Bote Fote African Drumworks is a locally owned and operated percussion workshop in State College, PA. Our mission is to promote and preserve cultural drum and dance in Central Pennsylvania and beyond, which we believe plays a vital role in the development of the community as a whole.
Bote Fote was founded in 2004 by owner, craftsman, musician, and student of traditional West African arts and culture, Chuck Greb. Chuck began studying West African music in 1997 while a student at Penn State University. Over the years Chuck has studied with numerous teachers in the United States and Guinea, West Africa, including Lancei Kante, Billy Camara, Menes Yahudah, Abdoul Doumbia, Lansana Dioubate, and Michael Markus.
Drum craftsmanship at Bote Fote is focused on providing professional quality musical instruments at an affordable price. These are not tourist drums. Our instruments are crafted with a unique blend of traditional materials and modern techniques. The result is some of the best drums you will find anywhere. We offer several lines of top quality djembes, dununs, supplies, and accessories. We can custom craft drums to your specifications. Repair services are available as well. From drum head replacement to a total rebuild from the shell up, you’ve come to the right place.
We believe that learning the history, culture, and technique of these wonderful instruments is just as important as the drums themselves. That is why Bote Fote facilitates classes and workshops with local and guest teachers in cultural drum and dance forms. We also promote concerts with everyone from national touring companies to local performance groups.
Cultural drum and dance is a unique and special art form. It puts emphasis on community participation rather than passive observation. It has rich history and meaning. It can be a tool for personal growth. It is a form of communication. It brings people together. We hope the products and services we offer will support the growth of cultural drum and dance in your community and in your heart.
