What is a Drum Circle?

A drum circle is rhythm-based event that utilizes a variety of hand drums and percussion instruments to empower a community of participants with the ability to create beautiful, spontaneous music. Drumming and cooperatively creating rhythmic-based music as part of a group is a kinesthetic activity that involves everyone regardless of musical experience or ability. A drum circle benefits individuals by connecting them to a common purpose of creative self-expression through the sharing of rhythm experiences with other individuals. The resulting interactivity of music promotes team building, well-being and spirituality.

Drum circles are routinely utilized by community groups, corporations and organizations, support groups, children, youth at risk, well and un-well elderly, teachers, religious groups, college student groups, to name but a few. All of these groups have found the power that drum circles have to create an environment for joy, expression, team building, stress relief and communication.

Who can participate in a drum circle?

Everybody!

I can't even carry a tune. How can I play music in a drum circle?

Drum circles utilize varieties of percussion instruments that come from many different cultures around the world. Most are quite easy to play and only involve the actions of striking, shaking or scraping. If playing a hand drum seems a little intimidating, than you can grab a shaker and go to it on that. Drum circles are free places to experiment so don't be afraid to pick up and try new instruments.

What type of music do you play?

FunDrum is not restricted to playing any specific type of music like Latin or African. We utilize a whole range of instruments and each drum circle creates its own spontaneous unique rhythm.

Where can I get a drum?

FunDrum Rhythm Circles supplies all of the instruments needed for an event, but if you want to get a drum of your own, it's not hard to do. Hand drums can be purchased at a variety of musical shops in the area or by visiting www.cultureshockworld.com

Doesn't it hurt your hands to drum all the time?

Drumming doesn't have to hurt your hands if you play properly. You don't have to strike a drum very hard to get it to make a BIG sound. FunDrum Rhythm Circles participants are instructed in the proper methods of playing all instrument types.

How could a drum circle event benefit my employees?

A drum circle can teach in a dynamic, experiential way, lessons regarding cooperation, communication and raising morale. It also creates process of experiential learning whereby individuals' contributions are recognized as equally important and necessary for an organization.

How could a drum circle help my kids?

FunDrum Rhythm Circles actively involves children in the collaborative process of group rhythm creation. Using a variety of drums and percussion instruments, children will engage in a community drum circle with the aim of having lots of fun while simultaneously learning about music, rhythm and world cultures. Group drumming inspires self-confidence, creativity and self-discipline. Furthermore, the program gives children a new voice through which to express themselves.

What does the facilitator do in the drum circle?

The facilitator serves the group by developing and drawing out the essentials of non-verbal communication that leads to a successful drum circle. FunDrum facilitators are trained to listen to the process of rhythm creation within a drum circle and then draw on the complex relationships that develop to ensure a fruitful experience for all participants.

What space is best for a FunDrum event?

There is no real restriction to where a FunDrum event can be held. Either indoors or outdoors will work well. However, the space will determine, to some extent, the type and range of instruments that can be used. FunDrum is happy to work with individual organizations to identify the most suitable venue based on needs.

How long does a FunDrum circle event run for?

All FunDrum circles are developed based on organizational needs. However, a minimum of 30 minutes is recommended for any drum circle event. A maximum of two hours is the optimal time for group drumming. It is also possible to design a series of drum circles over a longer period of time. This will allow for the development of rhythm structures and concepts over time.