A tradition that has been around for thousands of years, drum circles are a way for many people to celebrate, mourn, heal or meditate. Over the past few years, we've been seeing people gathering in drum circles at festivals and for other celebrations. 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. In addition, drumming functioned as a way for communities to communicate with each other. Indigenous people around the globe maintain their drumming practice to this day.
Drum circles are a tranquil activity in which to take part, and players commonly enter a state of deep contemplation. The way the base tones vibrate can feel like a heartbeat and invite you to relax and release stress. Drumming might be thought of as exuding a lot of energy, but that all depends on the energy of the group that is doing the playing. All kinds of people can participate in drum circles, and a lot of gatherings are oriented specifically around the elderly and kids. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. For some, the drum can be quite difficult to play, so for those that are having difficulty playing one, other instruments, such a shakers, claves, and even guiro can be used.
Also drum circles can be used to heal. Drumming can be used as physical therapy or even as a means of expression for those who may not be able to communicate with words, for example children with speech difficulties or even conditions like autism. Everybody is an equal and can express themselves while they are drumming.
Drum circles can also be used to promote community. By their nature, they bring people together, to dance, sing, play and share. The drumming itself can be like a conversation, depending on how it is played it can say many different things. Low tones with a steady rhythm form the heartbeat of the music and high tone hits act as punctuation.
When you drum with a group, you will also become a better percussionist. As you drum with other people, it is easy to forget that you have to listen to what's going on. Some players pound away without any concern for other players. When in a drum circle, listen for adjustments so you can change your music to continue the ebb and flow that naturally happens. With a little bit of practice, you might discover that you are capable of guiding the direction of a drum circle when you change the music's tempo and beat.
Evidence from anthropology says its highly likely that early indigenous groups got together to make music so that they could tell stories and celebrate. In addition, drumming functioned as a way for communities to communicate with each other. Indigenous people around the globe maintain their drumming practice to this day.
Drum circles are a tranquil activity in which to take part, and players commonly enter a state of deep contemplation. The way the base tones vibrate can feel like a heartbeat and invite you to relax and release stress. Drumming might be thought of as exuding a lot of energy, but that all depends on the energy of the group that is doing the playing. All kinds of people can participate in drum circles, and a lot of gatherings are oriented specifically around the elderly and kids. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. For some, the drum can be quite difficult to play, so for those that are having difficulty playing one, other instruments, such a shakers, claves, and even guiro can be used.
Also drum circles can be used to heal. Drumming can be used as physical therapy or even as a means of expression for those who may not be able to communicate with words, for example children with speech difficulties or even conditions like autism. Everybody is an equal and can express themselves while they are drumming.
Drum circles can also be used to promote community. By their nature, they bring people together, to dance, sing, play and share. The drumming itself can be like a conversation, depending on how it is played it can say many different things. Low tones with a steady rhythm form the heartbeat of the music and high tone hits act as punctuation.
When you drum with a group, you will also become a better percussionist. As you drum with other people, it is easy to forget that you have to listen to what's going on. Some players pound away without any concern for other players. When in a drum circle, listen for adjustments so you can change your music to continue the ebb and flow that naturally happens. With a little bit of practice, you might discover that you are capable of guiding the direction of a drum circle when you change the music's tempo and beat.
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