Townline students learn art of drumming

Students in Townline Elementary School made rhythmic music recently using dununs, West African drums, as part of an artful learning project.

Fodé Camara, a musician and performer from Guinea, West Africa, took the students into a virtual world where they experienced African culture and traditions.

The 450 students in the kindergarten through fifth-grade Vernon Hills school have been learning the art of drumming in music class as part of a yearlong artful learning theme on relationships.

"Drumming gives students a sense of community and teaches them to work together as a team to produce electric sounds," said Townline Principal Victoria Kieffer.

Townline staff has focused on Artful Learning in Action by making connections between fine arts and the daily classroom learning experience. Hawthorn School District 73 believes that by making these Artful Learning connections, students will develop into analytical thinkers and team players, have higher academic achievement and show an appreciation for cultural diversity.