Cool Weather - Cool Drums!

Written by Greg Whitt Friday, 01 October 2010 00:00

Drum For Change at the Bash

Cool weather is finally here and it's that most perfect season to get outside and drum by the fire.  With some recent additions to my drum collection that include a talking drum, bendir, and crystal singing bowl, I'm excited to get in some playing time!  Now that the Raleigh Drum Circle's 8th Birthday Bash is behind me (click to see photos and videos from that magical evening). I'm hugely enthused at the projects ahead....

This weekend started off with an interesting twist.  In college I was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity based in scouting.  The organization celebrated their 60th anniversary and held an alumni reunion where I got to see many of my old friends.  Sporting my faux-hawk, I may have been the trendiest of the lot!  ;^)  Of course everyone there wants to know what you're up to these days and invariably their response was "YOU DO WHAT?"  Since I truly have the very best job in the world, I loved explaining that I use rhythm as a modality for team-building based on a village metaphor illustrating cooperation, collaboration, and communication, offer cultural programs for schools, facilitate fun activities for community festivals, teach djembe lessons, and lead drumming for empowerment, healing and wellness.  

All my old friends loved that I was still giving back to the community in a most interesting and unique way! Many African proverbs talk about our roots.  The Adrinka symbol for Sankofa shows a mystical bird flying forward but looking backward, hinting that we should gather the best lessons from our past.  This sense of service to others is laced throughout my life as a scout, student leader, Air Force non-commissioned officer, and police officer.  That theme continues as I share the history, culture, and music of the world through rhythm. 

         
Sankofa Adrinka Symbols

The reunion was a great kickoff for a great weekend of drumming.  First I went to a First Friday street festival to hang with drum pals Ronnie, Susan, and Nancy playing for the Pickle Mamas, my friends Meghan and Grayson who teach hula hooping for healing and creative play.  Saturday morning I was drumming at 8am (OMG it's true!) with the gang from One Tribe Rhythms to kick off CropWALK and help fight hunger.  Then it was off to Dancing Moon books for my monthly empowerment drumming session, after which I headed over to lead three drum jams at the Raleigh International Festival.  Between the drum sessions there, I was helping my love Annelies at the De Vieken Dutch Club booth;  her Mom Eva founded the group 25 years ago!  I don't know anything about rhythms from Holland, but I love ollie bollen, erwtensoep, and hagelslag!

Cropwalk Drummers in the Morning Sun

This week starts off with my regular Monday night Poly-Rhythms Class at Fletcher Park, 6:30-7:30 pm (-ish) in the stone circle.  Class is $15.  Each week we learn a new rhythm from a variety of cultures.  No RSVP is necessary, but if you need to borrow a drum let me know in advance.  Any student who can already articulate bass, tone, and slap on their djembe is welcome to join in.

Saturday, October 9th I'm at the Autumn Arts Festival in Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon thanks to an invite from artist Lauri Arnsten who is also president of the Wake Forest Cultural Arts Association.  Drumming will be happening between 1pm and 5pm.  Then on Sunday, October 10th I'll be headed to the beautiful Saint Anne's Chapel in Tarboro to help celebrate a full day of events with the Arbor Society and 350.org.  Throughout the day scattered among other activities I'll be teaching djembe lessons and leading a community rhythm circle.  Come join me for the whole weekend!

Later this month I'll be drumming with Follow the Child Montessori School at their Fall festival and then at the statewide WIC Conference for the NC Department of Health and Human Services.  TRULY I have the very best job in the world! I hope to hear you out and about soon....

With love and rhythm,

-G