How You Benefit from Joining a Drumming Circle

Drum circles are a traditional way to celebrate, mourn, heal, and meditate, and they have been around for thousands of years. 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. Drumming was also a way that community members communicated with each other. Native cultures across the globe still embrace drumming.

 

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. Drum circles are created with all types of people in mind, with many groups catering specifically to senior citizens and even children. These circles allow them to not only make music, but also enjoy the therapeutic side of the activity and the enjoyment of community. Sometime a 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.

 

Drum circles can also be used to promote healing. Drumming is useful as a form of physical therapy or as a communication method for persons who cannot speak, for instance children who are autistic or have difficulty saying words. Everybody is an equal and can express themselves while they are drumming.

 

Another way to build community is to hold drum circles. Just by virtue of how they function, people are brought together to share dancing, singing, and playing. A drum can be played so that it says a lot of different things, much like having a conversation. This low toned recurring pulse conjures feelings of security and stability while accents of high tones add contrast.

 

Playing in a group can help you improve as a percussionist, as well. 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 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.