Drumatic Innovation Drum Circles

Michael,
You were so fantastic! It was like instant happiness to go back and watch you lead the groups. Thank you so much for your time and drums. From the looks on their faces it was evident the crowd was having a wonderful time!
Much appreciation -
Marcia Johnson – Ed program Coordinator
Hands on Children’s Museum

“Dear Michael,

We all enjoyed your visit at CMS on Friday. What a wonderful team building experience. I wish we had done it earlier in the year. It was amazing how you get the students to work together so quickly. Expect to hear from us again next year.

Judy Lyon, Teacher, Chinook Middle School

Before I present the review on Riskallah I want to tell you about another workshop that was held on Sunday the 5th. It was a Rhythm Circle presented by Michael Clark. I have never been to a rhythm circle before so I had no idea what to expect. Everyone was placed in a circle and we were given a selection of instruments that we could choose from to play or we could have brought our own. I had not brought anything so I chose and African drum and a rattle. I have to tell you I felt a little uncomfortable because I have only played zills and some dumbec a very long time ago and so a little insecurity was setting in.

Michael explained that we would be making our own music and that basically no sound was wrong. There was one person that would establish a certain beat and we would all just put in what we wanted to do with our instrument. I had visions of this really horrible sounding music coming from all of us. I was so surprised when we all established our own beat and how well it blended. He then showed us how we could vary the sound. By the time the workshop was over I was feeling so good about what I had accomplished and how easy it actually was. I had fun; I was relaxed; and I couldn’t believe that I had just played music with a whole group of people.

Michael explained that there are many benefits to drumming in a group and that it is widely accepted by health practitioners, music, therapists, teachers and youth workers as being an effective way to encourage life skills and develop confidence and self-esteem. Well he certainly made a believer out of me.

I encourage anyone to participate if you have a chance. It was a very rewarding experience for me. If anyone is interested you can contact Michael@DrumaticInnovation.com or you can check out his website at DrumaticInnovation.com

Reviewed by Halima

“Staff and students enjoyed the day. you were extremely effective with the students. Most of the instruction was non-verbal allowing optimum time to play instruments. The culminating performance created a wonderful sense of team work within the entire student body.” Theresa Turner, Principal, Washington Elementary

“We have been blessed for 2 years now in our Indian Education Culture Camp! The kids and staff loved it! It’s loud, active, and fun. Thanks!” Kathy Payne, Teacher, Bremerton Indian Ed Culture Camp

“Superbly organized and very enjoyable for all. Staff commented that it was the best musical visit they had experienced.”
Mrs L Dinsdale – Music Teacher, St Peter’s First School

“I have been teaching for 33 years and have never heard or seen anything so inspiring as the rhythm workshop. The children loved it.” Ms K McIvor, Music Teacher

“I was mesmerized by your ability to run such a fantastic workshop with so many children at once! The children raved on about it for weeks after…it also gave me ideas for carrying on the teaching of music and percussion.”
Ms J Elgar – Music Teacher, Cherry Tree Hill Primary School

“A really inspirational day for the children. Not only were they enthralled by the musical activities, but they developed their ability to listen, respond to non-verbal communication and work together as a group.”
Ms C Haynes – Principal, New Hinksey Primary School

“Your enthusiasm and the simple but effective rules for the children combined to give them a fantastic opportunity to make a noise in a structured environment. They loved the whole afternoon and talked about it enthusiastically afterwards to parents and peers.”
Mrs. S Rimmer – Music Teacher, Sudbury Primary School

“A worthwhile investment, everyone gained something from the day. It was a delight to see all staff searching for an instrument to play in the concert. Very well organized and suitable for all ages. See you soon.” Ms B Mound – Principal, Aqueduct Primary School

“Everyone enjoyed the day and staff and pupils alike benefited by having fun and working together.” Ms C Cordiner – Music Coordinator, Whitley Abbey Primary School

“All the children and the staff thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Comments from staff included: very stimulating, they kept everyone’s attention. All the children performed brilliantly, even those who can’t normally keep a beat going. Very enjoyable and entertaining—It was fun, and they were competent in controlling the children. We were amazed by how the children’s interest was held. It was all brilliant. Prior communication meant that plans could be made for the day to run smoothly.”
Mrs. M Lym, Teacher, Wigmore Primary School

“Whole day was superb. All teachers were full of praise and the children had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Lots of hands on and rhythm work even though all the sessions had 90+ children! Amazing! We would like to book you again in the future as such a valuable day for all.”
Mrs. Hand – Music Coordinator, Meadows Primary School

“You enabled inclusion of pupils with a special education need by allowing them to meet you and see the instruments prior to their workshop. Any inappropriate behavior was managed in a positive, unobtrusive manner.”
Ms C Lane – Principal, Carlyle School

“Very sensitive towards the needs of a diversity of pupils.”
Ms A Firth – Principal, Oakwood Primary School