This content was published: December 22, 2003. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Drum-making class teaches Native American traditions
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – Drums are not only essential to music ensembles, they can also be works of art. A new Portland Community College non-credit class teaches drum making in the great tradition of the Native Americans.Instructor Bob McCoy will lead Drum Making: Native American Style, teaching students how to construct their own personal drum using rawhide and cedar hoops. Students will learn to choose materials, prepare the rawhide and learn proper tensioning. The class ends with a finished product, suitable as a musical instrument or as an art addition to their home."The drums that we make in this class are unique works of art,"said McCoy. "They are created with respect to the Native American tradition of careful, thoughtful craft." The three-week class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through Feb 3, in the Shop at Wilson High School, 1151 S.W. Vermont St. Cost is $40.50. For more information, contact PCC Community Education at 503-731-6622.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »