CONNECTING THE BEATS 

Connecting the Beats was established in 2008 with the desire to bring African-inspired drumming and dance to the youth of Newport County. With the support of the Rhode Island Foundation, Common Fence Music has partnered with such organizations as the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, the Newport County YMCA, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, the Pell School, Portsmouth Middle School and more, connecting students with performers and teachers of drumming and dance from Ghana, Mali, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and other cultures in the Caribbean and West Africa, through educational performances and workshops.

For information on how to bring Connecting the Beats to your school, contact Tom Perrotti. 

   

"Your concert and classes at the Pell School were absolutely fabulous.
Our students were all thoroughly engaged. Thanks again for providing
​our students with a memory of a lifetime." - Kathleen, teacher at Pell Elementary
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​"My heart and soul went into the drums and I just want to thank you for that...
It made me feel happy and excited. I loved it so much that next year
​in 5th grade I think I am going to play the drums." - Sasha, student
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​"The presentation last year was spectacular and engaging. The children had a blast. 
We are looking forward to another great performance this summer."
- Jeanine, teacher at the MLK, Jr. Center
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