Harambee Percussion Ensemble

About the ensemble...

Harambee [ /ha-RAHM-bay/ ] was founded by Dr. Sherry Jones in the early 2000s at Littlejohn Elementary (DeKalb, IL) as an after-school enrichment program for grades 3-4-5.  Co-directed by Sharon McKee, it soon expanded to include its middle school alumni, who became the group's first student leaders.  A "sister" ensemble, the Underground Kpanlogo Band, formed when staff members and other friends showed an interest in playing as well.  Harambee moved (with its co-directors) to Cortland Elementary in 2011, expanding still further as students returned to continue playing as high-schoolers, and UKB members began combining efforts with the younger musicians.  Harambee moved to its current location at the Federated Church of Sycamore in 2015.  It is currently a community group: all are welcome to come learn the music and about the cultures that have produced it!