The Learning Experience

Why is learning sabar important?

“Learning sabar has been an important experience for me this semester both in terms of learning a new skill that rounds out my education as well as developing a deeper understanding of the content we are learning in class. I don’t come from a musical background, so learning new rhythms and playing techniques has been a fulfilling challenge. Lamine’s storytelling and knowledge of the history of sabar has adjusted my perspective on the cultural significance of sabar in Senegal.” - Maya

“Learning sabar is important to me because it has allowed me to keep music in my life in a unique way. Through sabar I have been able to keep up my love for drumming while also learning how music is important to other cultures. That is why learning sabar has been an invaluable experience for me.” - Alan

What does sabar do for you?

“While requiring deep focus and listening, playing sabar leaves me with a feeling of relaxation and accomplishment every time. It is a transformative and unique space that I am grateful to take part in.” - Michael 

“Sabar drumming is transformative—it takes me out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allows me to immerse myself fully in the moment. Its rhythmic beats create a space where I can focus, reconnect, and feel gratitude. The energy of sabar, rooted in Senegalese traditions, is deeply uplifting. It aligns the body and spirit with the rhythm of the drums, creating a powerful connection to the present. It's more than just drumming; it's a conversation, a celebration, and a vibrant expression of collective joy and togetherness.” - Mackenzie

How is sabar different from other things at BC?

“Sabar provides a unique experience at BC because it allows for us to learn the musical aspects from a different culture.” The classroom experience is unique from most every other class at BC because it allows for an intimate connection with the drums, the music, and each other.” - Alan

"Sabar offers a different experience than other clubs at BC because it encourages me to embrace and appreciate a culture that is not my own. We also get the privilege to learn from Lamine, a very experienced and charismatic Griot.” - Maya

The Sabar Experience

This section highlights the vibrant and immersive experience of Sabar drumming, drawing on reflections from students who participated in the drumming sessions. Sabar, a traditional Senegalese drumming style, is known for its dynamic rhythms, intricate hand-and-stick techniques, and its role in connecting individuals to cultural storytelling and celebration. Through their experiences, students share how engaging with Sabar drumming allowed them to explore a new musical tradition, build community, and connect deeply with the cultural significance of rhythm. Their reflections offer personal insights into how the drumming sessions fostered collaboration, mindfulness, and an appreciation for the power of music as a unifying force.

What changed or enabled you to learn more through class or drumming?

"Hearing the stories and perspectives from Lamine. He was very passionate about his culture."

"I liked watching the in-class videos that gave us visuals of African culture."

How do you think the drumming experience helped you learn more about African music?

"Since percussion is an integral part of African music learning, a traditional drumming tradition in from Africa was a great way to learn more about African music."

"Listening to Lamine share insights about the meaning of each song taught me a lot."

What was your favorite aspect of drumming?

"I think it was really cool to talk to a real griot and see how they do it and teach an authentic sabaar drumming"

"Having to follow rhythms and watching Lamine solo"

What shocked you most about drumming?

"The amount of focus and attentions that is required."

"I was shocked that you could get into it with basically no training."

"How relaxing it was, time would fly by"

"The fact that they don’t write anything down, you have to memorize all the songs I think that this made it a lot more difficult to learn the songs, but it also felt much cleaner and fluid after you finally did learn them"