Hey all! I hope you’re doing well =) Last Thursday, Amari, who recently graduated from YWDEP, came to help out with the drumming and created a rhythm for everyone to play, which she titled “Battle of the Hoods”. Everyone did really well, especially since that was the longest we’ve ever spent drumming and we definitely took it to the next level.

And now, I’m proud to introduce to you the newest element of our blog: features from/about the YWDEP girls! This first one came from a conversation I had with Sarah and Alexis at that [Thursday] workshop. We just had a basic discussion about their feelings on YWDEP and what they hope to gain from this summer. Here’s an approximation of how things went:

Gabrielle: How did you hear about YWDEP?
Sarah: Kristen did a presentation at Powell Elementary School and my mom saw it.
Alexis: My aunt and grandmother went to the Meet n Greet and came back and told me about it.

G: Oh ok. So now that you’ve been involved for a couple weeks, what do you like about the program?
A: I like drumming and learning how to drum, I’ve never drummed before. I also like learning about hip hop and acting and theatre.
S: I like being creative and having the gift of music
G: Like being able to cultivate it? To work on improving and discovering your skills?
S: Yea
A: Yea me too! I really like that

G: What are you most excited about in the program?
A: I’m excited about all the workshops in general, to be able to learn new things and put them [my skills] to better use so I can become a better performer and musician.
S: The outcome…everything really…but for the performance, where people will be able to see what we are.

G: That’s interesting, I like that. What do you think that people will see? Or what do you hope they’ll see?
S and A: What our talents are, and how we express ourselves.

So that’s it! Clearly I’m not the only one that thinks these young women have a lot to bring to the table. Furthermore, it’s encouraging to know that they are looking forward and thinking about our performance. Keep reading so you can hear from more girls in the future =)

l-r Alexis and Sarah