"Ours is an open, freestyle community drum circle. We are a diverse group of people sharing a common experience. During
the process of creating music together we create community. Our emphasis is on intuitive, improvised, and emotive rhythms
rather than rehearsed or traditional ones. We welcome your 'voice' in our group song.
Drumming is fun. Drumming can
change your mood and connect you powerfully with others. Drumming can entrance and heal. Drumming can provide a vehicle for
expressing joy, frustration and peace. Drumming can raise energies and provide relaxation. Whether we participate for the
spiritual experience, the emotional experience, the musical experience or the social experience, drumming can bring a dozen
hearts and souls to a dozen destinations. Yet we journey together...as a community."
Rick Cormier
What To Expect
We are known for our positive energy and welcoming atmosphere. Most of our drum pieces end in either laughter
or silence. We encourage participation by novices. When you decide to check us out, it is very unlikely that you'll be the
only first-timer there that night. If you don't yet own a drum, we usually have extras. There is no charge for participation.
Come when you can and leave when you must. We drum until the last of us goes home. There are currently nearly 400 people on
our email list. Some people drum with us 3 times a month while others may join us 3 times a year. It's all
good.
Though we average 15 to 35 drummers per evening, you're unlikely to drum with the same combination of people twice. Our
participants are commonly about 65% women. We have singles, couples and families who drum with us... children under
10 and seniors well into their 80's.
Expect to see African djembes, Middle Eastern doumbeks, frame drums, ashikos, congas, bongos, cajons and all sorts of rhythm
instruments. We have created incredible percussive backdrops to flute, harp, cello, sax, mandolin, blues harmonica, didgeridoo
and vocals. We welcome dancers.
Anyone may start a beat. That person sets the tempo and the tone of the piece. That guideline keeps us from
slipping into the same rhythm patterns. It also keeps the "Testosterone Tangos" from dominating. It allows us to sound African,
Latin, Middle Eastern, Native American, jazzy and purely creative...all in one evening. It allows us to weave
delicate percussive tapestries in which every note is a significant event.
The DDDC has an email list which receives weekly reminders and announcements about DDDC and other local area drum circles
and percussion-related events and resources. We also maintain an online calendar at
http://calendar.yahoo.com/differentdrummers
DIRECTIONS: 295 N or S to exit 15 Yarmouth. Go right at end of exit. Go 1/3 Mile and take a right
at the lights (Portland St.) Follow Portland St to the end. Universalist Church will be facing you. Use parking lot entrance.
