Love Drumming

Written by Greg Whitt Thursday, 17 February 2011 00:00

It's no secret.  I love drumming.  I love the way it lets loose the funk, allowing my creative spirit to shine.  I love the way it shakes me to the core.  And I love the way it unites people through a shared recreational music-making experience!

So many great opportunities have manifested to share this love in 2011!  Already I've had two GREAT healing drum event's at Saint Anne's Chapel in Tarboro and two more are scheduled. I've done corporate team-building with the board of directors of the United Arts Council, the folks who awarded my regional artist project grant to study drumming in the Caribbean.  I drummed for a yoga class out at SAS Institute.  I've got magnet, Montessori, private, and mainstream schools lined up.  I had a fabulous session last month with special needs students and a collaboration with ArtStream to do more of this sort of work.  

This week a dozen people got together for a group lesson at Spence's Farm outside Chapel Hill - my old high school stomping grounds.  Lots of churches on the horizon, too:  This weekend I'm sitting in with a praise band, then coming up I'll be featured in the Sunday services at another church, followed by a rhythm spirit event where the congregation gets hands-on to connect with divine rhythm.  Of course I've got weekly lessons, private lessons, and then monthly drumming empowerment sessions at Dancing Moon Books.  PLUS the Lake Johnson Jam each third Monday of the month, a true community drum circle where everyone is welcome and loaner drums are provided.  

This weekend also marks the launch of several events with the town of Cary.  On Saturday I'll be featured at their African-American Heritage Celebration.  You'll also find me at Spring Daze in April and Lazy Days this Fall, plus down at Page-Walker Arts Center for some summer lessons!

Next weekend I'm headed to the annual international Drum Circle Facilitators Conference in Myrtle Beach.  I've been an officer on the Guild's Board of Directors for the past year, helping to shape the future of professional rhythm event facilitation.  The gathering is a great opportunity for sharing with others who do this work and getting global perspectives, tips, and trends in the industry.  Plus vendors from cool drum companies like Remo, Meinl, Mid-East Manufacturing, and Djembe Drums & Skins are there to show their latest goodies!

And I really love that I've already had lots of folks rebook this year, including Duke's Global Health student organizations, Earth Day downtown with Body Centering Yoga, Saint Mary's School for Goddess Night women's empowerment drumming, the NC Rehabilitation Center for the Blind for a SUMMER CAMP program, and the annual DrumSTRONG charity benefit near Charlotte.

With all this and more happening in and around the Triangle, there's lots of opportunity for YOU to get your groove on with Drum for Change.   Hope to hear you out there soon....