Story leads to discovery of a prodigy
To the editor:
Thank you so much for the story written about me in the July 14, edition of the Eagle and for the continued support. Because of the story, a fellow Pine Islander from Bokeelia who is an aspiring drummer and opera singer, has now found his second home in my drum class twice per week! He already owned an authentic Djembe drum, but never imagined finding an African drum teacher when he moved to Pine Island.
Another gentleman whose wife teaches at the Pine Island Art Association in Matlacha, also contacted me to write a grand finale for his musical, ten years in the making. The finale will include African rhythm, live drumming and three dancers for whom I will choreograph an exciting dance. He had been tormented with finding the perfect arrangement and choreography for the ending to his very meaningful play.
This article, and others you’ve published about in the past three years, have given many Pine Islanders a whole new lease on life by sending them off to embark on a musical, cultural and social journey that they otherwise would never have known. Outside of drum class, it would be unlikely that such an interesting group and mix of people would have had the opportunity to even meet.
Ndakhte Ndiaye
School of Drum and Dance and Performing Troupe
St. James City