Happy Fourth of July!
July Fourth is often a time when many of us congregate outdoors to enjoy company and community. This is also a great time for Drum Circles! Here is a drum circle plan that I am using this Independence Day! Have Fun! -d
Independence Day, Drum Jam
- Begin with stretching, waking up the body; opening up the heart and lungs. Draw attention to the breath; center the group.
- Ask the group, “what do you think of when you think of the fourth of July?”
- Today’s group will use some of these themes, as intention for the group. We will be invigorating ourselves with these themes.
- Themes:
A) Independence
i. Name, have each person play their name on a drum in whatever rhythm they’d like.
ii. Passing the pulse. Begin a slow pulse, having everyone play along with you, then look at the next person, this person then changes the pulse to their own rhythm.
B) Freedom: Rumble, letting go of anything that inhibits you, that doesn’t suit you or do you any good.
C) Taking Control of Yourself: Call and response. Leader asks, “who wants to have more control? If you’d like to practice being in control, you’re your chair forward a few inches. Leader begins, then passes the drum to someone else whose chair is pulled forward.
D) Fireworks:
i. Tell this story: The Chinese developed fireworks in the 7th century and they were used during the celebration of their New Year, to scare away the bad spirits of the previous year and chase them back into the previous year so that they wouldn’t follow one into the next year. Additionally, they were used to pray for happiness and prosperity.
ii. Do a “Hit” circle, by counting 1-2-3! Hit! (and everyone plays together once) And after the hit, do a “sparkle,” by doing a short, softer rumble to resemble the sound of fireworks. Do this for as many people who have things that they want to chase back into the previous years to prepare a “clean slate” for the coming year.
E) Celebration. Finish the circle with a “Celebration Circle.” As noted by Christine Stevens in Drum Circle Spirit. In this circle, first teach everyone how to stop the group. Then, get a groove going, inviting the group to “stop” the groove any time. When they stop the groove, then they must share something that they are grateful for or would like to celebrate!
Happy Fourth of July!
-Davida
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