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Drum Circle Ettiquette-Prism Concept and Drum Joy Circles

    Beverly Nadelman

Remove rings, watches, or dangling bracelets while playing hand drums. You can bruise or even break fingers while wearing them, and also break or damage the drum heads.

Refrain from smoking near the circle. Ask before using incense or smudge. Some people are allergic. Respect the rules of the circle. They may be different from one circle to another.

Drummers do share drums and other percussion, but ask permission before playing anyone’s drum. Certain instruments may be off limits. Look for instruments set aside for loan. Ask.

Before playing, listen for the fundamental beat, usually held by large drums played with mallets or sticks, claves (resonant sticks) or bells. Begin by simply supporting it. When in doubt, go back to it. A heartbeat rhythm virtually always fits with other rhythms.

Leave musical space for others. Don't try to play all the notes. Drum and other instruments in circles make “in the moment” music together. If the only drum you can hear is your own, you are much too loud. Play softly enough to hear others. Listen to and watch others in the circle to sense how to support or add to the rhythm. Relate to the people, not just to your instrument.

Try to be responsive to changes in the circle’s “groove”. Support dynamic changes in volume and tempo that emerge from the group playing.

If you are an experienced drummer playing in a new circle, take time to get a feel for it and for what is acceptable within it before soloing, attempting to lead or commenting on it.

Support soloists, continuing to play as you were when they started. Do not monopolize solos.

Remove your drum from the circle if you do not plan to continue drumming. Large spaces between drummers make it difficult to connect within the circle.

There is room for everyone. It is better to form tiers or rows than to make a large center. Sound does not travel well across large spaces. When the center is large, opposite sides of the circle find it difficult to hear one another well and to stay on the same beat.

If a facilitator asks you to sit in a certain section or to play a different instrument for a while, please do so. Facilitators usually try to balance the instrumental sounds of the circle.

Some circles require you to bring a seat. One without arms is desirable. Lightweight folding stools are inexpensive. Make sure any you buy is a comfortable height with a base that doesn’t prevent you from holding the drum correctly. If you need to protect the floor, a piece of cardboard, cloth, or the head cover from your drum will do.

 

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