I am having website poltergeist! New and cool stuff is here, too.
Hopefully, I can get this page straightened up by the end of the week. Check back!
[this is a 'public' page. you don't have to have a facebook account o see it.]
This was always a really fun rhythm game….
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SING THIS! It makes playing easy. |
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This is the Home pattern: |
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Bass Slap [ ] Tone Tone [ ] [ ] [ ] |
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Now we add ONE note: |
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Bass Slap [ ] Tone Tone [ ] Bass [ ] |
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And another. Just one note: |
Bass Slap [ ] Tone Tone Bass Bass [ ] |
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Add one bass up front: |
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Bass Slap Bass Tone Tone Bass Bass [ ] |
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And one slap at the end: |
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Bass Slap Bass Tone Tone Bass Bass Slap |
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So sing and play. Singing each line gets it in ya. So to sing is to practice. Once the song is in ya, it can come out of your hands! The base pattern gets stuck in you with all that repetition, and can become a good 4/4 pattern to call up in a song. And you already know how to improvise it into a solo.
You are spectacular, creative musicians…..
Play the base rhythm for a while; slowly and perfectly. Just like that. Don’t worry. Just get the groove. Then after a while when you feel at ease with the pattern, move through the rhythm, adding one new note at a time, then try backing up, subtracting one note at a time. Play each line 4 times before moving on. Maybe throw a little variation in on the last one…..
Handling this pattern: I don’t give much attention to handing most of the time. Guinea teachers will tell you one way, Yoruba teachers will tell you anther. LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR TEACHER TELLS YOU! This is goofing-off style drumming – not traditional! I have found playing hand-over-hand, Guinea style, works best for me with this pattern, but Guinea style is what I am used to. Play the way that is best for you. “If it sounds good, it IS good.” Duke Ellington
The pattern would be played like this if you’re right handed:
Bass Slap [ ] Tone Tone [ ] [ ] [ ]
Bass Slap Bass Tone Tone Bass Bass Slap
Giving the spaces the same hand you’ll play by the last line. It makes it easy to be FAST!
This exercise is from the book, “Have Fun Playing Hand Drums” by Ben James
I asked each one our group to write a line for a group composition, and this is what they created:
The Divas – November 2011 —> Divas 112811 [either link should work]
Here are the individual patterns that made up the song. Each student had 16 spaces to enter either a bass, tone, slap or rest. Some of us were transcribing the rhythms we could hear in our heads. Others were letting the patterns emerge on the whiteboard. The resulting rhythm was beautiful by blending both. There were patterns that were simple, beautiful and foundational. Those were the stepping stones in the brook. I used the first pattern as the ride. It runs throughout the song in the background with a shaker on the pulse and son clave, to meet the “more cowbell” requirement.
Other patterns were elaborate and elegant. They had starts and runs and pauses where I wouldn’t expect them. I like my expectations rattled! Those patterns dove and flowed around the solid stepping stones. They broke over the banks, fell back into ride rhythm, then surrendered the song to shaker and bell….
That what Divas do, and this is how they did it:
| t t b . | t t b . | t t b | b . b . |
| b t s . | s t b . | b s t . | tt s b |
| b t t t | b . b . | b t t t | b . . . |
| b t t . | b s s . | b . t t | b b b . |
| t b t b | s s . . | t b t b | s s . . |
| t t . s | . b s . | . b t . | t t t s |
| b t . t | b . b . | t . b b | s s . b |
| b . t t | t . b b | . s s . | s s . . |
| . . b . | t t . s | t t . . | . b t s |
| b t t b | b t t | s s . . | b t t b |
| . b . t | t s . b | b t t . | b s s . |
You are amazing people. Thank you for playing music with me!
I have heard rumor that drum circles could kill the revolution. Wow! We are so powerful! As a drummer who drums in a circle with other drummers, I almost resent that. But I understand. I studied very specific, very traditional drum rhythms from West Africa. It is very precise and beautiful, if you know what you’re doing. Drum circles are often a large group of people, sitting side by side, playing alone. It has groove, but no structure. I like the structure of music. I live like jazz is a verb. How do these two sides get along?
