A Practical Guide to Hand Drumming and Drum Circles

Book excerpt: This 6" x 9" paperback is over 300 pages of text, and it%u2019s jammed with practical information, suggestions, and ideas for people who love hand drumming, or who are interested in starting up a drum circle, or drumming program for their group. The focus is on sharing as much information about hand drumming, and drum circles as possible. For example, six different ways to quickly jot down drum rhythm notations. I include a few dozen written drum rhythm notations, and lots more that are written vocalizations. There is also my sample set list (or worksheet) of various rhythms I use for a 90 minute facilitated drum circle. It's sort of an outline that I use and then improvise from as needed. It gives you an easy to follow guideline for almost any form of drum circle, or interactive group drumming. Facilitated, specialty, hosted circles, and rhythmic drumming events. I also include two chapters on open freestyle community drum circles which are often misunderstood or even misrepresented. Everything from a rockin' drum circle - to a healing drum circle, plus the many different ways to approach them. I discuss how to go about building a drumming program in many of the specialty areas such as: Drumming with special needs groups, health and wellness. Drumming with children, teens, adults, elders, and mixed age groups. Drum circles in night clubs, cafe%u2019s, at businesses, corporations, and events. Drum circles with at risk populations, spiritual gatherings, and community events. Working with music directors, educational teachers, music therapists, and medical professionals. Even if you are just someone who just wants to get a drum circle going at the beach or at a public park, this read will give you plenty of ideas how to get it started up, or improve the one you currently have going. I also cover the business side of drum circles. Are you wanting to start one just for fun? Or only cover your expenses? Want to earn a full time living from it? I cover all that, and lots more. I hope to help you along your drumming journey. Hand drumming and drum circles enriched my life, and I think it will for you as well. I hope you can benefit from some of the things I've done right, as well as the things I%u2019ve done wrong. It doesn't matter if you are new to hand drumming, have been drumming for a while, or are a professional musician, this book is loaded with good information on getting more enjoyment out of hand drumming, and from drum circles. -SL Ratigan drumcircles.net.