It’s great fun to practice licks and rhythms on djembe drums and a conga set at home, but most percussionists also enjoy the spontaneity and community experience of drum circles. The popularity of these groups makes it easy for musicians of any age or experience level to find a drumming circle that’s the right fit.
Find Local Drum Circles
Finding nearby drum circles can be as easy as a few clicks around the web. TheUSA Drum Circle Finder is a frequently updated site listing local gatherings by state. Group facilitators post the time and location of their drum circles as well as any information regarding guidelines for participation.
Start Local Drum Circles
If, after some digging, musicians aren’t able to come up with drum circles in their area, they may wish to take the initiative to create one of their own. Here’s how to get a drumming circle up and running.
Set Times for Drum Circles
Musicians will need to pick convenient times and commit. Whether the drum circles meet monthly, bimonthly, or weekly, regularity is the key to getting a consistent turn out.
Locations for Drum Circles
Choosing locations for drum circles is also important. Many participants enjoy drumming outdoors where the connection to nature can inspire creativity. Outdoor locations like parks or beaches are ideal, but facilitators will want to make a few quick calls to determine whether a permit is needed. Selecting an alternate location in case of cold or rainy weather is also a good idea.
Percussionists for Drum Circles
Next, musicians will need to round up a few friends to form a base for the drumming circle. To increase the numbers, they can advertise on online message boards, meetup.com, or Craig’s list. A flyer posted at a few local music stores will also be affective.
It’s a good idea to track down a few experienced drummers to form a core for the group. Novices are welcome additions, but the drum circle will need a foundation when it comes to creating music together.
Goals for Drum Circles
Musicians will want to think through their goals for drum circles before advertising. If they want a group to play West African rhythms on authentic African drums for example, they’ll want to make this clear before guests show up with congas and bongos.
Preparing for Drum Circles
Musicians hosting drum circles will want to make sure they bring along a good supply of extra hand drums and percussion instruments to put in the middle of the circle. This will allow group members to experience some variety. It will also allow anyone arriving without an instrument to feel included.
Musicians will have to decide what their role as the drum circle’s facilitator will be. Do they prefer an active role facilitating from the circle’s center as they introduce activities and rhythms for the group? Or do they want a laid back role allowing members to take turns starting rhythms and jamming until each piece reaches its conclusion?
Percussionists who enjoy meeting like-minded musicians won’t want to miss the fun and community drum circles offer. To get started, they may also be interested to look into what exactly a drum circle is, drum circle etiquette, and a few popular hand drums they might bring with them to the event.
Marcy Paulson - From the moment Marcy Paulson picked up a recorder in fourth grade music class, she was hooked. Since then, her passion for music has ...