For the Occupy Boise Bazaar, we did a facilitated circle with these guidelines:
1. Everyone is welcome. This is 100% inclusive! It is not about your drumming skills, it’s about your unity skills.
2. You Got The Beat – you were born with it. Begin with a pulse. Join in. The song is the most cherished presence in the room. This is about building a strong, cohesive beat. Make it sound like one drum.
3a. Speak UP! Without the constriction of you head, play your drum. Speak with your hands what’s filling you up. Be honest. Terribly honest. Don’t put words on it in your head, just play it like you mean it. Say what you have to say and be done. We will know you are done when you re-join the pulse.
3b. LISTEN. We honor each other by listening to what they have to say. Your responsibility here is to maintain a solid beat. if you cannot hear the lead drummer, you are playing too loud.
4. Drumming is a Metaphor
The group built a solid vibrating foundation, and everyone took a turn playing louder than everyone else. After the last person played, it sort of burst into a really great song. It was joyful and musical. We built a circle of trust where no one was greater or less than any other. We started out on common ground; that being the ultimate foundation. After we were unified, each person was given the opportunity to speak and be heard, with the entire body supporting them in saying it.
The jam that followed was as spontaneous as a drum circle, but with intention, direction and trust. We were all in it together. If we listen to each other, we can build a song. If we listen, we can build a community, and if we can build a community, we can build a nation.
So we build a song….
djembe tuning - mali weave
Before you start the Mali weave, you need to make sure the vertical lacing is tight…
Working from the top lacing, count two verticals…
you go over two….
back up through the middle….
cinch it down, and back under the first two you went over traveling in the same direction….
Pull out the Slack….
Turn your drum so you don’t fight the lacing and pull your knot…
Repeat the process….
Not sure if you need to tune your drum? Take you index finger push the center of the head of the drum, if it flexes you need to put some diamonds into your drum. A tuned drum allows you to easily make the three separate sound from a drum, the bass, the tone, and the slap.
I found a wonderful site tonight while pondering the origin of drums… What drums? there are so many! There is – somewhere – a voice that will suit your hands.
This is from a site called Drummer’s Lounge. I like their tagline: Rhythm without boundaries
HealthRHYTHMS Research
Published Research Summary
Numerous research studies have been published in peer reviewed journals which demonstrate the health & wellness benefits of our research-based HealthRHYTHMS Recreational Music-Making (RMM) protocol. HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming is Remo’s internationally acclaimed research-based RMM program and is the basis for this research.
IMPACT ON IMMUNE SYSTEM – Strengthens the Immune System (2001)
A healthy immune system is the key component to preventing infectious diseases. We are all exposed to millions of germs every day, so our reliance on our own immune system to fight off most potential infections is indisputable.
What do we mean it can strengthen the immune system? The study of 111 HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming participants showed a statistically significant increase in natural killer cell activity after a one-hour group session. Natural Killer cells (NK) are the white blood cells that seek out and destroy cancer and virally infected cells. Additionally, the protocol appears to reverse specific neuroendocrine and neuroimmune patterns of change associated with the classic stress response. Read the Abstract ~ Read Remo Belli’s Interview with Researcher, Barry Bittman, MD
EMPLOYEE BURNOUT & TURNOVER REDUCTION – Improves Mood States and Reduces Burnout (2003)
Working in the long-term care environment can be very stressful. Lower employee stress and turnover rates translate into better care for residents and cost savings for employers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates there is an annual turnover rate of between 70 to 100 percent in nursing homes (Wilner 1999).
