I have been involved with traditional West African drumming, Afro Cuban, Haitian and other forms of hand drumming and percussion for my entire adult life. In the last 6 years I have added drum circles as well. This post is NOT about traditional vs. drum circles.
It is about unity and respect. We need to remember to respect each other, be friendly with each other and even encourage each other. There are so many people acting out and involved in power trips and struggles with the drum, their drum scene and each other. Maybe your group doesn’t have these problems and if so, thats great.
Drumming is a way to bring people together. Drumming is a positive force in the universe. Drumming is our medicine. The drum is our tool. If you are drumming and have a drum you have a powerful tool! Be open and make a stride to support others who may or may not be in the same point on the path as you.
We are not better people because we have done it longer or know more. This does not make you or me special.
Now before you say, “I am entitled to say whatever I want” and “it’s naive to ask everyone to be positive” …I will say this. If you give the drum a chance, it can teach you amazing things.
The first thing is to come together in unity with other people. It’s not about I am the loudest, fastest, best, hottest player. It’s not about “me the soloist”. We need to support each other. Drumming is not about being singular and solo. It is about group. It’s O.K. to welcome new people into your group, scene or class. It’s O.K. to say thank you to others you drum with. It’s O.K. to pat each other on the back. It’s O.K. to appreciate each other!
It’s got to be about unity and sharing the love.