Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Rae-Edzo (Dec 05/05) - Michel Rabesca has been drumming for more than 20 years. "A lot more than that probably," he said.

He now leads the five members of the Rae Band drummers in song, most recently at the grand opening of the Tlicho Trades and Technology Program at Chief Jimmy Bruneau high school in Edzo.

It was a coming home of sorts, as Rabesca taught drumming to students at the school for many years with now Grand Chief George Mackenzie.

He doesn't do that any more, but the drummers play at the community hall when they can and for special events, he said.

"Most of the drummers are working now so we play when we can," he said.

It is a bit hard to find people who can make drums now, he said.

"Elders are passing on and young people aren't taking it up as much," he said.

But, some young people are keen to learn, he said.