If you didn't go to Moe's drum circle at Dave Phillips on Monday night, you really missed out on a GREAT time!

This circle seemed quite different from the others that I had previously attended at DP.  It was held inside the warehouse, and when I first walked in, I noticed two things.  The first being the chairs - they were set up in a double circle that seemed closer together than usual.  I think this made the circle much more intimate.  The second thing I noticed was that on almost every chair, there was some kind of instrument.  Shakers, frame drums, tambourines, sound shapes, etc.  I thought that was pretty cool - much easier that having to get up and go over to the basket to select something.  Also made it easy to place something in a persons hands that may have been afraid to try something new.

I think that there were at least 40 people there, and I saw many new faces. (which is always a good thing, because they almost always come back to the next circle)

As people were still coming in and getting settled, the group kept a steady beat going. On this night, I noticed that most people arrived on time, which always makes it easier for the facilitator to facilitate the circle without having to stop to assist latecomers with finding a drum, seat, etc.  As Moe got ready to start, she had us set down our drums and take a few deep breaths to allow us to relax.  I think this is important as it allows us to clear our heads from the stresses of our day and to be in the moment. 

Over the next hour, Moe split the circle into 4 groups and gave each group a direction to follow.  Generally, she had two of the groups playing different drum rhythms, while the other two groups would be directed to play the instruments that were on the chairs. (bells, tambourines, shakers, etc.)  What was so cool about this, was that she never stopped the group.  She would seamlessly switch the drummers to play shakers & vice versa.   Moe said that what we were doing was much more musical, and it sure sounded as such!  It sounded GREAT!  I thought there was much more depth to the music than when it's mostly just djembe's. (Do you like it to be all djembe's?  Try Moe's djembe classes - she teaches them at all skill levels)

Having us switch back and forth from drums to ambient percussion also allowed our hands to rest between drumming cycles.  I also felt more of a sense of community/teamwork as we would each play our respective parts.

With about a half hour left, Moe stopped us to allow us to shake out our hands and rest for a moment.  This was a good thing, because when she started us back up again, she had us really rocking!  She had Colleen speed up on the Djun's (large bass drums that keep the beat) to a groove that invited people to dance.  Several people went out into the circle to dance, but I sat back, because I'm not much of a dancer these days.  But you know what happened?  There was so much positive energy in the room that I couldn't help myself.  (Plus, Donna was there to encourage me) I got up and I went into the circle with my tambourine and I danced and it felt GREAT!

I know that many of you on my mailing list have never been to a drum circle, but are curious to try.  By all means, come on out and give it a chance!  To me, drumming is both relaxing and exhilarating.  It allows you to feel like a part of something bigger, and it allows you to feel full inside.  It's great exercise, a great social activity and most of all, it's a safe environment.  There are no wrong notes.  Regardless if you feel you have any rhythm or musical ability, you will have a the opportunity to participate and feel good for doing so.

Namste,
Stephanie

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