West African Drum & Dance Camp

An Unforgettable Learning Experience - Become a Better Drummer & Dancer

May 3rd-9th, 2027. Click Here To Register Now!Click Here To Email Registrar

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Music

Four levels of djembe classes
Classes in balafon, dunun, kora, singing, calabash, and krin
Drum-maintenance, building, blinging, re-heading, and tuning led by Tom Harris
Open community drumming under the moon and stars

Dance

Two levels of dance classes
Percussive dance instruction on Duns
Drumming for Dance classes

+ More

Free morning yoga classes
Massage and healing arts practitioners
Grand Finale talent show and concert
Guinea-style folklore celebration
Guinean Marketplace

Wildacres Retreat, Little Switzerland, North Carolina

The Monday before Mother's Day through Mother's Day morning, yearly

You are invited to come and experience the warm, high-energy sense of community created at the annual Community Sound West African Music and Dance Camp. Join long-time attendees and first-time friends to create an inviting atmosphere of fun, play, learning and togetherness in the spirit of West African drum and dance. Enjoy a full week immersed in the community, music and culture, or come for a shorter time – various packages are available.

The experienced and highly talented staff of dedicated Guinean & American instructors is brought together by Community Sound’s Julie Moore to satisfy everyone from the beginning beginner to the advanced-level participant. Long-term teachers at this retreat include Bolokada Conde, Fode Lavia Camara, Abou Sylla, Mohamed Diaby, Amo Soumah, Namory Keita, Robin “Bountou” Leftwich & Will Ridenour, with a rotation of additional guest artists.

This event sells out quickly after registration opens, and is highly regarded by participants & instructors alike . . . don’t miss out! Register Now.

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Info

All classes are 90 minutes long. Click link to view the sample 2026 Schedule
Rental drums are available.
A deposit of $120 per person is required to hold your space, which is applied to your balance and requested after your application has been submitted.
For cancellations up to March 15th, the deposit is returned, excepting a $65 service fee.
Payment in full is due by March 15th, refundable except for full $120 deposit through April 15th. Half-price refunds are available from April 15th-May 1st. Refunds of any portion are at the sole discretion of Community Sound after May 1st.

Facilities

All of this takes place in the natural spring-time beauty of Wildacres Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway northeast of Asheville. All accommodations are in very comfortable, double-occupancy hotel-style rooms with private bath. Delicious family-style, dining-hall meals include vegetarian and vegan options.

Deposits & Pricing

Scholarships & Drum Tent Opportunities

A limited number of scholarships are available. We are also
accepting requests from those interested in assisting Tom
at his drum tent.

Please email Julie for more information.

Accommodations & Room Assignments

Shared Accommodations:
Registering for camp indicates your acceptance of
having a roommate.

Single Occupancy:
Single rooms may be assigned based on availability,
but will not be confirmed until two weeks before
camp begins.

Deposits & Payment

Reservation Deposit:
A $200 deposit per person is required to reserve your space.
This deposit is applied toward your total camp balance
and will be requested after your application is submitted.
Final Payment Deadline:
Payment in full is due by March 15.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Through March 15:
Deposits are refundable, less an $85 service fee.
March 16 – April 6:
Payments are refundable, excluding the full $200 deposit.
April 15 – May 1:
Half-price refunds are available.
After May 1:
Any refunds, whether partial or full, are at the
sole discretion of Community Sound.

Adults/Teens, Arrival	*Hold Cell Phones Sideways*	Double Occupancy
Monday	6PM	$903
Tuesday	6PM	$893
Wednesday	6PM	$842
Thursday	12 Noon	$740

Youth, AGE 6-12, Arrival
Monday	6PM	$435
Tuesday	6PM	$430
Wednesday	6PM	$410
Thursday	12 Noon	$375

Children, Age 3-5, Arrival
Monday	6PM	$280
Tuesday	6PM	$275
Wednesday	6PM	$260
Thursday	12 Noon	$230

Children, Age 0-2		Free
Daily Commuter Meals Now Included	Limited
Adult	Per Day	$170
Age 6-12	Per Day	Free
Age 3-5	Per Day	Free

Scholarships are very limited but do exist. If needed, please send an email to the registrar.

Register Today!

Email Us:

Julie, Director – drumcampregistrar@gmail.com

Mail Checks To:

“Community Sound” at PO Box 175, Tigerville SC, 29688

What People Are Saying About Camp:

“Joy! Amazing teachers and drumming experiences; meeting new friends and connecting with old friends; enjoying the wonderful vegan food; reconnecting with nature at Wildacres.”

“The community and acceptance of everyone. Felt very welcomed and the learning was wonderful.”

“I really didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time to go to a drum camp. I felt it was an amazing exposure to so many things! Truly enjoyed the overall experience!”

“The attendees and the instructors. How well everyone accepts and helps each other. It is a real family.”

“Much new information to work on & practice over the next year.”

“Drumming fun and challenges and the best people anywhere!”

“Where the Takosaba dunun and sangban fit together.”

“Aside from better drumming skills, a better understanding of West African culture.”

“If you are not getting what you hoped for, just ask!”

“The teachers were inspiring and dedicated, and the drumming community (participants) were friendly, welcoming, and fun.”

“Krin threw me into the deep end because I had never played it before, but I managed somehow!”

“The folklore celebration really helped me find a love of the dance and how it fits with the drums. I have never been a dancer, but now I want to be one.”