BBM Ensemble & Instructors

BBM Rhythm Ensemble Performance Schedule

Bookings Info:

Sound samples:

Sound samples from the upcoming CD by the Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble, due out August 1, 2008:


About the Ensemble:

BBM Rhythm Ensemble in Wolfeboro. From l to r: Lexy Katchmar, Dave Kobrenski, Alexis Eynon, Audrey Garretson, Kerri Biller, Doug Santaniello. (missing from pic: Keith Doran)

Dave Kobrenski, director

Dave Kobrenski playing th Fula Flute in Concord, 2006Dave Kobrenski is an accomplished musician, artist, and educator who has traveled to West Africa four times to study with master musicians such as Famoudou Konate and Nii Tetteh Tettey. His passion for music and culture have led him to realizing that part of his life’s work is in preserving the musical and cultural traditions of indigenous peoples. He has been teaching West African drumming to students of all ages since 1998, and has been featured on NHPR’s The Front Porch talk show.

Kerri Biller and the BBM Ensemble

Dancer and Teacher Kerri BillerDancer and teacher Kerri Biller brings her enthusiastic and supportive approach to teaching together with a passion for and understanding of the dance traditions of West Africa. Kerri has studied traditional West African dance in Ghana, West Africa with Nii Tetteh Tettey and members of the Kusun Ensemble, and performs on the djembe and dunun drums with the BBM Rhythm Ensemble. Her caring, joyous, and energetic approach makes her classes a favorite!

Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble

BBM Rhythm Ensemble members Audrey Garretson, Kerri Biller, and Doug Santaniello drumming in Concord, September 30, 2006 Ensemble members Audrey Garretson, Kerri Biller, and Doug SantanielloThe Black Bear Moon Rhythm Ensemble is comprised of talented and dedicated musicians working together to learn and perform the traditional drum music of West Africa. Their lively and energizing performances have audiences up on their feet; the group’s dedication to the preservation of the traditional musical form adds depth and meaning to their efforts.

You’ll probably hear the amazing playing of Doug, Audrey, Alexis, Lexy, and Keith at any of our drum and dance events, as well as at numerous performances around the state!

About the BBM Team

Dave Kobrenski

Director, Ensemble Member
Dave Kobrenski is an accomplished musician, artist, and educator who travels yearly to Guinea, West Africa,…more about Dave

Kerri Biller

PR, Dance Instructor, Ensemble Member
Dancer and teacher Kerri Biller brings her enthusiastic and supportive approach to teaching together with…more about Kerri

Doug Santaniello

Ensemble Member
Doug spent much of his life banging on tables until blues-singer friend Claire put a cookie tin and brushes…more about Doug

Audrey Garretson

Ensemble Member
Audrey Garretson has been studying West African Drumming for eight years and is one of the original members…more about Audrey

Keith Doran

Ensemble Member
Keith is very mysterious, and not much is known about him. He comes and goes very quietly, and sometimes…more about Keith

Alexis Eynon

Ensemble Member
Alexis Eynon has been involved in music for as long as she can remember. As a child she studied piano and…more about Alexis

Loa Bersen

Ensemble Member
Loa’s first introduction to African drumming was during a cultural exchange trip to Cuba where she…more about Loa

Frank Anderson

Dance Instructor
Musician and dancer Frank Anderson began studying the music of West Africa in 1986. He has studied dance…more about Frank