In this 6-session (HealthRHYTHMS) study of 112 long-term care workers 46% demonstrated significant mood improvement. When follow-up testing was done 6 weeks after the end of the study, the improvement in mood had continued to grow increasing to 62%. Based upon what is already known from previous studies of factors that influence an employee’s decision to quit, an independent team of economic-impact analysts projected these improvements would result in an 18.3% reduction in turnover. When follow-up was done with this facility the annual turnover experienced was actually reduced even more than these projections. Read the Abstract
REDUCING STUDENT DROP-OUT RATE – Retains Students: Mood Improvement & Burnout Reduction (2004)
In July 2007, a report released by the PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute found that though the average nurse turnover rate in hospitals was 8.4%, the average voluntary turnover for first-year nurses was 27.1%. (GIH, 2008) Drop-out rates for nursing schools are rising further compounding this problem.
In this study the mood states of 75 first year associate degree nursing students were evaluated including: tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, vigor/activity, fatigue/inertia and confusion/bewilderment. In spite of the fact that being required to participate in the study added additional time requirements to their schedule a 28.1% improvement in total mood disturbance was reported. Analysts project that these reductions in burnout and improvements in mood would likely reduce drop-out rates. This has the potential to positively impact the number of nurses completing nursing school and entering the nursing profession. Read the Abstract
GENOMIC IMPACT – Reverses Stress on the Genomic Level (2005)
“Stress is really a component of every disease,” says James Rosenbaum, MD.
This groundbreaking study published in the February 2005 issue of the international research journal Medical Science Monitor shows for the first time that playing a musical instrument can reverse multiple components of the human stress response on the genomic level. We know from previous studies that HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming Protocol (RMM) reduces stress, burnout, improves mood states and boosts the immune system. This study looked at the effects of Recreational Music Making (RMM) at the genomic level and demonstrated not simply a reduction in stress but a reversal in 19 genetic switches that turn on the stress response believed responsible in the development of common diseases. This study also “extends our understanding of individualized human biological stress responses on an unprecedented level”.(Bittman, B., 2005) Read the Abstract
CORPORATE EMPLOYEE WELLNESS BENEFITS – Strengthens the Immune System of Corporate Employees (2007)
Growing evidence linking job stress to illness emphasizes the importance of finding an effective means of stress management. This study of Corporate Employees in Japan was conducted to assess whether or not this wellness strategy demonstrated a positive effect on stress biology in the corporate environment.
HealthRHYTHMS has significant potential for utilization in the corporate wellness environment. (Masatada, W., Koyama, M., Utsuyama, M., Bittman, B., Kitagawa, M., Hirokawa, K., 2007) Read the Abstract
CREATIVITY & BONDING IN SENIORS – Recreational Music-Making Inspires Creativity & Bonding in Long-Term Care Residents
Bittman, B., Bruhn, K., Lim, P., Neve, A., Stevens,C. Knudsen, C. , 2003
This study demonstrates the efficacy of recreational music-making as a means of inspiring creativity and helping long term care residents bond. Residents reported that RMM activities produced far more favorable effects, when compared with antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs.
To test this hypothesis, two real-world laboratories were established at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community, Meadville, Pa., a facility with independent living, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory support (skilled and assisted); and Fredericka Manor, Chula Vista, CA., a retirement campus with independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, including 60 beds for persons with dementia.
While ongoing RMM programs are currently offered at both facilities, the data collection period extended from 2002 through 2003. A total of 550 seniors participated in the study. All subjects (or family members when appropriate) signed informed consents, and the protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board for Human Studies of Meadville Medical Center. The program was conducted by an interdisciplinary facilitation team that included a physician, two music therapists, a music teacher, musicians, and members of the facilities’ activities staffs. The program included a Yamaha Clavinova Keyboard assisted drum circle which followed the HealthRHYTHMS Protocol.
