Djobi Blog

Our First Collaboration with the Toledo Symphony

Thank You, Live Arts Toledo

Thank you to Live Arts Toledo, home of the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Jazz, and Toledo Ballet, for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program.

Through a partnership with Carnegie Hall, the Toledo Symphony works with local schools using a curriculum that prepares students to learn recorder and perform together at the Peristyle Theatre at the Toledo Museum of Art. These school performances took place the mornings of February 26 and 27, 2026.

This was our first time collaborating with the Toledo Symphony and these incredible groups, and it was definitely a learning curve for us. In traditional West African music, we don’t use sheet music—we memorize everything—so working within that structure was a little different.

Our piece was short, but fun, and we were honored to be part of such a meaningful experience for the students.

Thank you again to everyone involved for including us. Djobi Ensemble - MamaDjo and Family

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you and Djobi Ensemble for playing with the Toledo Symphony..........

One of my favorite post-concert reflections from the Young People's Performances came in, and you were a favorite! I am attaching quotes from students at Shoreland Elementary.

Students were asked what went well and what they enjoyed:

• I liked the African Drumming (x10!)

• I enjoyed when the drummers came out.