Palmer Lake hosts drum and dance event courtesy of District 279 foundation grant

Duniya Drum and Dance Minnesota came to Palmer Lake Elementary School the week of May 16 for lively, engaging sessions with the school’s fourth and fifth grade students. The classes focused on giving students a taste of the musical traditions of Guinea, West Africa. 

The group, which is based out of Brooklyn Park, also performed at the school’s multicultural event May 22, allowing students who recently experienced the master classes some advanced familiarity with the music and dance moves. These events were made possible through a grant from the District 279 Foundation.

Ben Hanson, the school’s music teacher, said the visits give students exposure to and an experience with music from this part of the world, where he said many of the school’s students have family connections.