Helen Bond

Description

Helen Bond offers a unique, hands-on interactive, cultural experience learning West African traditional drumming.  Students will play drums from Guinea while learning rhythms, songs and stories of Guinea.  Helen has been traveling to Guinea for more than 20 years.  She is a dynamic percussionist, teacher and storyteller who engages diverse audiences and students of all ages through the joy and energy of West African drumming.  Her accessible and patient teaching style allows students of all ages and abilities - from complete novices to experienced players to progress steadily in skill and experience and grasp the complex and intricate melodies and polyrhythms of West African music.  She is able to customize a program for your specific needs.

Work Sample

https://vimeo.com/540190557/3136f6edb3

This is an artist in residency in Cincinnati, Ohio at Spring School which is a school for students with learning disabilities.  I spent a week at the school teaching traditional West African drumming which ended with a performance for parents and community members (limited group do to covid-19.) 

The work sample is a great example of how I work with students with varying capabilities to bring us all together to create something as a group that we can be proud to perform.  

History

I have been studying traditional West African Drumming traveling to the Republic of Guinea bi-annually (4 months) since 2001.  I teach West African Drumming Ensemble and West African Drumming Chamber students at Lake Forest College since 2010.  I have traveled providing artist in residencies (typically a week residency) around the Country.  Some of my residencies and workshops have been:  Womanspace, Rockford, IL (ongoing),Waukegan Park for students with disabilities (2021), Springer School Cincinnati, Ohio (2021),  Boys & Girls Club (2019), Memory Cafe for Alzheimer patients and their caregivers (2019),  Highland Middle School Libertyville, IL (2018), Prairie Crossing Charter School, Grayslake, IL (2005-2015), College of Lake County French program (2013, 2009 - 2001, 2003 - 2005), Round Lake High School Nicasa's Teen Summer Program (2011), University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI (2012), Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX (2012), Oaken Community College, Des Plaines, IL (2008), McHenry County College (2011-2014), Algonquin Middle School (2012), Libertyville High School (2009 & 20010), Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, IL (2007), Joliet West and Central High Schools (2004-2005), Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (1998) Additional teaching/performing/presentation list available upon request.

Artistic Vision

I offer a unique, hands-on interactive, cultural experience learning about West Africa.  We connect with each other through music.  Playing drums from Guinea, West Africa while learning rhythms and songs.  There is a place for everyone with the Drum Orchestra.  

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

I have worked with all ages and abilities.  My program is customized based on the needs of my participants and very flexible.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

I have been traveling to Guinea, West Africa since 2001 annually. I live there typically 4 months annually since I first started traveling there. I have learned the cultural significance of the music and it's importance in day to day life. For 12 years I have brought artist from Guinea to the United States and Canada on teaching tours. I have also started a not for profit organization which is working in Guinea working on clean water, food sustainability/security and education. In January 2016, I received recognition and certification for my drumming and teaching from the Institute Superior Des Arts De Guinee - The Fine Arts Institute of Guinea. I have received the 2015 Jack Benny Arts and Humanities Award from the city of Waukegan, IL.