But I ve gotta tell you, it s a real thrill to do the original pieces. The drummers accompany half of this season s 18 pieces and perform their own feature piece in the middle of the concert. This season s feature percussion piece, written by the Women Sprit Song drummers is called Tuta Maumbile , which translated from Swahili means Beat of the Heart of the Universe. The group s assortment of percussive instruments includes djembes, Asheikos, Berber drums, tongue drums, talking Drums, a frame drum, and an ocean drum, to name a few. WSS members and their friends and family who travel the U.S. or abroad bring back all kinds of interesting sound-making things, says Brunette.
Some pieces also have piano accompaniment, and there s the occasional flute or guitar.
The performance includes readings interspersed between songs - Schneider and WSS members find prayers and other writings they like, and adjust or add to them as needed. Our mothers and grandmothers used to pray. With all the readings and instrumental accompaniment, though, the biggest part of WSS by far is the singing. I hear the real though far off hymn that hails the new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing.