Trudy Hipwell
Congas, Bongoes & Percussions
Trudy is a Calgary-based drummer and percussionist.
Trudy is a hand-drum specialist, in West African and AfroCuban traditional music, and in the popular Latin genre.
She performs with Calgary’s Latin dance band Banda Brava, and her all-women’s West African drumming group, Mamaya. Trudy enjoys diverse musical projects, performing and collaborating with a number of artists locally, and in various centres in Western Canada and the US.
Trudy is in demand for her knowledge and musicality, whether that be as a teacher or as ensemble lead for West African dance. Teaching, accompanying and performing have taken her to many places beyond Calgary to share her passion, and have introduced her to an international community of artists.
Seeking musical authenticity, Trudy studies with world-renowned international artists to hone her skills. She has traveled to both Guinea and Cuba (with many thanks to the AFA!) to deepen her understanding of the music by connecting with the people and culture of those countries. She has also brought the music home, hosting international musicians at successful drumming workshops that she has sponsored and organized.
Trudy is very happy to be a long-time member of Banda Brava, Calgary’s hottest Latin band!
Trudy is a hand-drum specialist, in West African and AfroCuban traditional music, and in the popular Latin genre.
She performs with Calgary’s Latin dance band Banda Brava, and her all-women’s West African drumming group, Mamaya. Trudy enjoys diverse musical projects, performing and collaborating with a number of artists locally, and in various centres in Western Canada and the US.
Trudy is in demand for her knowledge and musicality, whether that be as a teacher or as ensemble lead for West African dance. Teaching, accompanying and performing have taken her to many places beyond Calgary to share her passion, and have introduced her to an international community of artists.
Seeking musical authenticity, Trudy studies with world-renowned international artists to hone her skills. She has traveled to both Guinea and Cuba (with many thanks to the AFA!) to deepen her understanding of the music by connecting with the people and culture of those countries. She has also brought the music home, hosting international musicians at successful drumming workshops that she has sponsored and organized.
Trudy is very happy to be a long-time member of Banda Brava, Calgary’s hottest Latin band!
