Watch Barbara Borden: Keeper Of The Beat

Barbara Borden: Keeper Of The Beat is a documentary film that tells the story of Barbara Borden, a drummer, composer, educator, author, and motivational speaker from the San Francisco Bay Area. The film tracks her life journey from her upbringing to her present-day role as a renowned percussionist on an international stage. The film opens with a short montage of footage from Borden’s drumming performances, building anticipation for the story that is to follow. We are then introduced to Borden herself, who narrates the film and shares snippets of her personal story. We learn about her early years growing up in the Bay Area, where she was exposed to a variety of musical styles – from jazz to classical to African – that would later influence her work as a percussionist.

As a young adult, Borden traveled to Europe, where she studied and played with some of the most prominent jazz and world music percussionists of the time. We see footage of her performing with various ensembles in Europe, and she shares stories of the lessons she learned from her mentors, such as the importance of improvisation and collaboration in music.

Back in the US, Borden began teaching and mentoring other musicians, both through private lessons and through her work with the Oakland-based non-profit organization, Women’s Music Workshop. The film highlights Borden’s passion for educating and inspiring other musicians, particularly women, and we see her leading group drumming sessions and speaking at music conferences.

Throughout the film, we also see Borden grappling with personal challenges, such as a battle with breast cancer, which she ultimately overcame. These experiences, she explains, have only strengthened her dedication to music and to using it as a tool for healing and empowerment.

The film uses a combination of archival footage, present-day interviews with Borden and other musicians, and footage of Borden’s performances to paint a rich portrait of her life and career. As we follow her journey, we come to understand the impact that Borden has had on the world of percussion – as well as on other musicians and music lovers around the world.

Ultimately, Barbara Borden: Keeper Of The Beat is a testament to the power of music to connect people across cultures and communities. Through Borden’s own story, we see how music can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, healing, and social change. Whether you’re a seasoned percussionist or a casual music fan, this film is sure to inspire and uplift.

Barbara Borden: Keeper Of The Beat is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes.