Written by Guest Blogger & Saklan Drumming Teacher, Isaac Narell
After years of teaching Ewe music, I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana to deepen my understanding of the culture and traditions that inspire so much of my work with Saklan students.
The short film below chronicles my time in the village of Dzogadze, where I was hosted by the family of master musician Vodzi Torgboh. I had the privilege of studying under his cousin, Kofi, learning ancient drumming, dance, and song. The video offers a glimpse into my daily life—from intensive lessons and vibrant festivals to participating in meaningful community events. It’s a tribute to the people, music, and spirit of Dzogadze.
A special thanks to the Saklan Summer Reflection Fund for helping to make this trip possible.
The Saklan Summer Reflection Fund: Investing in Teachers, Enriching Students
In 2022, thanks to the generosity of our parent community, Saklan created the Summer Reflection Fund—a special resource that empowers teachers to design their own opportunities for professional and personal growth.
This fund (up to $2,500 per recipient) encourages faculty and staff to think outside the box and pursue experiences that deepen their teaching practice. Past recipients have attended the Annual Broadway Teachers Workshop in New York City and traveled to Egypt to explore Ancient Egyptian history, art, engineering, the Sahara Desert environment, and the Nile ecosystem firsthand.
The impact of these experiences extends far beyond the summer—teachers bring new insights, inspiration, and creativity back into their classrooms, enriching the learning experience for Saklan students.
The Summer Reflection Fund is made possible through donations to the Annual Giving Fund and the Auction. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their generosity and belief in the importance of supporting our teachers.
#SaklanProfessionalDevelopment #SaklanAGF
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