Drum Artz Canada (DAC)

Mandate

Drum Artz Canada (DAC) is a registered charity committed to making music and arts programming accessible to all people regardless of age, class, race, (dis)ability or gender. With a range of educational programs headed by professional artists, DAC encourages creative expression, team building, youth leadership and self-esteem.

History

Drum Artz Canada (DAC) was co-founded in 2004 by Gili Zemer, entrepreneur, and Rick Lazar, renowned musician and Musical Director of Samba Squad. Located in the Davenport-Perth community, DAC was formed to provide a social space for creative projects to develop and evolve in the community. The parent organization, Samba Squad, is a community-based drumming group which uses traditional Brazilian samba instruments to play world music. DAC expands Samba Squad’s scope of work by bringing music to people of all ages and circumstances and providing programs in marginalized communities. DAC integrates samba instruments and community-based music traditions, including African, Brazilian, Cuban and Middle-Eastern rhythms. In addition to music, DAC incorporates visual arts and theatre traditions such as costume making, giant puppets and storytelling to create group-inspired artistic performances. DAC has adopted the Brazilian ‘samba school’ model as the vehicle to building cohesive groups in Toronto’s underserved communities. The drum’s call has traditionally been used as a means of gathering people at the centre of communities, thus it is an ideal instrument used to unite individuals even today.

Charity

DAC's application for charitable status has been approved by Revenue Canada on September 25, 2008. Charitable number: 82586 8417

Artistic Leaders

Gili Zemer (Executive Director & Founder - on Maternity Leave). Gili is the creative vision behind the creation of Drum Artz Canada, and she has been a percussionist and member of Samba Squad since 1999. At DAC, Gili manages all projects and staff, oversees DAC operations, and directs the artistic vision of the organization in conjunction with the Artistic and Program directors. She is passionate about using the Brazilian Samba tradition and creative expression to involve children and youth in their communities, and to breaking down barriers that limit families from accessing arts education. Rick Shadrach Lazar (Artistic Director). Rick is a uniquely versatile musician. He was voted Percussionist of the Year five times by Jazz Report magazine and has released 3 CDs with his own group Montuno Police. Rick has worked and recorded with the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Barry White and Paul Shaffer, and he is a regular collaborator with Loreena McKennitt. Rick is the creator and artistic director of Samba Squad, as well as an educator at York University. Danielle Kwan-Lafond (Director of Youth and Employment Services). Dani is a PhD Candidate in sociology at York University, where she studies education, communities, and social identities. As a Social Worker (B.S.W.), Danielle has worked intensely with children and youth with behavioural challenges and from low-income families. Danielle has completed a Master's in Education (M.Ed) at the University of Toronto (OISE) in anti-racism studies. In 2004 Danielle founded Para el Mundo (PaM) Canada, a registered Canadian charity that focuses on enhancing the capacity of a small community in Peru. Dani is also winner of the 2011 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, a prestigious awarded given to only a handful of promising Canadian scholars each year. Joy Lapps (iBBA) (Program Director/Interim Executive Director). As a professional performer and steel pan specialist, Joy is an important member of the black community in Toronto and a great role model for Junior Staff and participants. Joy mentors Junior Staff as they learn to plan and lead inclusive, non-competitive recreational activities for children in the program. Joy brings her skills as a successful professional musician, a music teacher, and her many years experience as a camp counselor.

Board of Directors

Jonathan Alderson (Chair): is a member of several non-profit organization boards and has years of professional experience in fundraising and volunteer management. He is an autism treatment specialist and the author of a new book “Challenging the Myths of Autism”.

Fouzia Amjad: is a parent of a Samba Kidz participant and an active member of the Davenport-Perth community. Fouzia provides important insights into the needs of families in the community. She is currently a professional community worker with the Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre.

Gordon Mack Scott (Vice-President/Interim Treasurer): is a long time community volunteer and activist, the founder of the Scarborough Conflict Resolution Service, past Chairperson of organizations involved in work with addictions, homeless youth, refugees and immigrants, and is an expert coach and presenter in conflict mediation, community safety and neighbourhood organizing. Gord has worked in the public and private sectors for over 40 years. He is currently the Managing Partner of The Strategic Improvement Company, consulting in community safety, human and technology based security, crisis intervention, threat assessment and strategic safety planning.

Leanne Kaufman (Secretary): is the Vice-President of the Professional Practice Group of RBC Estate and Trust Services, overseeing a team that provides ongoing legal, tax and technical guidance, advice and training to a national team of trust professionals and senior management. Prior to joining RBC, she was an associate lawyer practicing commercial litigation. She was also an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario , a law degree from Queen’s University, and a Masters in Law (Trusts) from Osgoode Hall.

Lisa Grislis (Vice-President): has a professional fundraising career which includes working with organizations such as Women's College Hospital, SickKids Foundation, University of Toronto and Plan International Canada. A strong believe in the transformative power of educating and nurturing children, Lisa brings 20+ years of experience in the non-profit sector to the Drum Artz Board with a specialty in individual and corporate giving.

Barry Thomas is an Operating Unit Manager at Toronto Community Housing. Born in Capetown, South Africa and a Canadian for three decades, Barry brings a background in social agency management, human rights and equity, as well as youth programming and advocacy. Barry is a fan of grass roots community organizations, true to their mission and focused on opportunity & results. He is committed to sharing the magic & tradition of the drum.

Emanuel Mascoll, auditor & CA at at PriceWaterhouseCooper in the Audit and Assurance Group, brings knowledge in accounting, growth opportunities and a specialization in auditing to the Drum Artz team. Emanuel, a former camp councilor/supervisor, is passionate about helping youth in his community.

Volunteers

DAC projects depend on help from volunteers, including community members, parents, and youth. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Danielle Kwan-Lafond <danielle@drumartz.com>. Click here for more information...