Drum Circles
A drum circle is a group of people from a few to many arranged in a circle experiencing the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. The circle is a symbol of wholeness and integration, with the center of a circle understood to symbolize Spirit – the Source. Because a circle has no beginning and no end, the agreement to connect in a circle allows energy to circulate from one person to the next. No prior experience or instruments are necessary; D4L will provide instructions and instruments.
- Drum Circles are applicable at:
- Birthdays (ages 1-100+)
- Weddings & anniversaries
- Naming Ceremonies
- Special needs children & adults
- Church groups
- Seniors
- Retreats
- Diversity training
- Corporate team building
- Women’s/Men’s Groups
- Spirit/Full Moon celebrations
- Just for Fun!
“The team building drum circle you facilitate has become a vital part of our week long program and the participants rave about it. The drum circle helps our people to connect to themselves and to one another in a way that is primal and real and from the heart.”
-Kirsten Clark, Director, Global Workforce Learning & Development
Save the Children
Have you noticed that your drum doesn’t sound as good as when you first brought it home?
Do you have a drum with a broken head?
Are you looking to add enhancements to your drum but don’t know how?
Have you always wanted to know how to string or tune up your drum?
D4L offers complete “Drum Doctor” repair and maintenance services on most hand drums including:
- tuning
- head replacements
- wood repair
- a replacement of materials
- enhancements.
- rings, skins, straps, rope
Contact us today to get your drum in shape to reach its potential!
Drum Doctor
Performances
D4L Instructors are available for performances, studio session work, and full productions. Kojo Bey is Co-founder and Music Director for SOUNDS OF AFRIKA Drum and Dance Troupe www.soundsofafrika.com. Kojo has performed as Lead Drummer with SOUNDS OF AFRIKA for 18 years domestically and internationally. Past performances include:
- Kwanzaa Productions
- Black History Month Programs
- Vermont Law School, South Royalton, VT
- Juneteenth at Rich Forum, Stamford, CT
- ESPN Annual Diversity Day, Bristol, CT
- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Fundraiser, Stamford, CT
- Sea Castles Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica
- One Africa Health Resort, Elmina, Ghana
- Fordham University, NY, NY
- Bradley University, Peoria, IL
- SONO Annual Arts Festival, Norwalk, CT
Workshops
One time Workshops
D4L offers professional workshops to fit the needs of the individual or organization. Past Workshop topics include:
- Anti-bullying
- The Legacy of Africa
- The Healing Drum
- Drum Tune Up
- Kwanzaa
- Black History Month
- Juneteenth
- Rites of Passage
- Team Building
- Asthma Awareness
Classes
D4L offers one-time and series of classes to fit the needs of the individual or organization. A sample series of classes would be a 12-week D4L session on “Character Building”. Instruments are provided by D4L as well as lesson handouts. Past class bookings include:
- Music Teachers (K-12; Universities)
- Juvenile Youth Development Centers
- Community Center After School programs
- Board of Education (Professional Development)
Residency
D4L Instructors offer a drum training curriculum for arts and educational institutions. The curriculum can be designed to fit the needs of all ages and features the following components:
- Drumming Techniques
- History of Instruments and Rhythms
- Repertoire development
- Music production and recording
- Choreography and Performing
Drum Therapy
D4L has observed the therapeutic benefits of drumming for many individuals and groups over the years. Current research is now verifying the therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques. Recent research reviews indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system, and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self. D4L partners with Psychologists, Counselors, and Music Therapists to assess and report on the clinical needs and treatment of participants. D4L currently has a partnership with Queens University’s Music Therapy Clinic in Charlotte, NC.
Director of Music Therapy, Dr. Becky Engen, Ph.D., MT-BC
Music therapy sessions are offered to children and young adults with special needs. A variety of musical experiences are used to improve cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The goals of the sessions are individualized and are based on the needs, preferences, and abilities of each client. Typically, sessions can be designed to improve receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor skills, attending behavior, basic academic concepts, creativity, and musicality. Music Therapy sessions are conducted by a student music therapist under the supervision of a Board Certified Music Therapist.
Past D4L Drum Therapy sessions include:
- Asthma management
- Character building with Youth at Risk
- Special Education with special needs youth and adults
- Youth diagnosed with ADHD and Autism
- Stress Relief with Hospice Patients
- Sensory stimulation with Elderly clients
“D4L Asthma Awareness in Bridgeport”
http://www.yourlunghealth.org/healthy_living/aah/2008/02.13/articles/drumming/index.html
“Asthma: Musical Instruments as Medical Instruments”
https://www.healthy.net/scr/Column.aspx?id=357
“Positively on Location”
http://www.prosoundnetwork.com/Default.aspx?tabid=69&Entryid=439