The popular Maples Arabic Drummers and Chorus is planning a 25th anniversary celebration and is inviting former drummers and chorus members to come back to Maples and reminisce and celebrate with former teachers, principals and alumni of the groups.
Parents, alumni and other community members are all invited to the special anniversary event on Oct. 29, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the school. The evening will start with time to mingle, followed by comments from speakers, including Superintendent Esseily, current Maples Drummers teacher Liz Meyers, and founding teacher/director Cathy Prowse. The speakers will be followed by a community drum circle from current as well as former students.
Those who plan to attend are asked to register here so organizers can plan accordingly. Former students who would like to attend especially need to RSVP. Drummers will play a bit of the famous Abboud Solo (roll bup bup). Speakers are expected to start about 7:45 p.m. with a drum circle at 8 p.m.
“Maples Drummers and Chorus provides our students with numerous performance opportunities, helping students grow in musical ways and beyond. It’s a privilege to work with young people. They are always more capable than we imagine,” said teacher Ms. Meyers.
Music teacher Cathy Prowse started the group at Maples Elementary during the 2001-2002 school year. Creating the Arabic drummers was a way to build bridges and encourage more interest in learning a musical instrument by connecting music to the culture of many students at the school. The group has been popular with students ever since, performing at schools, district events, the state capital and professional sporting events. More than 200 student drummers have performed more than 400 times over the quarter of a century. Performances usually include students marching while playing their drums, performing while kneeling on a carpet, and then exiting, while still playing.
Ms. Meyers is borrowing darbukas (drums) from other Dearborn Public Schools so that more than 100 should be available for drummers at the event.
Learn more about the Maples Arabic Drummers and Chorus in a district video from 2019.
“The Maples Arabic Drummers and Chorus is a wonderful example of where curriculum and culture meet to create something unique and wonderful that Maples Elementary and Dearborn Public Schools can be proud of. But most of all, the Arabic Drummers and Chorus is a program that builds pride, excitement and confidence in these young students,” said Superintendent Mike Esseily. “We hope to have a good turnout for the anniversary event, and I’m looking forward to another amazing performance.”
Maples Arabic Drummers and Chorus flyers in English and Arabic
