"The Squad" Returns to the Orpheum Theatre
  for the Spirit of Uganda concert, 2/22/08

RMS World Drum Squad students delighted the Orpheum crowd Friday night, setting the tone for the

8:00 PM Spirit of Uganda concert. Performing in the Orpheum lobby, “The Squad” played arrangements

of West African music and improvisational grooves from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. A few concert-goers joined in,

playing drums and shakers with the students. Our principal Ms. Henry was there to support us

(thanks, Ms. Henry!).

CLICK HERE to learn more about the incredible children from Uganda (www.empowerafricanchildren.org).

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We also had the opportunity to participate in a Master Class with the Spirit of Uganda performers on Thursday evening, February 21st, at Congo Church on Cooper Avenue. RMS students learned new

rhythms from the musicians, discussed their visit to the America, and played on some very cool drums.
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Maria Estes visits the RMS World Drum Squad

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Professional percussionist Maria Estes visited the World Drum Squad students for a private clinic in the
RMS auditorium. Ms. Estes, founder and director of the SANKOFA Drum and Dance Ensemble, shared

her knowledge of African drumming with the students and taught them "Kuku", a traditional harvest piece from Guinea. Mr. Greene and his students have attended Maria Estes' drum circle held every Saturday at the Memphis Drum Shop on Cooper Avenue in Midtown.

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World Drum Squad in Beale Street Holiday Parade Saturday, December 15, 2007 The cold rain didn't keep the WDS drummers from making their first appearance in the Center City Commission/Bank of America Holiday Parade and Festival on Beale Street. The Squad performed on their

custom-built float (courtesy of the parade's organizers) to the delight of parade-goers along the

Beale Street route.Special thanks to the parents for bringing the drummers out on a rainy afternoon!

The World Drum Squad has already received an invitation to appear in the 2008 Holiday Parade

on Beale Street!

World Drum Squad performs at the Orpheum Theatre MCS All-City Orchestra Festival, November 26, 2007 Ridgeway Middle School's World Drum Squad was the lone middle school group to perform at the 2007 All-City Orchestra Festival at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday evening, November 26th. The Squad joined the high-school orchestra students onstage for the "African Bell Carol", the third piece on the evening's program.

RMS students enjoyed lunch at Jillian's after Tuesday morning's dress rehearsal. The World Drum Squad was also featured in the Commercial Appeal on Wednesday, November 27th, in an article on the All-City Orchestra Concert.