Sounds of Drums
Drumming
by Jay workman
T
he kinds of drums found in drumming circles vary wide-
ly, as the intention is not so much to make music in a
traditional, structured sense, as to manifest and express inner
rhythms by whatever means are available. Often, people will
find a drum that has been sitting around the house or attic,
neglected and forgotten; perhaps a gift, or even a child’s toy.
If no instrument is available at home, serviceable used
ones can be found in thrift shops, pawn shops, music stores
Recent studies are indicating positive effects
and want ads. The act of recycling these spirit-catalyzing ob-
jects is a noble mission in itself. Even an empty water bottle
from use of drum therapy in wide-ranging
will do in a pinch.
areas. These include stress, fatigue, anxiety, Many varieties of drums on the market come from dif-
hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis,
ferent parts of the world, each carrying a different cultural
heritage. Aside from retailers in major cities, Internet stores
mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple
also offer a wide selection.
sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke,
paralysis and emotional disorders.
Pick One & Go
One drum often seen in drumming circles is the bongo,
always open to the public. One meets at 6 p.m., Saturdays, at
which is really a set of two, small, high-pitched drums fas-
Cambier Park, in Naples. The Happahatchee Center in Estero
tened together. It is often used with Latin music or associated
holds a Spirit of Drumming circle at 6:30 p.m. around a fire
with beatniks.
pit, every third Friday of the month. Participants are asked to
bring drums, bells, shakers and a $5-10 donation for main-
Conga drums are larger, taller and deeper versions of the
taining the center.
bongo. Used individually or in pairs, on the floor or in a
Stuart Shelton, Unity of Naples music director, local en-
stand, they add a dimension of expression with their ability
tertainer and recording artist, oversees the drumming group
to create subtle variations in tone, depending on the hand
at Unity. “Entering the drumming circle requires no musical
positions used.
talent,” advises Shelton. “Your natural rhythm is correct—just
A popular African drum is the djembe. Its wide playing
listen to your heartbeat.”
surface quickly narrows to a cylinder, which serves as a base.
Drumming circles everywhere welcome everyone who
Djembes come in different sizes, with the larger ones giving
wants to join in.
lower tones.
For information about Unity of Naples drumming and related
projects, call 239-775-3009. Unity is located off Davis Blvd.,
Native American drums also may vary in size, but most
behind Seacrest Country Day School.
resemble a large tambourine, covered on one or both sides
with skin, often painted with symbolic designs. Tuning is
Happehatchee Center is at 8791 Corkscrew Rd. in Estero.
not an issue; their purpose is to fix attention solely upon the
Call 239-206-4393 or visit HappehatcheeCenter.org.
rhythm created.
See calendar pages 46-64 for details about local drumming
events in September.
A log drum is just that; a hollowed-out section of tree trunk,
usually homemade, and fitted with skin at one or both ends.
Sources: AlternativeDepressionTherapy.com; Advances in
Sometimes big enough to sit on, it emits an incredibly low
Mind-Body Medicine; Alternative Therapies in Health and
thump that dominates the other instruments. This makes it
Medicine; The Neural Ecology of Consciousness and Healing.
ideal for guiding a long session or a large assembly of drum-
Drums pictured below (from left to right):
mers.
djembe, log drum, conga drums, and bongos.
In most cases, drums can be tuned by stretching or contract-
ing the natural skin using moisture and temperature, or by
adjusting mechanical pegs. Hand drums, unless fragile, may
also be played with drumsticks. This produces a louder sound
and facilitates playing for those with infirmities of the hands
or tender palms.
0 Collier / Lee Counties
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