Martin Espino
Meet Our Instructors
Darryl Johnson
Lenny Castro
Budhi has been an artist and performer for most of his life. The past 15 years have been
dedicated to the study of djembe drumming and culture. His second home is Senegal, West
Africa, where he has studied with some of the best drummers in the world. Budhi has been
teaching for over 13 years and has produced several CD's with his band Panzumo. Panzumo
was formed in 1998 by Budhi Harlow, adding bass, vocals, Native American flute, and other
melodic instruments. In 2007, Budhi formed a multicultural performance ensemble
"KONKOBA" performing with his Pulse Drumming Int/Adv students for community & private
events. Budhi teaches African Rhythms/Dance & Song - Dun Dun's - Tongue Drums &
provides outreach programs in our community for those with special needs, youth programs
and schools. Listen to the "Konkoba" CD on many of our website pages. Check out his website
@ www.panzumo.com
dedicated to the study of djembe drumming and culture. His second home is Senegal, West
Africa, where he has studied with some of the best drummers in the world. Budhi has been
teaching for over 13 years and has produced several CD's with his band Panzumo. Panzumo
was formed in 1998 by Budhi Harlow, adding bass, vocals, Native American flute, and other
melodic instruments. In 2007, Budhi formed a multicultural performance ensemble
"KONKOBA" performing with his Pulse Drumming Int/Adv students for community & private
events. Budhi teaches African Rhythms/Dance & Song - Dun Dun's - Tongue Drums &
provides outreach programs in our community for those with special needs, youth programs
and schools. Listen to the "Konkoba" CD on many of our website pages. Check out his website
@ www.panzumo.com
Budhi Harlow
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Souhail Kaspar, a true virtuoso, is known worldwide for his brilliant technique, exciting
performances and effective teaching skills. His ability to improvise and embellish rhythmic
patterns of Arabic music and knowledge of ethnic musical history make him one of the
most highly acclaimed performers and instructors of our day.
Born in Lebanon and trained at The Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music in Aleppo,
Syria, he excelled in both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques and
received his degree in Classical Arabic Performance.
Since the late 1970s, Mr. Kaspar has been teaching workshops with Dr. A. J. Racy,
Professor of Ethnomusicology, at colleges and universities in the United States and
abroad as well as appearing in performances with Dr. Racy in many concert venues
throughout the world. More info @ www.neareastmusic.com
performances and effective teaching skills. His ability to improvise and embellish rhythmic
patterns of Arabic music and knowledge of ethnic musical history make him one of the
most highly acclaimed performers and instructors of our day.
Born in Lebanon and trained at The Conservatory of Traditional Arabic Music in Aleppo,
Syria, he excelled in both classical and ethnic rhythmic patterns and techniques and
received his degree in Classical Arabic Performance.
Since the late 1970s, Mr. Kaspar has been teaching workshops with Dr. A. J. Racy,
Professor of Ethnomusicology, at colleges and universities in the United States and
abroad as well as appearing in performances with Dr. Racy in many concert venues
throughout the world. More info @ www.neareastmusic.com
Souhail Kaspar
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Kalani recieved his Bachelor of Music from California State University Northridge and is a
certified (level III) Orff Schulwetk specialist. He has recieved numerous awards from DRUM!
Magazine for his work as a performing artist,percussion clinician and drum circle facilitator.
Kalani has performed and/or recorded with such music legends as Kenny Loggins, David
Sanborn, Max Roach, Barry Manilow, Vic Damone, John Mayall, Chante Moore, Dr. John, Michael
Kamen, Melissa Manchester and is the featured percussionist on the Yanni – Live at the
Acropolis video and CD. He is featured on recordings for Disney, Warner Brothers, Tri-Star
Pictures, Paramount Studios, The Nature Company and Jim Hensen Records. Look for
upcoming workshops and events @ pulsedrumming.com for more information on Kalani check
out his website @ www.kalanimusic.com
certified (level III) Orff Schulwetk specialist. He has recieved numerous awards from DRUM!
Magazine for his work as a performing artist,percussion clinician and drum circle facilitator.
