ABOUT

Starting on piano at age 6; Alena has been enveloped in music her whole life. Studying drumkit and classical percussion throughout high school, an incursion one year introduced her to West African music and she hasn't looked back since. Taking two extensive tours to Ghana and completing her Bachelor of Music Improvisation at The Victorian College of the Arts; Alena combines her innate musical sensibility with her child-like playfulness to create entertaining performances and educational workshops alike.

On an instructive level, Alena has been facilitating workshops from 3 to 320 students playing drums, body percussion, dancing and singing for the past four years. From year level incursions to preparing end of year whole school performances; Alena's teaching has always produced dramatic results. Last year, her style was recognized by the Victorian Orff Shulwerk Association and she has lectured on teaching African music to children at their national conference (Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts) and was featured and had her work published in their monthly magazine from she ran; the Twilight Workshop series in 2009. She also currently teaches three night classes a week, as well as working weekly alongside support workers to engage women with disabilities and within a drug rehabilitation centre.

Aside from teaching, Alena has also been working on making herself known in the Australian music scene as a percussionist and performer. Being featured on three nationally available albums, getting airplay on Triple J, PBS, Triple R and other community radio stations; Alena has toured with various bands throughout Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. Because of her vast background, Alena's unique blend of musical study and taste has lead her to work with many recognized musicians in the industry including; Shapeshifter(NZ), The Little Stevies, Wala(Ghana), Salaka(Ghana), Ouaga, Chris Cavill and the Long Weekend, Jed Rowe, DJ Johnny Hooves(NZ), Mohammed Bangoura(Guinea), Jester Crew and her original project keshie. The bands have been fortunate enough to partake in many great festivals and events around Australia such as The Falls Festival, St Kilda Festival, The Taste of Tasmania Festival, New Years at the MCG, High Vibes, Brunswick Music Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Darebin Music Feast, Healesville Music Festival, Melbourne Jazz Festival, SheppARTon Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival, Raindbow Serpent, Sustainable Living Festival, World Vegan Day, Dancing Ground Festival and Renaissance Festival.