What is a drum circle?

 

A drum circle is a gathering of people who come together to play instruments (namely drums), usually in an outdoor setting.  The number of participants can vary from just a few to hundreds.  Many different percussion instruments are used like djembes and doumbeks (african drums), congas and bongos (latin drums), or maracas and shekeres (types of shakers).  All are welcome to share in the music with playing, dancing, or singing.  It is an opportunity for people of different race, gender, and religion to congregate and fellowship through the universal human language, music.

   

    Although many different people playing intertwining rhythms may sound like it could be a chaotic frenzy of sound, the beauty of the drum circle is how a 'pulse' is recognized and respected, no matter the number of players.  This 'pulse' is called steady beat.  Even though each drummer might have a different rhythm, the recognition of a solid, steady beat keeps the music together.  When many rhythms happen at the same time, it is called polyrhythm.  Often times, there is no conductor or anyone dictating what ryhthms are to be played.  Music just happens when players make it up on the spot, we call it 'jamming' or improvisation.