Drum circle strategies?

March 8, 2005 2:07 PM

This Friday, my daughter and I are hosting a drum circle. This will be the first one in our small Midwestern town (that I know of, anyway). We are both still very much beginners; we know some rhythms, but aren't adept soloists. (So we're not really qualified, but we're not letting that stop us.) Please share your favorite strategies for a fun drum circle that gets everyone in the groove.
posted by bricoleur to sports, hobbies, & recreation (1 comment total)

Generally, the more people there are, the better it will be. It seems to make people looser.

I would say dedicate one of you to establishing the heartbeat for the circle. Pick a simple basic rhythm on a loud deep drum and keep to it. Others can join in and play on top of your line. Once everyone falls into a comfortable ensamble people will take turns playing solo lines on top of the existing groove.

It amazes me how this normally just seems to happen at circles. You can feel the music, its progression, and everyone generally feels it when it is time to end, and move on to another "song."

I would also invite people who are not "drummers" and provide shakers and smaller percussion type instruments that can add accent to the circle. It is usually lots of fun for the new comers and easy to get up the courage to participate because, honestly, its hard to mess up a shaker.

Kids are also great for shaking things and generally dancing their tails off.

Finally, don't hesitate to add some rhythmic chanting or other vocals if you feel like it. It can really add depth,

Here is a link to an interesting article on drum circles as a therapy tool for the elderly. It has some good pointers at the bottom for leading circles.
posted by jopreacher at 3:05 PM on March 8, 2005