Kalani has performed and/or recorded with such music legends as Kenny Loggins, David
Sanborn, Max Roach, Barry Manilow, Vic Damone, John Mayall, Chante Moore, Dr. John, Michael
Kamen, Melissa Manchester and is the featured percussionist on the Yanni – Live at the
Acropolis video and CD. He is featured on recordings for Disney, Warner Brothers, Tri-Star
Pictures, Paramount Studios, The Nature Company and Jim Hensen Records. Look for
upcoming workshops and events @ pulsedrumming.com for more information on Kalani check
out his website @ www.kalanimusic.com
Lamine "Dibo" Camara
West African Drumming
Learn to play native rhythms from West Africa with Lamine “Dibo” Camara, Master Djembe
Instructor. Nicknamed "Dibo" or "Rhythm Devil" for his incredible speed, technique, and
phrasing, Lamine is a master djembe soloist from the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. He
has performed and instructed throughout the world for over 25 years with top artists
including National Ballet Djoliba, Les Ballets d'Afrique Noir, Lamine Conte, Jams Sylla, and
jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater and is the founder of Company Fore-Fote. For more
information on Dibo check out www.fore-fote.com
Learn to play native rhythms from West Africa with Lamine “Dibo” Camara, Master Djembe
Instructor. Nicknamed "Dibo" or "Rhythm Devil" for his incredible speed, technique, and
phrasing, Lamine is a master djembe soloist from the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. He
has performed and instructed throughout the world for over 25 years with top artists
including National Ballet Djoliba, Les Ballets d'Afrique Noir, Lamine Conte, Jams Sylla, and
jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater and is the founder of Company Fore-Fote. For more
information on Dibo check out www.fore-fote.com
Bio Coming Soon!
Martin Espino provides exceptional, Innovative, and interactive percussion
programs. Students play indigenous percussion instruments, representing
ancient Mexico and the Americas. Martin brings a virtual museum of native
instruments; the majority made by himself. Representing Yaqui (Sanora) and
Tepehuano (Durango) Native Heritage. Martin attended Immaculate Heart
College in Hollywood, CA, earning a "Bachelor of Music Degree with Honors in
Performance"(1978) in Classical Guitar and research/performance on
instruments of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. He has been teaching
adults and children since age 13. You are listening to his music on this very
page. Martin provides many of Pulse Drumming's Outreach Programs.
programs. Students play indigenous percussion instruments, representing
ancient Mexico and the Americas. Martin brings a virtual museum of native
instruments; the majority made by himself. Representing Yaqui (Sanora) and
Tepehuano (Durango) Native Heritage. Martin attended Immaculate Heart
College in Hollywood, CA, earning a "Bachelor of Music Degree with Honors in
Performance"(1978) in Classical Guitar and research/performance on
instruments of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. He has been teaching
adults and children since age 13. You are listening to his music on this very
page. Martin provides many of Pulse Drumming's Outreach Programs.
KALANI
| Souhail, demonstrates proper technique |
| Budhi's pulse raising solos! |
| Darryl Johnson |
| Kalani demonstrates at our Grand Opening |
Vince Chafin
"I’m just doing what God put me here to do. Doing what was written in stone for me –even
before I came out of my mother’s womb, it seems like. This is what I’m here to do. I’ve made
a wonderful life out of it. God has blessed me unbelievably in this lifetime with so many
wonderful things and I never take that for granted. It’s a gift that got me from out of Harlem to
a million places and back. It’s a great thing, and I’m very proud to be doing it still."
A native of New York City, Lenny Castro moved to Los Angeles in the late 70’s where he
quickly established himself as a first call percussionist in the prestigious Los Angeles studio
session scene. Since then his talents have taken him to work with artists such as Toto, Boz
Scaggs, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Ricky Lee Jones, Joe
Sample, Randy Crawford and Bette Midler and an extensive world tour with Fleetwood Mac to
name a few.
before I came out of my mother’s womb, it seems like. This is what I’m here to do. I’ve made
a wonderful life out of it. God has blessed me unbelievably in this lifetime with so many
wonderful things and I never take that for granted. It’s a gift that got me from out of Harlem to
a million places and back. It’s a great thing, and I’m very proud to be doing it still."
A native of New York City, Lenny Castro moved to Los Angeles in the late 70’s where he
quickly established himself as a first call percussionist in the prestigious Los Angeles studio
session scene. Since then his talents have taken him to work with artists such as Toto, Boz
Scaggs, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Ricky Lee Jones, Joe
Sample, Randy Crawford and Bette Midler and an extensive world tour with Fleetwood Mac to
name a few.
Combining over 20 years of experience, influence, education and instruction,
Trey has become a unique and highly sought after musical talent who has made
a name for himself as a versatile performer as well as a competent educator.
Trey has performed with numerous Symphonies & Orchestra's thoughout the
west coast, many well know members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, studio
recordings for Major League Baseball, motion picture scores, commercials,
jingles and more! He has taught for Oxnard Unified School Dist., Yamaha
School of Music & American Music Academy & Ventura County School of Music.
