Southern Illinois West African Drum Ensemble members practice traditional West African songs and rhythms Monday at the Gaia House. From left to right, members include Sue Speers, of Carterville, Josh Buchheit, of Lick Creek, Tom Hensold, of Makanda, Larry Millard, of Makanda, and Brian Stanfield, of Carbondale. Speers said playing in the ensemble is fulfilling because it’s a personal challenge and serious commitment. Stanfield said the djembes — the larger drums — and dounouns — the smaller hand drums — have a conversation throughout each song, and every drum must hold it together. “If you get it, you really want to get it and I was bit by the bug,” Stanfield said. “It’s a puzzle, like playing sudoku with sticks.” Tiffany Blanchette-Daily Egyptian

Photo taken by Tiffany Blanchette of the Daily Egyptian