Advanced students of the Denbaya School of Drum & Dance are assembled into a performance group. Students work as practicing musicians, memorizing longer and more complex rhythms and arrangements. Students focus on more advanced djembe solo technique, dunun improvisation, and develop their ability to accompany and lead West African dance. This is a professional training ground for serious musicians dedicated to perfecting their knowledge of West African music and their playing technique. Students are expected to perform at community concerts and other special events. Wakili (which means "with courage" in Susu dialect) is an integral part of the educational component of the Denbaya School of Drum & Dance. Wakili functions as a master's-level professional development group and as part of the core instructional group that participates in educational outreach to local schools, universities, workshops.