Thinking Outside of the Box: Percussionist Zoey F. Asks Not a Question, But a Request

February 20, 2012 | Mr. Justin Mew |

As the Q & A session neared the end, Zoey asked Professor Akombo to play something with our newly acquired African Drum, the djembes (say this with a silent "d"). He showed the true spirit of Quadrant D thinking. "Who's birthday is closest to today?" he asked. Our student shouted, "Today is Cierra N's birthday!!!" So using the djembes, Professor Akombo led the room in recognizing Cierra. But he did not stop there! No Continent Left Behind: same tune used across the USA and many countries. In Kenya, there are different birthday songs, depending on your birth order. Since Cierra is the eldest, Professor Akombo sang and played the djembes, with audience clapping in beat--a Kenyan happy birthday for the eldest! The gift of music and the arts for Cierra!