LA GRANDE — Art Center East’s Community African Drumming group begins winter term classes on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Registration is now open. Join the group to explore the drumming rhythms of traditional West African music. No experience is required and drums are provided.

The group is open to community members ages 12 and older. It meets every Tuesday from Jan. 7 through March 11 from 6-7 p.m. on the Eastern Oregon University campus in Loso Hall Room 123.

“This fun and welcoming group is a great way to learn how to play the djembe (a goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands) or refine your djembe skills,” said Moira Madden, ACE outreach director. “I encourage community members to register soon given that the class fills up quickly.”

The winter term instructor is Celine Burke, who earned a bachelor’s of music with a focus in percussion performance and a minor in psychology from EOU.

“In this group, each person plays a short rhythm that interconnects with rhythms other group members are playing,” Burke said. “This creates a fun and dynamic class environment.”

Registration may be completed online at artcentereast.org/calendar or by calling 541-624-2800.

People can also register in person at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave., during business hours: Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community African Drumming registration fee is $45 for current ACE members and $55 for nonmembers. Youth scholarships are available for community members ages 18 and younger.

Visit artcentereast.org/ace-youth-scholarship for information about the reduced-cost opportunity.

Community African Drumming is part of ACE’s longstanding Community Music Program that also includes private music lessons for children, teens and adults taught by experienced music educators.

Learn more about ACE classes, art exhibits, and events at artcentereast.org.