DRUMatic Innovation Drum Circles

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 Drum Circle presented by Michael Clark. I have never been to a drum 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