emcee’s with make sure all or transitions or smooth and coordinated<\/p>

We know music is important to the success of your event, let me help you create a memorable experience that\u2019s affordable with an experienced professional who really cares about your success.<\/p>

DJ , Live Music , Celebration Dum Circles<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Facilitated Drum Circles<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Any event I facilitate using drums and percussion is considered a Drum Circle.
I have facilitated thousands of events over the last 30 years.\u00a0 Here are just a few recurring festivals: Bumpershoot, Folklife Festival, and The World Rhythm Festival. I’ve done Prek Pragrams, School Age Programs and Senior facilities. I have facilitated dum circles\u00a0 for Weddings, Memorials, Celebration of Life Gatherings, Many different types of Birthday parties and many corporate Team Building events for companies like Microsoft and Amazon and the list can go on for a while.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Celebration Circles<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Employee Appreciation<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Community Building<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Music conscious play for the elderly.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Pre K Programs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Music is so important for the physical, emotional and cognitive\u00a0development of children. Developing focus is important to all three. Exercising concentration takes practice. The more a child practices\u00a0focused behavior, the more they can apply it to learning important life skills. I use music as a FUN opportunity to help kids develop their concentration skills, by creating\u00a0an exciting space for them to explore making their own music. I’ve been doing Rhythm Ambassador programs and working with kids for a long time. I keep them engaged by using many types of modalities. Call now to find out how to book one of our programs ad your center or school.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Let the Music Speak<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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TESTIMONIALS<\/strong><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Arturo is nothing short of an established congalista of the first class. Ive had the opportunity of learning, and seeing him drum. He is unique, in that he not only teaches you the essance of hand druming, he brings along a understanding and feeling of the culture that a particular beat has, which in turn, brought it to the point that your learning The man has depth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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–Demian Godon<\/strong>, <\/span>Drum Student,\u00a0<\/span>Student- Monday<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI\u2019m a student of Arturo studying Latin drumming. He is an excellent teacher and an great artist. I encourage anyone who is interested in drumming, Latin drumming and the soul of the beat this is the place to study. If you love listening to an eclectic blend of music and rhythms go to one of his gigs.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Darryl T “Bear’ <\/strong>Drum Student<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Arturo is an excellent teacher. I appreciate how he\u2019s able to adjust the class to meet the needs of a range of skill levels \u2013 everyone is challenged, but not overwhelmed. The classes also provide a great mix of approaches to learning including some theory and history, exercises, technique, group playing, and improvisation. I highly recommend any of his classes or working 1 on 1 with him.\u200b<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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-Salvador Ramos<\/strong>, <\/span>Drum Student<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore Testimonials<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Articles<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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1- A Brief History of Bemb\u00e9<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Bembe Conversations Link<\/a><\/p>

The Roots of Bemb\u00e9<\/strong>
The history of West Africa springs from three main sources \u2014 archaeology, oral tradition, and the written logs of foreigners who traveled there. Unfortunately, there was no written form of the African-based languages until about 1700 AD.<\/p>

Archaeology can provide us with little information about the evolution of drums in West Africa. As mentioned previously, since most drums were made of organic materials, their history and former cultural significance have literally disintegrated over time.<\/p>

Oral tradition usually consists of part fact and part fiction, as the history of a people is passed from generation to generation in the form of stories and parables. If you ever played the \u201ctelephone game\u201d when you were younger, you know how easy it is for a simple message to become completely turned around as it is told from one person to the next. Most of the stories that still remain today only provide means for conjecturing about the history of drums in West Africa.<\/p>

Lastly, there are the written notations of all the travelers that visited West Africa over the course of history. These include North Africans (Berbers), Arab travelers, missionaries, and eventually European traders. Their accounts of events in this area are, as expected, stilted and from their own point of view.<\/p>

The oldest written account of West Africa survives in Greek records from about the 5th century BC. These records describe the journeys of Greek explorer, Hanno of Carthage. Hanno, as with other explorers from the \u201ccivilized world,\u201d saw West Africa as another great unknown \u2014 a dangerous and scary place full of heathens and barbarians. For example, one of his written stories describes an island area in the \u201cHorn of the West\u201d (West Africa). It reads:<\/p>

\u201cWe could discover nothing in the daytime except trees; but in the night we saw many fires burning, and heard the sound of pipes, cymbals, drums, and confused shouts. We were then afraid, and our diviners ordered us to abandon the island.\u201d (Palmer 1931:2)<\/p><\/blockquote>

Even given that these historical sources are relatively few and far between, and that the reliability of information leaves something to be desired, it\u2019s still possible to piece together a good portion of our \u201cBemb\u00e9 path.\u201d By 800 AD, trading was heavy between North Africa and West Africa. North Africa provided climatic conditions that were more conducive to raising cattle. West Africa\u2019s climate was more conducive to raising crops. These diversities stimulated trade between the two regions which, in turn, stimulated the transfer of culture and traditions.<\/p>

Three main trade routes were used. The first route went into the western regions of West Africa, with Ghana as the major gateway. The second route went into the central regions of West Africa, with Timbuktu and Gao as the major gateways. The third route went into the eastern regions of West Africa to an area known as the Hausa states.<\/p>

The Hausa states, situated in what is now northern Nigeria, were socially, governmentally, and economically advanced, with well-established trading ties to:<\/p>