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Beckley Drum Circle - Info, General Tips

We are the Beckley Drum Circle!

What is a 'Drum Circle'? It is essentially a percussion 'jam session', where 2 or more people come together to create music. It is meditation, it is a chance to heal, it is a chance to dance, it is a chance to listen, it is energy, it is expression, it is art in evolution, it is a community of rhythm.

We are a growing group of loosely organized folks who come together, twice a month, to share these things and more. Some of us have been drumming for years, some of us are just getting started. There are no experience requirement levels for this drum circle. Both age and ethnic backgrounds disappear.

We are a mostly 'freeform' circle, meaning that we generally do not use a 'facilitator' to direct the circle. We start with a rhythm, and then each person adds to that rhythm as they feel inspired.

We usually start with one person, who will begin a rhythm of their choice and others jump in, to create a new, unique rhythm. As that rhythm plays itself out, we will stop and let the next person start a new rhythm.

General Tips

If you are new to the dynamics of spontaneous, freeform drumming, there are a few things to keep in mind. Although there are no 'rules' as such, there are guidelines, think of them as etiquette, that will help you to help the drum circle be a pleasant experience for everyone.

• If you will be playing a hand drum, remove any rings or loose bracelets before starting to play.
• Loosen up a little before starting to play.
• Wrap your finger joints in medical tape to minimize bruising and swelling.
• Start by listening. Get a feel for the rhythm.
• If you're not sure what to play, begin softly.
• Try just following the bass beat until you feel more comfortable.
• If you feel yourself lose the rhythm, just stop for a moment and join back in on the beat.
• Try not to play too loudly, so you don't drown out other players.
• Remember that drum circle rhythms often evolve completely from where they began. This is part of the beauty of a freeform drum circle. Listen for changes as you play.
• Don't feel that you have to do the big solos to sound cool. People who can maintain a solid rhythm are just as important to drum circles as the soloists are.
• Don't be afraid to experiment, but consider keeping your new experimental rhythms on the soft side, until you are more sure of them.
• Above all - have fun! If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right. ;)

Everyone at a drum circle is a part of the circle, whether as a listener, player or dancer.

There are NO excuses for anyone who wants to join in the rhythm to not do so. Everyone has access to percussion instruments! What is the oldest percussion instrument on the planet? The human body! Here are some examples of free, or nearly free, instruments you might play:

• Clap your Hands
• Slap your Thighs
• Snap your Fingers
• Stop your Feet
• Spoons
• Coffee Can
• Paper Cup
• Book
• Plastic Bottles
• Metal Whistle
• Stick against any object
• Voice is also an important instrument. Feel free to sing, or chant, if the mood strikes you.

Finally, be respectful of the other drum circle members, and the drumming space.

• Do - Ask before using equipment that does not belong to you
• Do - Use only your hands to hit a hand drum
• Do - Be careful not to drop or knock over drums, some are very sensitive to force from the wrong angle
• Do - Be sure to return equipment that does not belong to you before you leave the circle
• Do - Clean up after yourself when leaving the circle

Things to Bring

A Chair, and extras if you don't mind sharing with others

A blanket, small rug or tapestry for the ground

A Non-alcoholic beverage in a closable container

Medical Tape to wrap your fingers

Bug Spray

Your Drum and/or other percussion instruments

Extra instruments you don't mind sharing with others

Something warm to put on if it gets chilly

 

Interesting Links

Rhythm Web

Venice Beach Drum Circle

Download the Beckley Drum Circle Poster!

 

 

Beckley Drum Circle would like to take a moment to thank and recognize its supporters. Please take the time to check them out and maybe say thanks for all of their hard work in making this happen!

- Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble

- West Virginia World Music Educational Cooperative

- Hadrah Dance Company

- Etheric Dance Collective

- Fool Moon Belly Dance Association

- Computer Chick of Beckley

And if you've made it this far - no doubt looking for that tidbit of lucrative information promised elsewhere... look here

Visit Beckley Drum Circle

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Care to Donate to Beckley Drum Circle?

You can help support Beckley Drum Circle by using the above button to donate an amount of your choice.

Beckley Drum Circle is not a 'non-profit organization', nor is it a business with the goal of making money for anyone. Donations are solicited solely to help cover expenses incurred in organizing and coordinating the Drum Circle.

Such expenses include things like this website (domain and hosting costs), refreshments for Drum Circle participants, citronella oil for tiki torches, potential costs of places to host the Drum Circle, and eventually I would like to see enough funds to purchase a few loaner instruments and other conveniences, such as chairs, for participants to use during the Drum Circles.

Donations in the form of any of these items (or other helpful items) are welcome and much appreciated as well. Thank you for your support!