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Drum circle

December 15, 2023

[File:Myfile592834ierikuehrivuh.jpg|thumb|Celebrating at the Venice Beach Drum Circle]]

Dancer at the Venice Beach Drum Circle
Flow Art at the Siesta Key Drum Circle


A Drum Circle is an informal gathering of percussionists and dancers who meet in public for the purpose of playing drums and dancing. Often seen at parks and beaches. Percussionists usually gather in a circle and dancers are often seen in the centre of the circle. The participants make up the music as they go along, using their listening and playing skills to make musical connections and express themselves in any and all ways that feel right. Drum Circles often attract both regulars and spontaneous participation and they can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants.

Defining values of a Drum Circle include equality, autonomy, inclusivity and freedom of expression.

Drum circles originated in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s for any group of people, particularly counterculture groups, who gather (informally) to play music together in public. The music is improvised and co-created by the participants. The music is always a group expression, not constrained by genre, instrumentation and not directed by one person or sub-group. The Drum Circle is leaderless.

In 1991, during testimony before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart stated:

Typically, people gather to drum in drum "circles" with others from the surrounding community. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. To form a group consciousness. To entrain and resonate. By entrainment, I mean that a new voice, a collective voice, emerges from the group as they drum together.[1]

The Venice Beach Drum Circle

Drum circles are a type of group drumming that have many benefits, including support, comradery, recreational music-making, wellness, learning, celebration, spirituality, and personal growth.

Over the decades, especially since the late 90's, other types of group drumming have been advertised incorrectly as drum circles leading to confusion regarding what a drum circle is. This has in some cases lead to real drum circles being banned by authorities who were under the impression that a drum circle is a commercial event and consequently regulating them with laws that are not applicable to gatherings.

Other types of group drumming edit

Other forms of group drumming that are related to drum circles include:

  • "Facilitated Group Drumming"

"Facilitated" group drumming is where a person seeks to focus the intent and improve the quality and effect of the activity, making it easier for people to effectively participate by taking a more directive approach. The facilitator (leader) takes responsibility for the physical space, arranging chairs and instruments to optimize communication and connection in the group. Facilitators may provide a range of instruments to create a full and balanced percussion orchestra. In this way, the experience can be thought of as group drumming with a leader as opposed to the more free-flowing and open Drum Circle. The facilitator is constantly monitoring the music in the group, and generally being encouraging and accepting of participant ideas. In this way, the facilitator takes on a role similar to that of a music teacher or drumming instructor whose goal is to empower the participants and encourage them to share their ideas. In the beginning, the facilitator directs the music through verbal and non-verbal cueing. Cues, which often mirror the movements of an orchestral conductor, are directed at the participants, who respond to the leader. This creates a leader/follower dynamic between the facilitator and the participants. Actions such as rolling (rumbling), starting, stopping, raising/lowering the volume, accents, and when to play/not play are often given by the facilitator. Facilitators with training and experience in other areas and professions, such as music education, music therapy, and corporate training, may use a range of tools and approaches that enable them to work with diverse populations. These types of experiences are more accurately referred to as 'drumming programs'.

  • "Guided Interactive Drumming" – highly structured drumming-based programs that are led by an individual or group to reach non-musical goals.
  • "Drum Classes" – education-based drumming for the purposes of building musical skills and knowledge.
  • "Drum Ensembles" – performance-oriented drumming groups who practice and perform music on drums, often for dance.
  • "Clinical Improvisation" – a drumming group within a Music Therapy session, led by a certified Music Therapist.

Group drumming with a spiritual focus edit

Neotribalism edit

Is an inclusive way of life that is focused on creating a positive enhancement of self of identity while enforcing a no harm to the collective group attitude. Neotribalism belief system is evident in the music of Neotribalism; the postmodern drum circle where the only leader is the preservation of the groove or music consciousness this development of musical consciousness takes the participation of individual to create a collective more powerful and beautiful display of sight and sound. "In beat life begins and it is only the maintenance and sacred keeping of the beat that life will endure".

Neopaganism edit

Neopagans have created another type of drum circle. At Neopagan festivals, people gather around a large bonfire, the drummers generally sitting on one side to encourage better listening. The musicians sit together and play while dancers dance and circle around the fire. Often, those present will stay and play throughout the night until dawn, treating the evening as a magical (or alchemical) working. Sound is not limited to drumming alone; there is also chanting, singing, poetry, and spoken word pieces. This type of drum circle is not usually facilitated.

Shamanic group drumming edit

This type of group tends to center around Native American Cultural drums and rattles but is primarily focusing on the spiritual rather than the musical aspects of the culture. It is a facilitated circle but the leader is facilitating a shamanic journey process rather than a musical event. Shamanic drumming is generally simple and repetitive, often considered as a form of prayer or method of trance induction, rather than as music or entertainment. During a shamanic trance or shamanic journey, the shaman uses the steady beat of the drum as a "lifeline" to find the way back to the world of ordinary consciousness. Note that in these cultures, the term "Drum Circle" would certainly not be used. Rather, the terms 'drumming ceremony" or "ceremonial drumming" would be more accurate.

