Newport Drummers
Newport Drummers is a community-based drum ensemble modeled on West African instruments and rhythms, and founded on the concept of this music being celebrated, through group ensemble practice and performance, with our community.
Highlights of the Newport Drummers Ensemble include:
-
Musicians, of all ages, are welcome, whether experienced or just starting out.
-
Music is mostly learned though oral tradition and imagery, so European notation skills are unnecessary.
-
Drumming is said to aid depression, Parkinson’s Disease, and people living with dementia.
-
Bring your drum! If you don’t have one, there are drums available for use.
Leader: Ben Coleman
With over 20 years of experience, I have been teaching traditional West African rhythms on djembe and duns to community classes across Melbourne, beginning in St Kilda with African Drumming in St Kilda. My teaching has extended to venues and communities including Newport Substation, Footscray, Brunswick, and more recently Epping. My approach is deeply inspired by the traditions and artistry of master drummers such as Mamady Keïta, Famoudou Konaté, and Fadouba Oularé, with a strong focus on rhythm, technique, and cultural respect.
When
Thursday evenings 7:30-9pm. We usually run 4 terms per year, the same as school terms. See calendar below.
Venue
Newport Community Hub
13 Mason St, Newport
(Mechanics Hall - use Library entrance.)
Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Fees
$12 per session or $100 per 10-week term.
Enquiries
New contact details coming soon. All enquiries via our main Contact page.
Calendar
Instruction videos
Our former leader Martin Case recorded a set of instruction videos, which you may find useful for practice at home.
Online payment
Term 2 2026
Term fee is $100
You can pay online using Visa or Mastercard.
Before you pay, please read the message below.
Payment with Paymate
Our online payment provider Paymate has introduced an option to share your credit card details with Click to Pay.
If you don't want to share your details with Click to Pay, un-check the box on the page where you enter your credit card details - see screenshot.
If you un-check the box, the payment will go ahead as normal and your details will not be shared.