Arts Directory
James Cannon
SCAD ID - #125
Contact
jamespatrickcannon@hotmail.com
864-979-1759
Discipline
- • Music
Geographical Availability
- Upstate
- Midlands
- PeeDee
- Low Country
About
Student-centered, hands-on, percussion-driven, West African drumming residencies! During this drumming workshop, the students will learn a selection of rhythms and songs from West Africa. Students will learn about the geography, history, and musical cultures of Africa while learning to play the djembe and dundun drums. Drums will be provided. A typical residency lasts 5 days and culminates with a student led performance on the final day. Workshops can be scheduled for more or fewer days. James Cannon studied West African drumming with Mohamed DaCosta and Dr. B. Michael Williams at Winthrop University. He has been teaching drumming workshops and artist in residencies since 2005 and would love to share this music with you and your students. James Cannon lives in Charleston, SC, where he plays jazz drum set, teaches privately, and provides percussion instruction to several Lowcountry band programs.
Reviews
Will Easterday
Harrisburg Elementary/Music Teacher
Mr. Cannon has been coming to Harrisburg the last couple of years and has been a huge hit with the kids! His knowledge of drumming and different African cultures is immense and comes out in his teaching. My kids loved having Mr. Cannon and still ask about him! You won't find anyone better!
(February 14, 2022)
Sarah Anderson
Central Child Development Center / Music Teacher
James is an outstanding musician, teacher, and person. He constantly engages students, incorporating history, world culture, and visual art within each of his sessions. I bring James in to work with my students every chance I get and highly recommend him to anyone.
(February 14, 2022)
Donna Fields
Hunter Street Elementary School
Our school has hosted two residencies with James, one in-person and one virtual. In both experiences, James was consistently professional, engaging, and fluid in his delivery of instruction about West African music and culture. He easily connects with students and staff. James is outstanding!
(February 14, 2022)
Lindsay Malcher
Westview Middle School Choral Director
Mr. Cannon served as an Artist-in-Residence for Fine Arts Day at WVE for several years. He engages students with hands-on experiences in African drumming and brings a valuable knowledge and energy into his sessions. He effectively includes students of all ability levels. I would highly recommend!
(February 14, 2022)
Derek Classey
Philip Simmons Middle School
James is an incredible musician, teacher, and human! His residency on West African drumming was very informational and the students LOVED every minute! We concluded with a performance for the entire school at the end of the week that was featured on the district website. It was an absolute blast!
(February 14, 2022)
Christi
Devon Forest Elementary School
James Cannon has been coming to my elementary school annually for 11 years! His residency engages students with drumming, singing, and lots of fun information about the West African countries and culture. His rapport with students is amazing and our entire school looks forward to this performance!
(January 5, 2022)