Medicine wheel drumming and prayer ceremony edit

 
Atikamekw drum circle at a pow-wow in Manawan, Quebec, Canada

Practiced by various groups, and outlined step-by-step in the book, "Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others," by Jim PathFinder Ewing[2] (page 147), "the medicine wheel group drumming prayer ceremony" recognizes the four directions—east, south, west, north—as spiritual Powers that can help balance and heal. The ceremony has four rounds, with drumming by all participants at the instruction of the leader allowing the energy of each direction in each round to come into the group to facilitate prayers and healing. It has been described as "like a sweat lodge without the sweat" (page 148, Finding Sanctuary). Ewing held these ceremonies each month for seven years, as outlined in the book, in addition to shamanic drum circles, and at various sites from coast to coast in the United States since the late 1990s. Groups based on his example and the instructions outlined in the book have resulted in other groups forming worldwide. This description is not of a drum circle in the sense that the term is commonly used. It is a drumming ceremony that takes place in a circle, but very different in content and form than a drum circle, more of an improvised community drumming jam. This type should probably be listed under shamanic or spiritual drumming and not under drum circles.

Notable figures in the group drumming movement edit

Commercial group drumming organisations and companies exist in most countries to serve various markets. There is also a growing body of people working in places such as hospitals, prisons, and hospices using drumming as a form of recreational and supportive music making. Music therapists often use various forms of group drumming (including improvised drumming) in their work to reach therapeutic goals and objectives.

 

USA

References edit

Notes
  1. ^ Rhythm As A Tool For Healing and Health in The Aging process 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Jim PathFinder Ewing, Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others Findhorn Press, Scotland, 2007
Bibliography
  • The Healing Power of the Drum, by Robert Lawrence Friedman, MA.
  • Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others, by Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi), Findhorn Press, Scotland, 2007.
  • Freestyle Community Drum Circles, by Rick Cormier.

