LA GRANDE — Art Center East’s Community African Drumming group begins its spring term classes on April 4. No experience is required and drums are provided. The group is open to community members ages 12 and older, and meets every Tuesday from April 4 to June 6.

The group meets from 6-7 p.m. in Eastern Oregon University’s 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 coordinator. “I encourage people to register soon for this popular class as space is limited.”

The instructor is Celine Burke. She holds a bachelor of music degree from EOU with a focus on percussion performance and is a long-time member of the group.

“Each person plays a short rhythm that interconnects with the rhythms other group members are playing,” Burke said. “This fun interconnection creates something bigger than each drummer can play alone.”

Register online at artcentereast.org/calendar, by phone at 541-624-2800, or in person at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave.

The registration fee is $45 for ACE members or $55 for nonmembers. Youth scholarships are available for ages 18 and younger.

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

Other classes

ACE’s spring class schedule for March through May is available online at artcentereast.org.

The center is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Exhibits can also be viewed online at artcentereast.org.