He has studied (2) years at Blue Lake Music Academy (2) years at ISOMATA.
[ Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts.] Following that he was offered
scholarship to U.C.S.B. as a percussionist in the Bachelor of Music program.
Check out his rocking website @ www.treyotoole.com
Trey has become a unique and highly sought after musical talent who has made
a name for himself as a versatile performer as well as a competent educator.
Trey has performed with numerous Symphonies & Orchestra's thoughout the
west coast, many well know members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, studio
recordings for Major League Baseball, motion picture scores, commercials,
jingles and more! He has taught for Oxnard Unified School Dist., Yamaha
School of Music & American Music Academy & Ventura County School of Music.
He has studied (2) years at Blue Lake Music Academy (2) years at ISOMATA.
[ Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts.] Following that he was offered
scholarship to U.C.S.B. as a percussionist in the Bachelor of Music program.
Check out his rocking website @ www.treyotoole.com
Trey O'Toole
| Trey O'Toole |
| VINCE CHAFIN |
| Jim Christie |
Jim Christie, a well known recording artist, teacher and touring band member with
Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams and more. He has recorded with Sara Evans, Norah
Jones, Flaco Jimenez and has played drums/percussion on soundtracks such as
Crossing Jordan and the Horse Whisperer to name a few. Recently taking a break from
the long road of touring, Jim is home and sharing his experiences through teaching
multiple drum styles at Pulse Drumming.
Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams and more. He has recorded with Sara Evans, Norah
Jones, Flaco Jimenez and has played drums/percussion on soundtracks such as
Crossing Jordan and the Horse Whisperer to name a few. Recently taking a break from
the long road of touring, Jim is home and sharing his experiences through teaching
multiple drum styles at Pulse Drumming.
Jim Christie
| Ongoing Class Facilitators |
Lisa Beck
Lisa Beck is singer, drummer, and lead dancer for Konkoba and Panzumo drum
and dance ensembles. She teaches West African dance and aerobics classes in
Ventura and Santa Barbara, and assists with drum classes and workshops with
her partner Budhi. Lisa has been a performer most of her life; the past 7 years
have been dedicated to the study of West African djembe drum and dance. She
traveled to Senegal with Budhi in 2000, and actively attends drum and dance
workshops to study with Master teachers such as Youssouf Koumbassa,
Moustapha Bangoura, Karamba Diabate, Fode Bangoura, Dibo Camara, Dramane
Kone, and others.
and dance ensembles. She teaches West African dance and aerobics classes in
Ventura and Santa Barbara, and assists with drum classes and workshops with
her partner Budhi. Lisa has been a performer most of her life; the past 7 years
have been dedicated to the study of West African djembe drum and dance. She
traveled to Senegal with Budhi in 2000, and actively attends drum and dance
workshops to study with Master teachers such as Youssouf Koumbassa,
Moustapha Bangoura, Karamba Diabate, Fode Bangoura, Dibo Camara, Dramane
Kone, and others.
Dramane Kone
Dramane Kone, drummer, balafon (West African xylophone)
player, singer, and instrument maker from Mali, West Africa.
Dramane is a Griot (oral historian) from the famous Kone family
of Burkina Faso and Mali, West Africa. Raised from birth to help
carry on his culture's musical tradition, he was recruited at the
age of 17 to be the lead Djembe soloist for The National Ballet of
Burkina Faso. His infectious laughter, enthusiasm, and friendly
spirit make everyone feel at ease. He says, "The djembe speaks
a 3000 year old story. Only the Griot knows the story. Many
thanks to my Great, Great Grandparents and my teachers."the
remarkable Koné family, three generations of jeli (West African
musicians, singers, dancers and carriers of collective knowledge
and culture).
player, singer, and instrument maker from Mali, West Africa.
Dramane is a Griot (oral historian) from the famous Kone family
of Burkina Faso and Mali, West Africa. Raised from birth to help
carry on his culture's musical tradition, he was recruited at the
age of 17 to be the lead Djembe soloist for The National Ballet of
Burkina Faso. His infectious laughter, enthusiasm, and friendly
spirit make everyone feel at ease. He says, "The djembe speaks
a 3000 year old story. Only the Griot knows the story. Many
thanks to my Great, Great Grandparents and my teachers."the
remarkable Koné family, three generations of jeli (West African
musicians, singers, dancers and carriers of collective knowledge
and culture).
| Dramane Kone African Rhythm Workshops! |
| Music Provided By: Martin Espino CD: Jaguars Return |
Vince Chafin, a musician rooted in jazz, combines that energy with a passion for Native
American, Anasazi and pre-Columbian Aztec flutes. The artful fusion of contemporary
and ancient sounds can clearly be heard through his flute playing. Vince’s enthusiasm
for music is infectious and he loves to share his passion for the Native American Flute.