External links edit

December 15, 2023
drum, circle, file, myfile592834ierikuehrivuh, thumb, celebrating, venice, beach, drum, circle, dancer, venice, beach, drum, circleflow, siesta, drum, circlea, drum, circle, informal, gathering, percussionists, dancers, meet, public, purpose, playing, drums, d. File Myfile592834ierikuehrivuh jpg thumb Celebrating at the Venice Beach Drum Circle Dancer at the Venice Beach Drum CircleFlow Art at the Siesta Key Drum CircleA Drum Circle is an informal gathering of percussionists and dancers who meet in public for the purpose of playing drums and dancing Often seen at parks and beaches Percussionists usually gather in a circle and dancers are often seen in the centre of the circle The participants make up the music as they go along using their listening and playing skills to make musical connections and express themselves in any and all ways that feel right Drum Circles often attract both regulars and spontaneous participation and they can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants Defining values of a Drum Circle include equality autonomy inclusivity and freedom of expression Drum circles originated in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s for any group of people particularly counterculture groups who gather informally to play music together in public The music is improvised and co created by the participants The music is always a group expression not constrained by genre instrumentation and not directed by one person or sub group The Drum Circle is leaderless In 1991 during testimony before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart stated Typically people gather to drum in drum circles with others from the surrounding community The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail It includes people of all ages The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves To form a group consciousness To entrain and resonate By entrainment I mean that a new voice a collective voice emerges from the group as they drum together 1 The Venice Beach Drum CircleDrum circles are a type of group drumming that have many benefits including support comradery recreational music making wellness learning celebration spirituality and personal growth Over the decades especially since the late 90 s other types of group drumming have been advertised incorrectly as drum circles leading to confusion regarding what a drum circle is This has in some cases lead to real drum circles being banned by authorities who were under the impression that a drum circle is a commercial event and consequently regulating them with laws that are not applicable to gatherings Contents 1 Other types of group drumming 2 Group drumming with a spiritual focus 2 1 Neotribalism 2 2 Neopaganism 2 3 Shamanic group drumming 2 4 Medicine wheel drumming and prayer ceremony 3 Notable figures in the group drumming movement 4 References 5 External linksOther types of group drumming editOther forms of group drumming that are related to drum circles include Facilitated Group Drumming Facilitated group drumming is where a person seeks to focus the intent and improve the quality and effect of the activity making it easier for people to effectively participate by taking a more directive approach The facilitator leader takes responsibility for the physical space arranging chairs and instruments to optimize communication and connection in the group Facilitators may provide a range of instruments to create a full and balanced percussion orchestra In this way the experience can be thought of as group drumming with a leader as opposed to the more free flowing and open Drum Circle The facilitator is constantly monitoring the music in the group and generally being encouraging and accepting of participant ideas In this way the facilitator takes on a role similar to that of a music teacher or drumming instructor whose goal is to empower the participants and encourage them to share their ideas In the beginning the facilitator directs the music through verbal and non verbal cueing Cues which often mirror the movements of an orchestral conductor are directed at the participants who respond to the leader This creates a leader follower dynamic between the facilitator and the participants Actions such as rolling rumbling starting stopping raising lowering the volume accents and when to play not play are often given by the facilitator Facilitators with training and experience in other areas and professions such as music education music therapy and corporate training may use a range of tools and approaches that enable them to work with diverse populations These types of experiences are more accurately referred to as drumming programs Guided Interactive Drumming highly structured drumming based programs that are led by an individual or group to reach non musical goals Drum Classes education based drumming for the purposes of building musical skills and knowledge Drum Ensembles performance oriented drumming groups who practice and perform music on drums often for dance Clinical Improvisation a drumming group within a Music Therapy session led by a certified Music Therapist Group drumming with a spiritual focus editNeotribalism edit Is an inclusive way of life that is focused on creating a positive enhancement of self of identity while enforcing a no harm to the collective group attitude Neotribalism belief system is evident in the music of Neotribalism the postmodern drum circle where the only leader is the preservation of the groove or music consciousness this development of musical consciousness takes the participation of individual to create a collective more powerful and beautiful display of sight and sound In beat life begins and it is only the maintenance and sacred keeping of the beat that life will endure Neopaganism edit Neopagans have created another type of drum circle At Neopagan festivals people gather around a large bonfire the drummers generally sitting on one side to encourage better listening The musicians sit together and play while dancers dance and circle around the fire Often those present will stay and play throughout the night until dawn treating the evening as a magical or alchemical working Sound is not limited to drumming alone there is also chanting singing poetry and spoken word pieces This type of drum circle is not usually facilitated Shamanic group drumming edit This type of group tends to center around Native American Cultural drums and rattles but is primarily focusing on the spiritual rather than the musical aspects of the culture It is a facilitated circle but the leader is facilitating a shamanic journey process rather than a musical event Shamanic drumming is generally simple and repetitive often considered as a form of prayer or method of trance induction rather than as music or entertainment During a shamanic trance or shamanic journey the shaman uses the steady beat of the drum as a lifeline to find the way back to the world of ordinary consciousness Note that in these cultures the term Drum Circle would certainly not be used Rather the terms drumming ceremony or ceremonial drumming would be more accurate Medicine wheel drumming and prayer ceremony edit nbsp Atikamekw drum circle at a pow wow in Manawan Quebec CanadaPracticed by various groups and outlined step by step in the book Finding Sanctuary in Nature Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others by Jim PathFinder Ewing 2 page 147 the medicine wheel group drumming prayer ceremony recognizes the four directions east south west north as spiritual Powers that can help balance and heal The ceremony has four rounds with drumming by all participants at the instruction of the leader allowing the energy of each direction in each round to come into the group to facilitate prayers and healing It has been described as like a sweat lodge without the sweat page 148 Finding Sanctuary Ewing held these ceremonies each month for seven years as outlined in the book in addition to shamanic drum circles and at various sites from coast to coast in the United States since the late 1990s Groups based on his example and the instructions outlined in the book have resulted in other groups forming worldwide This description is not of a drum circle in the sense that the term is commonly used It is a drumming ceremony that takes place in a circle but very different in content and form than a drum circle more of an improvised community drumming jam This type should probably be listed under shamanic or spiritual drumming and not under drum circles Notable figures in the group drumming movement editCommercial group drumming organisations and companies exist in most countries to serve various markets There is also a growing body of people working in places such as hospitals prisons and hospices using drumming as a form of recreational and supportive music making Music therapists often use various forms of group drumming including improvised drumming in their work to reach therapeutic goals and objectives nbsp USA Mickey Hart Arthur Hull KalaniReferences editNotes Rhythm As A Tool For Healing and Health in The Aging process Archived 2011 07 23 at the Wayback Machine Jim PathFinder Ewing Finding Sanctuary in Nature Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others Findhorn Press Scotland 2007 BibliographyThe Healing Power of the Drum by Robert Lawrence Friedman MA Finding Sanctuary in Nature Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others by Jim PathFinder Ewing Nvnehi Awatisgi Findhorn Press Scotland 2007 Freestyle Community Drum Circles by Rick Cormier External links edithttps www youtube com watch v ZH6eUmhMfh4 https www youtube com watch v pnEgrXEYs Y https www youtube com watch v BtaGstLI4Bo https www youtube com watch v E55OPfNwiOA https www youtube com watch v IiHfI6h89Pg https www youtube com watch v RZKB6F6PfbU https www youtube com watch v 5qKhEC08ynU https www youtube com watch v xdG9ecr5Osk Drum Circle Resources Online drum circle finder Locate drumming events worldwide near you Drum Circle Magazine An online and print magazine for drum circle enthusiasts The Health Benefits of Drumming An article exploring the health benefits of drumming including the impact of drum circles on the immune system How Learning To Drum Can Improve Your Health and Wellbeing Discover why learning to drum can benefit mental and physical health The Tree the Drum and the River Cultivating Transpersonal Unity from the Seeds of Our Diversity Joshua S Levin Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Drum circle amp oldid 1184347431, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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