The RhythmKids staff is a skilled group of musicians and educators who enjoy seeing children and adults experience music and drumming. Whether it is a school event, a birthday party or an after-school class our staff will make it fun and engaging for everyone who attends!
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"I speak for the staff when I say we were thrilled with your presentaton. Many of the staff shared how much they enjoyed your program and how much fun they had drumming together. We want you to come back to Hillside!"
George, Needham Hillside Elementary Teacher
 | TOM FOOTE
FOUNDER & INSTRUCTOR
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Born in Naples, Italy, Tom has spent extensive time on five continents and has enjoyed a professional career in drumming with a wide variety of tour, recording and studio experience with the likes of Evelyn "Champagne" King, Ray Choo (Alicia Keys) and Grammy Winner "Speech." He studied at Shepherd College (WV), Berklee College of Music (MA) and Drummer's Collective (NYC). Versed in all styles of music, he teaches and plays in New England and is endorsed by Cappella Drumsticks. Tom studies djembe with master drummer Moussa Traore and Sory Diabate from Mali. Click here for Tom Foote's Bio.
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 | DAN "A'MAYE" FOOTE
INSTRUCTOR & FACILITATOR
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Dan is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Berklee College of Music and a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts grant. He has been featured several recordings ranging from African music to R&B Soul. Dan is a sought after private instructor as his students regularly make junior, senior districts and all-state band. Check out his site www.stickwithmusic.com for information.
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 | MOUSSA TRAORE
GUEST ARTIST & INSTRUCTOR
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Malian master drummer Moussa Traore joins RhythmKids for special events and workshops upon request. He has achieved great recognition and is an accomplished musician in theater, in traditional ceremonies and in the Malian pop scene and is considered to be one of the top djembe players in the country. He teaches in the Boston area and has two CD's of traditional music, "Mali Foli" and "Dakan." Moussa electrifies the crowds with his amazing djembe playing and his engaging personality!
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 | DEBBIE FOOTE
PUBLIC RELATIONS & PARTIES
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Debbie is the director and co-owner of ABC Music Together www.abcmusictogether.com, a national program that offers music classes to young children with a parent or caregiver. Debbie is also a talented singer and flutist and currently sings with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She joins RhythmKids for parties that include younger children and adds elements of music that children of all ages enjoy. |
MIKE TORRES
CLASS INSTRUCTOR
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Mike Torres is finishing up his last semester as a percussion major at Berklee College of Music . He has been exposed to many musical influences found all across the world such as Bata, jazz, samba, and Indian tablas. He has traveled abroad to Ghana where he studied traditional rhythms and corresponding dances. He is a lover of all music and the endless possibilities that it brings. Mike was a camp counselor and instructor at Day Jams, where he worked with children of all ages. Currently Mike plays drum set with his group Driftwood out of Binghamton, New York.