Resident Observations: After completion of the program, many residents noted the immediate benefits of creating connections with staff and other residents. Participation in just one RMM session often promoted identifiable and meaningful connections. The predominant conclusion was that there are no “strangers” at the end of an RMM session. Several residents remarked that their ability to more effectively deal with the loss of a loved one or friend was enhanced through RMM sessions. The acknowledgement of a person who had recently passed on served as an effective means for honoring an important relationship through empathetic group
support. A number of participants commented that RMM positively influenced their overall perspectives and expectations for living in a long term care environment. In addition, residents reported that RMM activities produced far more favorable effects, when compared with antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs. Read the Abstract
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS IN AT-RISK ADOLESCENTS – HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent Protocol is a catalyst for quality of life improvement
Despite the devotion of significant resources to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents (youth who have committed offenses that would be considered criminal in adults)a limited number of effective, replicable, evidence-based treatment strategies exist, which are supported by peer-reviewed research. This new research published in Advances Journal demonstrates significant improvements in these youths through the use of the HealthRHYTHMS adolescent protocol. In fact this is the first strategy we are aware of which may actually hold hope for reducing what some refer to as “the columbine effect” which has driven so many adolescents to commit horrible violent acts. (Instrumental Anger)
“This is an accessible, affordable and sustainable strategy that can positively impact juvenile rehabilitation.” Barry Bittman, MD
“Imagine darkness so intense and so complete covering you like a velvet blanket. A blackness which cuts you off from the everyday world, which forces you to withdraw deep into yourself, which makes you see with your heart instead of your eyes. You can’t see, but your eyes are opened. You are isolated, but you know that you are united with all living things. And out of this utter darkness comes the roaring of the drums, the sound of the prayers. And among these sounds your ear catches the voices of the spirits, ghostlike, whispering to your from unseen lips. Lights are flitting through the room, almost touching you, little flashes of lightning coming at you from the darkness. Rattles are flying through the air. You feel the wings of birds brushing your face, feel the light touch of a feather on your skin. And always you hear the throbbing drums filling the empty space inside yourself, faming you forget the things that clutter up your mind, making your body sway to their rhythm…”
~Robbie Robertson “Contact from the Underworld of Red Boy“
I am grateful… making music with others – especially showing other people that they are music makers – is truly a reward in itself. I spend most of my time and resources doing just that. It is worth every breath, every moment, every muscle. This morning I had one of my adapted classes at the Fort Boise Community Center. A young woman asked, “What are you going to teach us?” ”Nothing.” I said. “You already know how to play music. I am just going to remind you.”
They remembered! One young man took a giant beautiful dununba, and without suggestion, began to play a steady deep pulse. Whoa, baby! That’s all I need! I matched his beat with bass notes on my djembe and the room immediately settled in time for the song to begin.
I want to let you know that this is a room filled with around 20 young adults [19 -25] with “disabilities” – Down’s, Autism… conditions, symptoms, complications, behaviors that distinguish them from “Typical”. Everyone in the room was playing to this pulse. [I did have to encourage the aides who believed they were there to observe. It is never a baby, a child or a person who 'comes-as-they-are' that tells me they cannot play a drum.]
We built the rest of the hour from there. Always the same. Always different. Start with a pulse, add your voice, your joy, your frustration, your day. Make the song we’re playing our own. A couple girls got up to dance. The kid on the tambourine rocked! The young man whose expression does not change, smiled. They laughed and drummed and hooted and cheered. It is worth everything to play this way.
I have been devoted to this sharing caring play time music fest for years. A few days ago, I received a financial gift. In my world, it was a really BIG gift. I am not a non-profit, so the donation of money and instruments really is a stringless Gift. The giver doesn’t get a tax break for it. It is encouragement to continue on and the means to do so. What my friends ‘paid for’ was my ability to donate several hours to a couple of classes of 5th graders, and still be able to pay some bills. They enabled me to purchase some lummi sticks so everyone can participate when we invite others to play. They have validated this priceless work…
The world is changing and asking us all to show up with our deepest love and greatest contribution. That is our own self. I just play drums. But it is my voice, and shared with the voices of each person willing to speak up and share their deepest love and greatest self, we really can have harmony in this world.
http://failladrums.com/doing-the-best-for-the-most/
