Drum circle facilitation

 

First the question might be, what is Drum Circle Facilitation anyways?

Defined by Wikipedia, free encyclopedia:

A facilitated drum circle is a form of group drumming in which a person helps to focus the intent and improve the quality and effect of the activity, making it easier for people to effectively participate. The facilitator takes responsibility for the physical space, arranging chairs and instruments to optimize communication and connection in the group. He or she may provide a range of instruments to create a full and balanced percussion orchestra. The facilitator is constantly monitoring the music in the group, and generally being encouraging and accepting of participant ideas. At the beginning the facilitator directs the music through verbal and non-verbal cuing. Cues, which often mirror the movements of an orchestral conductor, are directed at the participants, who respond to the leader. Actions such as rolling (rumbling), starting, stopping, raising/lowering the volume, accents, and when to play/not play are often given by the facilitator. Skilled facilitators use a whole range of tools and approaches that enable them to work with any demographic of race, age group or special needs. Their aim is to direct the group in the early stages to create enough connection and communication for the group to groove. They are looking to empower the group to take ownership of the music by the end of the session.

So now you ask ”But what is a drum circle?” Wikipedia explains it this way; A drum circle is any group of people playing (usually) hand-drums and percussion in a circle. They are distinct from a drumming group or troupe in that the drum circle is an end in itself rather than preparation for a performance. They can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants

So is that clear now? Not really huh? Well let me tell you how I look at it, perhaps it will clear this up a bit.

I bring a whole bunch of instruments like djemebe drums (African style) Native American Frame drums, rattles and shakers and cleaves (sticks) and set them up all around a circle. People with at least a little opened mindedness attitude come and sit around the circle.

Many start to fear that they don't have what it takes to play some instrument in front of them, some grab a drum and start pounding away. Some think that they have no rhythm still others start to ponder why they came at all.

In steps the facilitator, who starts to explain to all that will hear - that first of all...we all have rhythm!

Now this always gets a howl or two with disclaimers shouted out but I hold my ground and say” Put your hand on your chest...feel your heartbeat...that is your rhythm!”

I could perhaps elaborate some and say that we first heard and felt our mothers heartbeat still in the womb. I could go on to say that we are involved , exposed to rhythm everywhere around us. Life is Rhythm!

I then explain some about the instruments, how to hold them and how to strike them but I always add that for at least right now there is no wrong way to play them. I reassure them that we as a specie, as a culture, as a peoples have been drumming since the start of time. It is truly in our DNA!

I continue and tell how we all will have a voice in this music and the songs created will be one of a kind, never to be duplicated again. I explain that each person sings a different stroke, that a drum will sound different for each person playing it.

I will add that at first just connect to the heartbeat found in the rhythm (one beat out of four for example) until you feel a different part of the evolving song and then add that part. At first it might sound a bit disjointed but give it time. Allow everyone to hear and feel the others and connection in rhythm will occur.

With just a little help I find most groups can make beautiful music together and feel connected to each other in about one hour. Hard to find many other things that can engage and create community in just one hour!

So the art of facilitation could be summed up like this. Have plenty of instruments,have a comfortable space for creating the circle, assure the participants that they can do it and help them to become successful in creating in the moment music.