Greetings ALL!
While there is certainly something to be said about the unfacilitated
"free form" aspect of large drumcircles we've mixed emotions in terms of
it's musicality.
Sometimes when many are simply whanging away without the least
inhibition and failing to listen to what others are playing it sounds
much like popcorn popping, very random. At other times especially when
there is a strong core group and folks are listening more, an
entrainment thing happens and the crowd really grooves.
When this happens it is most thrilling and satisfying. With this as the
goal I appeal to ya'll for suggestions, that could be printed up as
guidelines of "fair play" in Drumcircles.
In addition we seek other aspects of genteel "Drum Etiquette" or basic
courtesies enabling the greatest good for the greatest number and
outlining appropriate behavior on the Drumcircle scene.
An example of which and a good start may be found on my website where I
published some guidelines from brother Antonio of Fort Meyers, FL, USA,
with his kind permission. I reprint them below although due to
formatting issues in ASCII it is easier to read them on the website.
http://tinyurl.com/yxoxr4
<http://home.acceleration.net/clark/DrumO/Drum.Etiquette.html>
Other issues like appropriate circle size, designated dancing space,
satellite fires and the like for a given number of people would be good
to have defined, also.
We would be most grateful if you could express your feelings and
thoughts on these issues, Please.
Thanks for Everything!
One Love, R
http://home.acceleration.net/clark/DrumO/Drum0.html
++++++
"When a group of individuals becomes a "we", a harmonious whole, then
the highest is reached that humans as creatures can reach."
- Albert Einstein 1879-1955, German-born American Physicist, Person of
the 20th Century
++++++
Drum Etiquette
By Antonio in Fort Myers
Do not wear rings, watches, or dangling bracelets while playing drums.
This protects the drum skin and drum body from accidental "hammering".
Ask permission before playing another's drum. But... drummer's do share,
yes?! It's how we all first started.
Remove your drum from the Circle if you are not drumming and room is
needed. Make room for everyone to play comfortably.
Use a folding chair to sit on, a floor cloth for your feet, and shoulder
straps for your drum. Take the load off your back, and leave your body
free to drum.
Drumming is a very physical art form! Wear loose clothing, for ease of
movement, and don't fear sweating. Feel free to move!
Listen as much as play. By listening to what rhythm is being played, one
senses how & where your beat can add to it.
Support the fundamental Beat that is drumming already. Let your creative
spirit experiment with new beats while sustaining the established
rhythm. Join in, then "wail"!!
Don't play all the notes. Leave space for other's beats, too.
Please, Don't be a "rhythm robot", and hold the same beat till it "kills
everything it touches".
A Drum Circle isn't like drumming alone. Lead AND follow!
Quiet notes are as powerful as loud ones, if played in harmony with the
rhythm. Play softly enough to hear the others.
Support the dynamic changes in volume and tempo that happen throughout a
Drum Circle. Be "responsive" to the moment!
Sharing a "drum dialog" throughout a rhythm creates excitement for
"soloists". Engage your peers, and inspire the others!
Don't smoke in the Circle. Drumming is a high-energy musical form.
Please respect the need of everyone to breath clean air.
Challenge yourself to grow rhythmically. And to becoming a better
musician and drummer. Grow!
Advice for Beginners
Enjoy the journey, and cause no pain. Listen, play, learn.
Don't worry if you think you are "rhythmically challenged". Just... get
started drumming, and let loose the natural rhythms already inside you.
A drum isn't even necessary. Add to the beat with a shaker, bell, wood
block, two sticks, flute, a song or chant, a dance... These are as
important as anything!
Get UP and dance while playing your drum. You'll be amazed at how the
music lends sureness to your steps, which then inspires one's hands and
heart to play better. And happier!
Don't play so softly that your drum never finds it's "voice". A
drum's whole purpose is to be heard, so...don't merely "massage" it.
A drum has a wide tonality, but it needs percussive hand-strokes to
produce it. It's mute without that, and an insult to it's existence!
Fingers may "tingle" at first, but playing conditions them fast.
The basic rhythm will always be there for one to "grab" on to, if one
"gent's lost" while playing. Stop and listen for it.
Don't fear "exuberance" and, simply, Accept you'll make mistakes. Hey...
Who don't?!
Your drumming skill is secondary to how much of yourself you add to the
circle. Share your spirit and have fun. The drumming will naturally come.
Listen to all the world music genre you can. The library has lots to
borrow from. Spanish, Caribbean, Native peoples, European, Asian,....
The entire world has a rich history of celebrating life with drumming.
Hey... Motown, "oldy goldies", and rock music contain wonderful beats to
learn. My personal drum anthem is..."boom-shaga-laga-laga-boom"! What we
have all listened to is what's imprinted in our sub- conscious. Just...
let your fingers recreate it!!
Our drums are not "drum kits". drumming like they are makes new "world
drummers" play too fast, and with too many beats. Sometimes that's
"good", and sometimes it makes a drum circle play "crazy". And, usually,
"boring" the majority of others. Lead and follow!
So... thanks for the read. And, should any of you wish to visit our Drum
Circle (over 5 years drumming!) in Fort Myers' Centennial Park on
Saturday nights at 6:30, PLEASE DO! :-) Antonio (with thanks to all the
folks who've helped me conceive this list)
++++++
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