Valerie Naranjo   is a percussionist, vocalist, and composer from the Ute Nation. She first performed on the gyil (pronounced Jeel or Jee-lee) in Ghana's Kobine festival of traditional music. Her playing led to the declaration of a chiefly decree in the Dagara nation that women be allowed, for the first time, to play the instrument. Valerie has performed on six continents, including eight African countries, plays and arranges percussion for NBC's Saturday Night Live Band and on Broadway for The Lion King, and recorded with the Paul Winter Consort, Glen Velez, Selena, and many others. She has released several CDs, and is a clinician for Avedis Zildjian Co., Vic Firth Inc., and LP Music Group on gyil, marimba, percussion, and Native American instruments and voice.

Valerie's Happen'n workshops include :

INTRODUCTION to NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC:  According to indigenous peoples all over the world, disharmony of any kind (including physical, social, or psychological illness) is a symptom that the perfect natural order is out of sync. Since vibration is the essence of life, we try to restore the perfect order by reintroducing a bountiful, harmonious vibration. This workshop will use breath to open the voice, the gateway to the inner world and spirit world, and to talk with the drum.

ANCIENT WEST AFRICAN KEYBOARD MUSIC, An Introduction:  The Gyil of the Dagara and Lobi nations of West Africa is one of the grandmothers of the keyboard family. It is made from wooden slats suspended over calabash gourds. Throughout West Africa, people believe the gyil's woody sound comes from a vibration of water that physically balances the water in the bodies of people and animals. Introduction to the gyil will focus on the singing and playing of the music, which continues to rejuvenate entire communities. Some drumming experience is helpful, but not necessary.

Want to know more about Valerie?...check out  Valerie Naranjo   on her web site!