A featured performer and educator at festivals, workshops and schools all over the U.
S., Vince can help you access the deep well of expression in side your soul, and
support you as you share it with the world. Vince has performed with Jazz luminaries
like Michael Brecker, Freddie Hubbard, Bennie Wallace, Matt Cattingoub and the best
in the NAF world: Mary Youngblood, Jan Michael-Looking Wolf, Jeff Ball, Peter Phippen
and many others and would love to help you along your flute journey.
American, Anasazi and pre-Columbian Aztec flutes. The artful fusion of contemporary
and ancient sounds can clearly be heard through his flute playing. Vince’s enthusiasm
for music is infectious and he loves to share his passion for the Native American Flute.
A featured performer and educator at festivals, workshops and schools all over the U.
S., Vince can help you access the deep well of expression in side your soul, and
support you as you share it with the world. Vince has performed with Jazz luminaries
like Michael Brecker, Freddie Hubbard, Bennie Wallace, Matt Cattingoub and the best
in the NAF world: Mary Youngblood, Jan Michael-Looking Wolf, Jeff Ball, Peter Phippen
and many others and would love to help you along your flute journey.
Judy Piazza is a well recognized and traveled performer, educator, and recording artist known for
her work in creating magic and transformation through rhythm and music both in and out of the
country. As an innovative multi-instrumentalist, percussionist, and music therapist, she performs,
facilitates workshops and teaches at festivals, conferences, schools, and more to share her love
of rhythm and song, to nurture community, and to communicate gentle yet powerful messages
regarding relationships to our self, each other, and to our Earth.. She is founder of Resonance &
Rhythms, member of the percussion ensemble Repercussions, member of the Ann Arbor Kirtan
group, and founder of Yatra, ensemble blending sitar, alternative dulcimer, tablas, vocals, and
flute. Judy has been deeply inspired and influenced by Glen Velez, Ubaka Hill, and Russill Paul,
with whom she has performed, along with many other indigenous teachers.
her work in creating magic and transformation through rhythm and music both in and out of the
country. As an innovative multi-instrumentalist, percussionist, and music therapist, she performs,
facilitates workshops and teaches at festivals, conferences, schools, and more to share her love
of rhythm and song, to nurture community, and to communicate gentle yet powerful messages
regarding relationships to our self, each other, and to our Earth.. She is founder of Resonance &
Rhythms, member of the percussion ensemble Repercussions, member of the Ann Arbor Kirtan
group, and founder of Yatra, ensemble blending sitar, alternative dulcimer, tablas, vocals, and
flute. Judy has been deeply inspired and influenced by Glen Velez, Ubaka Hill, and Russill Paul,
with whom she has performed, along with many other indigenous teachers.
| Judy Piazza |
| Martin's Amazing Workshops |
Judy Piazza
Bringing almost 30 years of talent to the Pulse Drumming roster is
Roland Martinez. A native of California, Roland is originally a keyboardist.
During his early schooling, he studied rudimental drumming exclusively
with Thomas McMahon, a college music director and rudimental
instructor from Long Beach State University which landed Roland many
rolls as percussion advisor with local high schools. He also studied
under the late director Frank Salazar, Ventura College music director,
where he was involved in the County Symphony, Jazz band and
ensembles as well as singing with the Ventura County Master Chorale
and Gold Coast Concert Choirs. He also added his drawing and
painting talents to the Ventura Theatre scene during his college days.
Roland works at Drum Workshop Inc., as a Quality Control and
Assurance Specialist, Research and Development team member and
master tuner (yes Trey, it’s a true story) Rolandm@dwdrums.com
Roland Martinez. A native of California, Roland is originally a keyboardist.
During his early schooling, he studied rudimental drumming exclusively
with Thomas McMahon, a college music director and rudimental
instructor from Long Beach State University which landed Roland many
rolls as percussion advisor with local high schools. He also studied
under the late director Frank Salazar, Ventura College music director,
where he was involved in the County Symphony, Jazz band and
ensembles as well as singing with the Ventura County Master Chorale
and Gold Coast Concert Choirs. He also added his drawing and
painting talents to the Ventura Theatre scene during his college days.
Roland works at Drum Workshop Inc., as a Quality Control and
Assurance Specialist, Research and Development team member and
master tuner (yes Trey, it’s a true story) Rolandm@dwdrums.com
Roland Martinez
| Roland Martinez & Trey O'Toole |
