| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 6/17/2008 9:02:30 PM | I decided-quite literally just a couple hours ago- that I want to learn how to play the bongos. I'm afraid I have no rhythm. Sure I can pound my steering wheel with the best of them but when it really comes down to it I don't know if I could pull it off. Anyone play? Also, I live in the Dallas area and want to know if there are any drum circles around. I love going just to listen. They don't call me a silly hippie for nothing | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 6/20/2008 1:02:59 PM | OK, so no one is all that interested in my drumming and drum circles but I can be OK with that because as of next Thursday I am going to be the proud owner of a beautiful African drum!! I found it on Craigs List only $50. I'm pretty stoked. Maybe I will bongo naked like Matthew McConaughey....nah. | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 6/22/2008 5:26:22 PM | Hi there--
Drum circles can be an absolute blast, and if you have rhythm, you can play. It's really that simple. I've been playing for a few years, and absolutely love it. It's amazing how relaxing and energizing it can be at the same time. If you get into it, you will understand that soon enough.
I would suggest this-- go to You Tube and look up Jim Donovan. He's a friend of mine, and has been playing for a long time. He also does drum circles all over and is a great teacher. He has several videos on line talking about how to play, and at least one were you can drum along with him in a "call and response", which means he drums a beat, then pauses so you can repeat the same beat pattern. It's a great way to get the feel of the drum.
As far as finding drum circles, go to some local coffee places- NOT the Starbucks type, but local, non-franchise coffee houses. They often have music and things, and may have posts from people. You can also search on line for drum circles. Depending on if you live in a small town or a larger community, you should be able to find something.
I hope you enjoy your new drum! | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 6/22/2008 9:04:04 PM | | THANK YOU! I actually found a local drum circle yesterday. And I will definitely look up your friend. I appreciate the suggestions! | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 6/23/2008 5:41:04 PM | I've been known to sit in on some drum circles ... and believe that you will have an awesome community to share the vibe with ... I've sat in some pretty large drum circles ... sometimes they are just a jumbled mess with everyone doing their own thing ... at other times, everyone will find a common groove and the beat just takes on a life of it's own ... it can certainly be powerful mojo if the energy is right ... if you are into music at all, it's not unusual too find people who drum at certain types of music festivals ... it's all good ... enjoy ...
jeffery | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 7/2/2008 7:01:13 AM | OP, way to go for getting a drum! I've got two, a djembe and a bougarabou, and I sometimes join drum circles. It's fun, sounds great, you hook deeply into that fundamental-primal-universal rhythm, you can really build energy if everyone's together, and it's a great way to meet people, even dates! It helps to have a facilitator or someone who can help keep everyone on the beat and even initiate rhythms. A few lessons never hurt either, but playing and practicing will improve your playing. Sometimes when I practice at home, I put on a CD, whether it's rock, funk (James Brown works well for me!), Latin, Afro-Cuban or whatever, and drum along with it, though I usually have to keep it down because of the neighbors. If anyone wants to find a drum circle, here are a few links:
http://drumcircles.net/circlelist.html
http://www.geocities.com/talkingdrumpub/drummingcircles.html | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 7/2/2008 10:11:08 AM | I think it sounds lots of fun and I'd love to do something like that. There's nothing in my area though. I saw a programme about it on TV once; I think you'll probably really enjoy it. Have fun.  | |
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| Bongos and drum circles?
Posted: 7/6/2008 7:47:52 PM | | Thanks for all the suggestions and helpful hints...I have done some research and found a circle on Fridays but I'm not sure if the website is current... I've been banging around on it...not as easy as it looks...some cool stuff on youtube too...Im anxious to really get into it | |
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