"One of my drum students took your RhythmKids class four years ago. I asked what rhythms he learned and he said Frekoba and recalled the animal phrase you taught him and then played the rhythm perfectly on the drum--very impressive!"
Educator/Percussion Teacher
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"Thanks for a wonderful assembly program. The response from the staff was overwhelmingly positive and your team's interactive program provided the children with an experience that reinforced the inclusion theme. The smiles on the faces of our students is evidence that everyone's contribution is valued in our Hillside community. Thanks again for helping deliver this important message. A big thanks to Tom, Dan, and Moussa!!!"
George, 2nd Grade Teacher
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"Thank you and PLEASE pass on to Tom and Dan how much we enjoyed them at the party. Both kids and adults had a blast. They are a great pair and added so much energy to the celebration. Makes me want to learn how to drum myself! Again, thank you for your help in coordinating the whole thing. You all are great and easy to work with."
Hedi, Concord Parent
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"Well the party is over, but the compliments keep rolling in!! Recently I was told it was the best birthday party they've ever been to....so that takes the cake for sure!! And it's all thanks to Tom and Dan!! They were amazingly wonderful, so happy, in the moment, and great with the kids! It was truly a special time they created in the front yard for kids and adults. I can't thank them enough!! Anyway, it really was so wonderful and everyone wants to know more about them and how I found them! Thank you, thank you. I've already started planning when we can do it again....I think for my 2-1/2 year old's 5th party...we'll do the same!!" Betsey, Lincoln Parent
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"Thanks so much for coming on Friday. All the feedback I recieved from the teachers and kids was positive (except that desks had somehow turned into drums suddenly, but that can't be helped!) I really love what you're doing and I'm going to recommend you to the 2nd grade team to do something with their Ghana unit. You should know that you inspired me to get out all my drums and shakers for the kids this week!" Peter, Educator AB Schools
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"My son, presently a third grader, has taken the RhythmKids drum class since Kindergarten. Each session he learns something new and remains as excited about music and class as the day he started. Tom, with his limitless energy, is uniquely able to engage the kids and pass on his knowledge and love of African drumming. This has been an incredibly positive musical experience and a real confidence builder for my child." Cindy, Weston Parent
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"Our experience with RhythmKids was nothing short of phenomenal! Dan and Tom had a room full of more than 100 people absolutely throbbing with collective spiritual energy and primal excitement. There wasn't a single person who didn't end up banging on a drum -- even the most conservative curmudgeons in the crowd ultimately succumbed to the hypnotic draw of the rhythm, and I have never seen such a collection of gigantic, free-spirited smiles. RhythmKids is definitely for "kids of all ages!" Steve, President Temple Sinai
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| "Thank you so much for your amazing talent you shared with our kindergarteners today. You two (Tom and Dan) are wonderful with the kids and full of talent, and I'm so pleased we are able to bask in it!! I will pass on the word how amazing this program is. I am feeling culturally enriched!" Kym, Littleton Cultural PTA
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| "The kids and teachers loved your workshop. You (Tom and Dan) are an engaging and dynamic duo. With a lighthearted style and musical flexibility, you captured the interest of even the most stoic of students. My 5th graders have gained a heightened respect for the art of drumming and a realization that playing is difficult, but fun! Thank you so much. We look forward to more!" Susan Calkins, Wayland Music Ed.
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"Tom's high energy certainly radiates throughout his classes! The kids not only learn to play African drums, they too are enriched with African culture through stories, songs and dances. Although the drumming is done in a group, individual attention is given to each student drummer. I feel it has built confidence and opened my son up to the world of music." Celeste, Watertown Parent
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"There were lots of happy people, adults included, with many comments that this was the best birthday party that they had been to. And when I can find something that makes all my kids happy in one place at the same time...well, that's amazing! So, thank you for all the entertainment!" Cassie, Acton Parent
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I wanted to write and thank you and Dan from the bottom of my heart for providing such an amazing birthday for my son. Those kids were having the greatest time, and the parents who stuck around loved it, too. You guys have a real gift for captivating kids and giving them an experience they're not likely to ever forget. All learning should happen this way, through hands-on experience, unbridled energy, and just plain having a blast! I'm just glad we did so much videotaping and photographing so that we can at least SORT of relive it! Lorrie, Boxborough Parent
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"The RhythmKids workshop and show was fantastic! It was dynamic and engaging. It captivated both the students and adults and provided an amazing, accessible forum for participation. Experiencing rhythm in such a creative and participatory way allowed the students to open up and not only create music within their community, but have loads of fun too! Seeing all of those drums and other amazing instruments was a site to behold…and being able to play them was a blast!" Marcy K. Wanzer, Pediatric PT
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"Thank you Tom, and Dan, for a great afternoon!! It was wonderful for the children to have the hands on drumming experience. I loved the possibilities that the "Trip Around the World" opened up for them to use their imaginations to create sound pictures. I'll be working on how to get you back for some more great drumming experiences at BB&N." Ada Snider, BB&N Music Teacher
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"Thank you Tom and Dan for an excellent day! I think that was the best party I've been to in ages, and I'm not just talking about kids' parties! You were wonderful; the program you've developed is wonderful." Jill, Carlisle Parent
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"The Tuesday Percussion Ensemble is a weekly highlight for my son. Dan has rekindled his interest in music. Dan ROCKS in our house!" Jennifer, Weston Parent
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"We all really enjoyed the drumming yesterday. Tom and Dan were a big hit! And, you're fantastic with kids. Many thanks!" Judy, Cambridge Parent
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"The RhythmKids Drum Class provided a good variation from the norm here at Weston Recreation and I think the children and parents alike loved that. They always had the nicest things to say about you (Tom) and they loved learning how to play the drums. I was very happy to see that the children were happy. RhythmKids is a wonderful class taught by a wonderful individual." Lauren Smith, Weston Recreation
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"The drumming class was so awesome. It was the best class I’ve ever taken!" Jae, 2nd Grade Student
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"Thank you for a great show. The kids and families really loved it and you and your group were wonderful with the crowd. We look forward to having you back." Sue Andersen, Rockport Network
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"The private drum lessons that I’ve taken with Tom over the past year have proved to be nothing short of an awesome experience. I’m pleased with my original decision to take up drumming because the level of concentration necessary in the playing of various drum set patterns transferred into my academic courses, strengthening my attention span. Tom created a comfortable and fun atmosphere, making his lessons very beneficial in the long run." Sarah, High School Junior
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"The RhythmKids class is incredibly fun, interesting and out the ordinary and a real learning experience (and the kids don’t even realize how much they are learning). My son had a blast, met new people and had practice performing in front of people. If you need a reference have them call me anytime." Susan, Sudbury Parent
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"Tom, we think you are amazing and we have been singing your praises to everyone. I can't thank you enough! I hope to see you and RhythmKids again soon!" Beth, Cambridge Parent
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"Tom, thanks for roping in an eager group of 5 year olds. You received high marks from all age levels."
Laura, Medford Parent
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"It was a pleasure having you and Dan share your talent for African drumming with the children at Weston Windows. The kids were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the entire program. We hope you'll come back next year!" Leslie, Cultural PTA
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