Percussion music connecting our spirit
One of the benefits of playing percussion ensemble music, not only do we learn about intriguing rhythms and play a wonderful variety of world drum and percussion instruments, we also have the opportunity to play with others, connect and collaborate.
This week let’s look at new classroom percussion composition called Dancing Wildflowers. Actually, it’s not just for the classroom, this composition is for all ages who love percussion music-making. The song is in 12/8 time with doubling up drum and percussion parts, which encourages the player to play hand drums and hand-held percussion such as shakers and bells.
As you can see from the video performance, I love to use a plethora of world drums. Each drum has its own character and tone, complimenting each other through fun rhythmical dialogue to create a percussion call and answer throughout the music.
I also brought in some interesting bowed cymbals, hippy chimes (I like to call them) and tone chimes, creating a sound scape section part of the song. I find that the more we explore sound and tones the more we can incorporate this in our music storytelling. I see each sound as a splash of colour, giving us a deeper sense of vibrancy to music, a deeper sense of connection to space, time and energy.
Many of these world drum and percussion instruments I also bring to Positive Music drum circle facilitator trainings to teach those who work with people of all ages, whether that is in the classroom, mental health programs or community workshops.
As a self-taught marimba player who started playing this beautiful instrument 7 months ago, I came up with my own melody and harmony parts, that I felt suited the drum rhythms. As I continue to learn and grow exploring the marimba, I find it really keeps me on my toes and I love how it stretches knowledge –it’s a great healthy challenge.
Music a comfort in challenging times
I can honestly say that playing and creating percussion music continues to give me the opportunity as an emotional outlet. A gift that helps me through those moments in time of challenge. It allows me to shake of negative energy, shifts perspective and always touches my heart. The older I get the more I appreciate the gift of music.
And boy… I really needed music in the past few months. Sometimes life can be such a breeze, and very easy going, just in flow and then there are times in life where we can be put through the emotional ringer.
As I reflect nearly every day, I feel so lucky and blessed to have music to shift energy, feel better and express what I feel. Just in the past few months have presented some challenges. Losing a close loved one, then to follow it up with a car accident then spending a few days in hospital can be an eye-opening experience.
When I began writing classroom percussion ensemble piece Dancing Wildflowers in November 2022 and of course I didn’t know all the things that were to come. So, through these recent emotional challenges and trying to finish the recording, arrangement and just this week coming out of the hospital finally completed the filming of the performance of Dancing Wildflowers, once again I am reminded how fortunate I am to have music in my life. Plus, the satisfaction of completing this percussion ensemble composition. All that’s needed now is for me to write the charts. Which I’m hoping to finish in two weeks.
So over to you what instrument helps you to help you through challenging times? Please write your comment below. Happy drumming.
A little gift for you as you continue to build your djembe drumming skills
I want to help you out as much as I can so I’ve added some great hand drum beats for beginners and ensemble drums that accompany the djembe, called 7 Easy Steps to Develop Rhythm, Technique, Timing and Feel PDF. It’s filled with lots of tips on technique and how to improve your timing and feel, to really take your playing to the next level.
This is my gift to you and something that can accompany you on your drumming journey.
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