What is a drum circle?
A drum circle is a rhythmical event in which people come together to play drums and other percussion instruments. Drum circles are gaining in popularity here in the United States and all over the world. They are a fun and accessible way to play music in a group setting.
There are three types of drum circles:
1) Culturally specific drum circles in which the participants are expected to know and play certain rhythms from different parts of the world.
2) Non-facilitated drum circles in which the participants are encouraged to play whatever rhythms they choose, often creating them on the spot, and in which there is no leader or facilitator.
3) Facilitated drum circles in which the participants are encouraged to play whatever rhythms they choose, often making them up on the spot, and in which there is a trained drum circle facilitator who helps the group to achieve a higher level of musicality through gentle direction.
Carroll Rhythms uses this third model in all of its rhythm events and community drum circles. The results show. We often sustain our rhythms for twenty minutes or more. In addition, we play at a comfortable volume, we vary the tempo and types of rhythms we play, and we use a lot of different instruments. In the past, we've incorporated all instruments that people have brought to our drum circles, including:
-djembes, ashikos, bougaraboos, cajons, congas, bongos, nadals, talking drums, riqs, doumbeks, djun djuns, buffalo drums, and bodhrans
-trumpets, saxophones, harmonicas, conch shells, didgeridoos, recorders, penny whistles, ocarinas, and flutes
-shakers, rain sticks, and ocean drums
-mbiras, berimbaus, and jaw harps
-guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, harps, violins, and electric bass
-glockenspiels, singing bowls, chimes, tambourines, and bells
-pianos, accordions, and keyboards
-rasps, cabasas, and washboards
-tongue drums, slit gongs, cajitas, clave, and udu
-Boomwhackers
-Theremin
We also encourage people to dance and sing!
Carroll Rhythms are delightfully different!
We hope to play music with you soon!
Laurie and Thomas Precht
