Phyllis Bethel  is a percussionist, vocalist, composer, and certified Music Therapist.  She is the founder and director of ASE (Ah Shay).  Although she claims musical roots in Afro-Cuban Folklore, her percussion styles range from Caribbean and Jazz-Fusion to R & B, Pop and Gospel.  She has honed her talents working with several folkloric groups including Women of the Calabash, Retumba Con Pie, The Ensemble of Women Drummers, and ASE.

In addition, she has various film and video credits to her name.  Her recording credits include Edie Brickell's Picture Perfect Morning and ASE's Souls A'Gathered.  She is a teaching artist in NYC Public Schools, and an adjunct faculty member at the NYU Music Therapy Department.  Phyllis practices Music Therapy at NYU Hospital where she works with hospitalized children.

Phyllis'sHappen'n workshop:

Conga Drumming:  A three session workshop designed to attract participants with varied backgrounds and experience.  The beginners workshop acquaints the participant with fundamentals of conga drumming.  The intermediate workshop is designed to give drummers more in-depth instruction in conga drumming through exploring Afro-Cuban Rhythmic patterns.  The intermediate-advanced workshop is designed to allow accomplished drummers and percussionists who may or may not be familiar with Afro-Cuban idiom an opportunity to learn specific patterns.  Instruction in technique will be limited in this session.