Organizing
a Kid's Drum Circle
 What
is a community drum circle?
A
community drum circle is
a group that gathers together
to share a rhythmical and
musical experience. Rhythm
is a truly universal language,
and naturally creates a
sense of community that
can bridge any number of
gaps and potential biases.
In a community drum circle,
the participants act as
both audience and entertainment,
sharing a musical experience
that results in harmony,
unity, and feelings of wellness
for all present. It is very
important to note that the
success of a drum circle
is not dependent on the
group’s musical talent
or ability. A kids’ drum circle is no exception!
Beginning is easy.
A
drum circle consists of
a group of participants
that form a circle around
a central figure: the facilitator.
The job of the facilitator
is to inspire, teach, and
orchestrate the group to
its highest rhythmic potential.
Anyone can act as facilitator,
regardless of their musical
experience or talent, but
they should possess a few
key qualities: lack of inhibition,
and good communication and
listening skills. In the
case of a kids’ community
drum circle, an adult is
the obvious best choice
for the first few trial
runs.
To begin, separate the group
into sections and demonstrate
a simple rhythm to one group
after another, always turning
clockwise. Beginning with
the first, demonstrate a
simple rhythm and invite
them to play along. You
can select any of the rhythms
in this booklet to get you
started.
Continue around the circle
introducing a different
rhythm to each section.
Once the group is playing
as a unified whole, you
can begin to introduce simple
solos that add punctuation
to the group’s core
rhythm. Once comfortable,
children will enjoy contributing
to this new dynamic by experimenting
with solo rhythms of their
own.
When you sense a “lull”
in the rhythm or diminished
energy in the group, this
is known as a “transition
point”. It is an opportunity
to breathe new life into
the drum circle by altering
the group’s core rhythm.
Changing the rhythm of just
one of the sections will
have an immediate impact.
Closing a drum circle is
easy- when you sense a transition
point and feel that the
group doesn’t have
the energy or desire to
continue, simply increase
the volume and tempo to
a thundering climax, ending
by holding your beaters
high in the air.
An advanced exercise is
to invite one player at
a time to contribute a new
solo rhythm of their own
creation. Train them to
actively listen before adding
their own rhythm to the
mix. Although it may take
some time, you will be amazed
by the magic that will result!
Music
washes away from the soul
the dust of everyday life.
-Berthold Auerbach
(German author, 1812 - 1882)
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HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF LP RHYTHMIX INSTRUMENTS! |
