VSAI enRoute Gallery

Anthony J. 'Tony' ArtisTony

Indianapolis, Indiana

Discipline (s): Music

Specific Area: Drumming, Drum making

Brief Bio:
Anthony J. 'Tony' Artis, aka 'Baba Amoah', is a native of Kokomo, Indiana, and has lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 1978. He began studying trumpet at age 12, bass guitar at age 15 and African percussion in 1990. He has studied in various cities in the U.S., Ghana, West Africa and Cuba. He is an African drummaker, owner/operator of Amoah's African Drum Works and Coal Bin Productions. Artis loves teaching children and is a teaching artist with Young Audiences of Indiana and a Master Artist with VSA Arts of Indiana. He is the founder and artistic director of Ori and music director of Sancocho. Tony began his career as a full time musician in 2000, after retiring from his 25 year practice as an architect and semi-professional musician. He likes all genres of music as long as it is performed to the best of the artists' ability. Check out his appearance on WFYI-TV20's 'Across Indiana' on 'YouTube' titled "Call of the Ancestors by A.J. Artis".

Philosophy Statement:
Rhythm is an essential component of Nature.  The drum is a part of every culture on earth and it is my mission to re-unite each of us with our drum and put us back in touch with one of the most powerful sources of energy in the Universe ... ourselves.

Project/Activities/Learning Experiences Examples:
Drumming workshops/classes, percussion instrument making workshops

Website: www.coalbinproductions.com

Last Updated: February 2009


VSAI Home | Site Map | Page Up