A tradition that has been around for thousands of years, drum circles are a way for many people to celebrate, mourn, heal or meditate. Recently, communities join together and strumming on many different drums during parties and special occasions. People of all ages can participate in drum circle workshops where they learn to connect with the rhythm using a variety of drums and percussion.
Evidence from anthropology says its highly likely that early indigenous groups got together to make music so that they could tell stories and celebrate. Additionally, drumming was a method of communication between communities. Native cultures across the globe still embrace drumming.
Participating in a drum circle can be very relaxing and it is easy to fall into a meditative state while playing. The heartbeat of the base tones' vibrations can actually cause your body to relax and unwind, if you allow it. While some may think of drumming as a high energy activity, it really depends on the group playing. Drum circles focus on all types of people and many groups cater to senior citizens and children. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. Those who have difficulty manipulating a drum can participate using other types of noise makers like shakers, claves or guiro.
Drum circles are also used for healing. Drumming is good therapy for helping persons who have communication problems with spoken words, including autistic children and children who find it difficult to talk. When drumming, everyone has a voice and all are equal.
Drum circles can also be used to promote community. Just by virtue of how they function, people are brought together to share dancing, singing, and playing. The drumming itself can be like a conversation, depending on how it is played it can say many different things. This low toned recurring pulse conjures feelings of security and stability while accents of high tones add contrast.
When you drum with a group, you will also become a better percussionist. When playing with others, listening is a necessity, although it is often overlooked. Some players pound away without any concern for other players. Be sure to listen for changes in order to adjust your playing to keep with the evolving feel that occurs in a drum circle. With practice, you may also find yourself leading and directing the movement of the drum circle, changing the tempo and the rhythm.
Evidence from anthropology says its highly likely that early indigenous groups got together to make music so that they could tell stories and celebrate. Additionally, drumming was a method of communication between communities. Native cultures across the globe still embrace drumming.
Participating in a drum circle can be very relaxing and it is easy to fall into a meditative state while playing. The heartbeat of the base tones' vibrations can actually cause your body to relax and unwind, if you allow it. While some may think of drumming as a high energy activity, it really depends on the group playing. Drum circles focus on all types of people and many groups cater to senior citizens and children. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. Those who have difficulty manipulating a drum can participate using other types of noise makers like shakers, claves or guiro.
Drum circles are also used for healing. Drumming is good therapy for helping persons who have communication problems with spoken words, including autistic children and children who find it difficult to talk. When drumming, everyone has a voice and all are equal.
Drum circles can also be used to promote community. Just by virtue of how they function, people are brought together to share dancing, singing, and playing. The drumming itself can be like a conversation, depending on how it is played it can say many different things. This low toned recurring pulse conjures feelings of security and stability while accents of high tones add contrast.
When you drum with a group, you will also become a better percussionist. When playing with others, listening is a necessity, although it is often overlooked. Some players pound away without any concern for other players. Be sure to listen for changes in order to adjust your playing to keep with the evolving feel that occurs in a drum circle. With practice, you may also find yourself leading and directing the movement of the drum circle, changing the tempo and the rhythm.
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