Drum Circles
A drum circle is when any group of people play hand drums and percussion in a circle. The group is an end in itself rather than for performance .
“People gather to drum in drum circles with others from the surrounding community. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves, to form a group consciousness, to entrain and resonate. By entrainment I mean that a new voice, a collective voice, emerges form the group as they drum together.” (Drummer Mickey Hart)
The size of a drum circle can vary from four people upwards.
People who join drum circles find their wellbeing increased. The benefits are:
- Being part of a group
- Empowerment and self confidence
- Increased physical wellbeing
- A chance to share emotional expression in a safe and non-confrontational way
- Having fun
- Learning rhythms and their power to co-ordinate physical processes
- The language of rhythm can overcome communication boundaries & difficulties
Drum circles may be formed for:
- An educational group for children
- A special support group for disabled people
- A ‘get together’ for older people
- A group for people with mental health needs such as depression
- Staff team bonding
- Therapy groups
- Mixed community groups
- And many more
