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Hand drumming crosses the gap






It is often difficult to come up with a gathering activity that crosses age and societal differences, but on Sunday I think I found one that beautifully surpasses all those boundaries.



I was introduced to African hand drumming about three years ago. It came into my life at a time that I was feeling and had been told I was not particularly creative. Through hand drumming, I was able to relax and simply focus on the beat. As I learned more and had the opportunities to drum opening up to me, I found a freedom to start writing lyrics in a sort of free form style in conjunction with the beat and tempo to some to the rhythms I was learning.


Bill Anderson local drum maker/instructor and Rich Schuler drum instructor.

Drumming helped me to refocus creative energy and eventually led to my reattachment to songwriting and performance - but I would not limit it to that alone.


Bill Anderson local drum maker/instructor and Rich Schuler drum instructor.

There is something beautiful about a group of people, sitting in a circle, listening and speaking together, drumming together that fosters a wonderful atmosphere for both inclusion in community as well as creativity.



Drum circles are place where you meet and become friends with folks you may have missed otherwise. In fact, yesterday I found that several people that came to play were the same ones in the circle the first few times I went drumming. The connection had been made for me not just through the music, but the people as well.



It's my hope that through activities like this, our fellowship will be increased and our borders will be stretched. After all, there is always room for one more in a circle.



For more information, contact Richard Schuler for Hand drum and drum set instruction for beginner and intermediate students 1.716.484.8121

Comments

Mel said…
What an awesome way to cross some barriers and gather all sorts of people together.

And what a treat that it moves you as it does.
Tara Lamont said…
If you were close I know you would have loved to come and participate too.

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