We were all a little nervous for the day. Were we doing too much too soon? What if the drumming was too far out of their comfort zone? What if there wouldn’t be any coffee?
These were only a few of the nagging questions running through our team’s minds as we waited for ALF Class XLII to arrive. One by one, they cautiously approached the pavilion at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, asking if they were in the correct place. We confirmed and gave them a list of their classmates for their upcoming Fellows journey.
With coffee-in-hand, breakfast served, and chairs arranged in a circle, it was time to begin the first check-in. Seconds ticked by. A blanket of silence settled upon us as we patiently waited for someone to be the first brave soul to introduce themselves to their cohort.
Finally, someone spoke. Then another. A third, and we were off and running. Their first ALF check-in was underway, and as expected, it was filled with laughter, earnest listening, and many questions. The nervousness from this morning thawed once we realized we were leaning into the unknown together.
Doubt transformed into enthusiasm and gratitude as Class XLI introduced themselves and shared sage advice about the Fellows Program journey. We sat back and listened as Class XLI reflected on their past year together and a key takeaway: be open mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Be willing to be changed, altered, and transformed. Be open to becoming somebody you must grow into.
“Finally, someone spoke. Then another. A third, and we were off and running. Their first ALF check-in was underway, and as expected, it was filled with laughter, earnest listening, and many questions.”
Creating space for expansion, new experiences, and diversity was our intention for the day. We would create this space by coming together in a drumming ceremony where we’d honor one of the world’s ancient instruments and celebrate in cross-cultural communication. It was time for the fun to start.
On cue, Class XLI handed the stage off to Aztec Dance to demonstrate the beauty of music. The performer lifted her conch and blew a powerful note that reverberated in our hearts. We were captivated by the drumming of her companion as their beat and song harmonized into a steady rhythm.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
San Jose Taiko rolled out their massive drums and joined the ensemble, creating their own tune yet beating in rhythm to Aztec Dance. Seemingly contrasting sounds blended together perfectly, complementing each other as they welcomed the Djembe group. Three diverse cultures, yet they harmonized effortlessly, invigorating us with their powerful song.
The incredible performance ended, and the pavilion erupted in thunderous applause. Now, it was our turn to make music.
Divided into three mixed groups, staff, Class XLI and Class XLII went their separate ways to step outside their comfort zone. I was fortunate enough to be in the Aztec Dance group, where we learned the history of the drums, their variations, and the importance of being connected to our ancestors. Our captain detailed the history of her family and the great honor she held for her family’s traditions for Aztec dance and ceremony. One by one, we went around the circle and discussed our family history – notably the origin of ours and our grandparents’ names.
We all come from a long history. A culture to fall back on. Ancestors we want to make proud.
It was time to get down to business. Admittedly, I was nervous when it was my time to stand in front of my group and perform on the main drum, but once we settled into our rhythm, I was excited. I couldn’t wait for it to be my turn again as we rotated through everyone!
“The incredible performance ended, and the pavilion erupted in thunderous applause. Now, it was our turn to make music.”
We pushed through our awkward laughter and poor timing until we eventually drummed in sync with one another. Pleased with our performance, our captain then divulged that some of us would be dancing. Eyes wide, we looked at each other, hoping someone would step up and volunteer. Three people came forward, unsure of themselves but were willing to give it a shot.
And that’s all it takes: a willingness to try. An openness to being stretched.
With our volunteer dancers and drums by our side, we rejoined the other two groups in the plaza and formed a large circle once more. Three diverse cultures faced off in a playful competition to demonstrate what we’ve learned in our forty-five minutes apart. This competition was moderated by Chike Nwoffiah (Class XXI) of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, who seamlessly directed the transition between the groups.
San Jose Taiko began with their chanting and beating of their large drums. It was amazing to watch this group of strangers coordinate their fast-paced tempo. Next was us; we readied ourselves with our instruments and started playing when on our cue. Our dancers stepped forward and followed the lead of our dance captain to the climax of our performance. Lastly, the Djembe group demonstrated what they had learned with the alternating speed at which their hands pounded their drums. All three groups drummed and pounded and thumped together into a compelling crescendo that left us revitalized and some in disbelief. Did we really just pull that off?
We did, and we had stretched ourselves just in that short amount of time.
The drumming ceremony fulfilled its purpose in awakening our understanding and appreciation of different cultures interacting in harmony. We know it can be done, and this is what we aim to mimic in our ALF Fellows Program journey: diverse leaders coming together for the common good. That morning we arrived as strangers with different perspectives, expectations, and intentions, but we left as friends eager to connect, share and leverage our wonderful differences to amplify each other’s voices.
Welcome to your ALF Fellows Program journey, Class XLII. We look forward to learning and growing alongside you.
Allyson relocated to San Jose from Central California and joined the ALF team in June 2021 where she’s grateful for the diverse communities she gets to work with everyday. In her free time she enjoys writing stories, drawing, and reading the latest fantasy novel on the beach.
