It’s 8:00 p.m. on a Saturday night in Los Angeles. The restaurants, movie theatres, bars and nightclubs are buzzing. But in a drum shop on La Brea Avenue, a different scene unfolds. As you approach the building, you hear and feel a pulsing beat. Stepping inside, you dis- cover an incredible mix of people playing an amazing variety of drums from around the world. About 30 of the drummers are seated on folding chairs in a circle; others stand and mingle throughout the store playing various percussion instruments to the beat. A table is overflowing with homemade dishes that people have brought to share. Someone calls out “Welcome! Come on in!” and you realize he is talking to you. You grab one of the many drums within arm’s reach and begin to play. This feels good.

DRUM CIRCLES IN MANY SETTINGS

If you have not yet been exposed to a drum circle, you probably will be soon. Drum circles are popping up in places that may seem unlikely at first glance. In addition to the jam sessions that traditionally take place on the weekends at Venice Beach and in parks around the city, you also find people drumming in churches, schools, prisons, senior residences and even major corporations. Why group drumming?

Drums have been used for centuries around the world in celebration, rites of passage, for worship and healing, and as a way to build ongoing social cohesiveness. In essence, rhythm unifies people. When we drum together, the shared beat gives everyone involved a feeling of being connected, of working together. The pulse unites us. At the same time, the strength of the shared rhythm makes individuals feel secure enough to creatively express themselves within the group. I have personally facilitated drum circles for non-profit organizations, major universities, groups of doctors, private parties, summer camps, and retreats. No matter what the setting or the age, people love to drum. The outcome of group drumming is always positive.

WHY PEOPLE KEEP COMING BACK

In a recent written survey, I asked people what they liked most about drumming. The responses touched upon several common themes: creative expression, community, spirituality, stress relief, meditation, social connection, and fun. Zulema Argota said, “I feel a rush of energy. Sometimes I feel my Dad’s presence. It’s a great feeling.” Jennifer Zinner said, “It’s like meditating, but I get to share my energy and spirit with others.” Greg Johnson likes, “The group interaction and connection.” The same drum circle can be experienced in as many different ways as there are people present. The rhythms and the feeling always vary depending on who comes to play. That spontaneity and unpredictability keeps it interesting and stimulating for everyone.

DRUMS USED IN THE CIRCLE

The most popular drums used in the circle include the djembe and the doumbek. The djembe is a goblet-shaped West African drum made from a hand carved wood shell with a single goat skin head on top. About two feet tall, it is usually positioned between the legs while seated and played with both hands. The doumbek is a Middle Eastern drum often associated with belly dancing. It is a smaller goblet-shaped drum made of metal or ceramic and has a crisp, bright sound. With both drums, you get a bass tone by hitting the skin close to the center and a higher tone by playing closer to the edge. This wide range of tones is what makes the djembe and doumbek an appealing choice for getting the “groove on” in groups. Other popular instruments include claves (wooden sticks clacked together), bells, and shakers such as maracas and tambourines. It is helpful to have a variety of different instruments in the circle for a well-rounded sound.

DRUM CIRCLES FOR SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

The powerful experience of togetherness and individual self-expression that occurs in a drum circle makes group drumming a potent tool for working with a variety of specific populations. Group drumming has been used in well-elderly programs, with hospital patients and staff, and even in prisons. The ease with which a drum can be played makes it accessible to anyone almost immediately. Percussionist and teacher, Alex Spurkel, leads group drumming at a state school for children who have learning and emotional difficulties as a result of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Spurkel says, “The power of communal drumming transcends just about everything – all the challenges the kids have and are dealing with on a daily basis.” His ten week program culminates in a performance by the kids in front of their peers and families. “They were terrified to be on stage and they performed brilliantly. They got a standing ovation. You could see the look of pride on their faces. It was a real boost to their self-esteem, which these kids, in particular, desperately need.”

On a personal note, we had a drum circle for 150 people at my wedding. Everyone from 2- year-old nephews to 80-year-old grandparents enjoyed playing the drums. There was a strong feeling of love and togetherness in the air that night as we sat under the stars making music together. The drums gave us a way to express and celebrate our feelings as a group. Friends and rel- atives still tell me it was the most enjoyable wed- ding they ever attended.

HOW TO GET STARTED

It is easy to get started playing hand drums. Find out the location and time of a drum circle near you and show up. If you do not yet own a drum, odds are someone at the drum circle will have an extra instrument that you can ask to use. If you can’t find a drum circle in your area, start one up! Post an announcement on the bulletin board at your favorite grocery store, gym, church or community center. If you need help starting your first drum circle, call Bang-a-Drum for assistance. Bang-a-Drum has a drum circle kit available (drums, shakers, bells, etc.) that you can borrow for free. If you would like someone to help get your circle started, hire a drum circle facilitator. The facilitator’s main job is to help everyone feel comfortable participating and having fun at your event. He or she also helps keep the groove going and guides the pace of the event so it feels complete at the end.

If you want to improve your playing technique before you play with others, find a teacher or buy a video for the drum you would like to learn. Affordable group classes are available through community colleges, leisure learning centers and hand drum stores. There are many instructional videos available for the various drums found at a circle. Prices range from $9.95 to $39.95.

DRUM CIRCLES COME OF AGE

As more and more people discover the joy of drumming, people have begun to produce instructional works about it. In addition to books on traditional drumming technique, people are now writing books about drums circles. There are videos showing how to conduct a drum circle, CD’s that can be played as a rhythmic back- ground for drum circles, and books full of games and activities to include in your drum circle. You can even attend training sessions that teach you how to facilitate. As more people attend drum circles, more circles are being formed. If there is one in your area, join in! You will be glad you did.

Chris Reid is a drum circle facilitator and owner of the Bang a Drum percussion store in Los Angeles 323-936-3274 www.bangadrum.com