
Rhythm Centre Village Drum Circles - anything
is possible!
"Co-operation
and collaboration is the basic glue to a community. A community drum
circle is a collaboratively self-organized musical event created “in
the moment” by all the people who participate. When we,
as a community, drum together, sharing our spirit in the form of rhythm,
it changes our relationships for the positive.
As we play together,
we give ourselves a rhythmical massage, an emotional release and a healing.
The release and healing is different for every person in the rhythm
circle, and it happens whether we are entraining ourselves into the
circle by drumming, or standing outside the circle and listening while
tapping our feet and clapping along with the music. To make beautiful
music together, with rhythm instruments, all we have to do is bring
to the circle whatever rhythmical expertise we have to offer, along
with the excitement of sharing it with other people"
Arthur Hull - Founder, Village
Music Circles
Cultural Diversity
The Rhythm Centre actively encourages
different ethnic groups in the exploration of differing rhythm cultures.
For example, we are part of the Blockhouse Bay Boat
Club and in the last 18 months at the boat house I have helped orchestrate
several different ethnic groups in coming together to express their
music and dance.
Many of these groups and individuals have been recent
immigrants and refugees - some famous in their own country of origin,
but unrecognised here in NZ, surviving by pumping petrol, driving taxis
etc.
We see these people as arts resource people and we
do our best to bring their talents and music out there for others to
appreciate and for them to express their passions.
In Britain, where multiculturalism is long established,
schools studying certain countries can call an agency who pays migrants
for their teaching contributions.
Similarly the Rhythm Centre can provide a win-win
situation for performers, participants and audiences to appreciate.
|
"Drumming
together is a complex process. It requires us to listen while we play.
Most importantly, it demands that we give others space to be heard.
This is creating community through sound."
The intention of the Rhythm Centre is to exemplify all the various cultural
rhythmic styles.
Over the years we have established connections with many different cultural
groups, have played with them and have assurances of their willingness
to support this centre and make use of it.
These include African, South American, Native American, Japanese, Korean,
Chinese, Kurdish, Indian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islands and good old
ingenious Kiwi ab-original, eclectic and creative groups.
Japanese Taiko Drums and drummers in action.
For further information contact
Fraser Bruce: rhythmco@ihug.co.nz
or go here for contact details.
|