I want to thank everyone who came to my drum making class. It was such a huge success. The atmosphere of the room lent power to the project at hand, and so much healing energy went into those drum that it was almost unfathomable.
As we talked about before, about the process of "remembering", it took very little instruction before everyone started making their drums as if an instinctual element in each one present just took over. Judy F. who has very little hand strength was tightening her drum as if she had made 100 of them before. I was commenting about my "bass player hands/fingers" and how I rely on my hand strength for tightening the drums (as the Native Peoples didn't have needle nose pliers) as much as possible. Before I took over to give the last couple rounds of tightening with the group and the tying of the handles, hers was the one drum that required the least tightening.
This really drives home the point that when we make a drum, we really step into a time-shift and consciousness shift. One can explain it in several different ways, but I will leave that to the reader but needless to say, it was amazing to see people instinctually helping each other as if they had done this before, and to see and feel the energy of the room.
Since the drums take 4 days to dry, we will all be "birthing" our drums for the first time at drum circle on Wednesday. I cannot wait to "feel" that room.
The biggest thanks go to Jefferey and Cindy, whom made this possible, and whom shared the time before the class to smudge and pray. You both are so dear to me. Thank you for your spirit.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Drum Making Paradigm: My Journey
Making a drum involves processes that mirror life. What is interesting to see is how much of a person’s life is reflected in how a drum manifests in the hands of the maker. Even more interestingly is what the drum actually teaches us in this process of the drum journey.The drum maker’s journey can be separated, for the sake of this paradigm, into a few metaphorical, intellectual steps. The first step usually involves in what I call…
The Invitation:
Many are called. Few answer. Even fewer are “initiated”. I recall attending a “real” powwow for the first time. It was different than just a bunch of white guys selling cheap knockoff beads, dream catchers made in horrid colors and with plastic beads, low grade “Native American” flutes that were made in China or India, and guys running around in moccasins with “made in China” imprinted on the sole. I have been to those, and while you can find good “finds” from the occasional vendor who sells the real articles, they are not a good representation of traditional drumming, traditional dancing, traditional food, or high quality wares from vendors who sell to people expecting to pay more for authentic goods.
While attending this more sophisticated, authentic powwow I heard a sound that captivated me and spoke to something innate that was likely encoded within me on a genetic level. It was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In the center of a ring used for traditional dancing and dancing competition, the local tribe sat around a ceremonial drum with beaters in hand and offered a prayer. There were 8 of them and the drum was so large it easily accommodated all of them. When they began to beat the sound would ricochet off any solid object and echo back from a great distance, but only after penetrating the skin, bones and sinews of everyone present. From then I knew what I wanted, but didn’t know that I was being called to become a drum maker.
From that very moment, like many, I was “initiated” into the rhythm of the Earth and the path of the Drum Maker. I fell in love with the drum and wanted to play one. I didn’t own a single percussion instrument at this point, but I opened myself to the Universe and discovered so many “coincidental” happenings just falling into my path, including a resource for which to purchase my first drum (a Djembe) and people who would teach me about drumming, about how to make drums, and about the wisdom of the animals used in the process. One would be surprised as to just how many of such “life lessons” present themselves to us in our day to day activities when one steps into the stream of Awareness and Intention; the key is just to be open and available to be taught by them.
The Test:
This next stage I call “The Test” because in that stage we are given an opportunity to experience the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and to partake in it like it were a communion with The Sacred. This might come in several forms for individuals, but for me it presented itself by way of the Native American flute, surprisingly enough. The process has given me a greater understanding of quantum theory and of the Great Web of Wyrd, an ancient but valid concept of the inter-connectivity of everything. Chief Seattle in his famous speech referred to it as “The Web of Life”. Digressing, the Native American flute caused me to gain a deeper understanding of natural rhythms from the standpoint of an instrument originally designed as a courting tool, and later as a solo instrument that uses techniques of rhythm in its playing. In learning to play the Native American flute I was taught to look at the horizon and, for example, pick a tree line and play the notes on flute according to the rises and dips in the height of the trees. I would Experientially come to understand that rhythm comes in visual forms, in cause verses action as seen in a swaying branch in the wind, and a host of other examples.
Of course, the Native American flute is also commonly played along with drums and other percussion instruments such as rattles and shakers. Basically the Native American flute and drums go together like ham and eggs. I would then go on to form a flute circle where drums are often played, so I began to look at the Native American flute, like life itself, as complementary to the drumbeat. That of course, caused me to want to experience drums on a more intimate level, and an opportunity presented itself – again, Universe directed – to make a drum. The real test came when I was presented with the challenge of what to do with this opportunity.
I view the entire experience in this stage as a test because at each stage an opportunity was presented to me. What I choose to do with it, and how I chose to relate to it, was purely my own choice based on Awareness, on Intuition, and on an almost Spiritual level, the answer to what I felt was a natural Calling from what already was within me… I just needed to Remember both how to do it, and how to step into the rhythm I already know was there. Some of the best things come to you when you open yourself to them.
The Initiation:
In short, I made my first drum, and I quickly discovered the healing properties of sound and was forever transformed from the very moment I soaked my hides and ties 2 days prior to making it.
I was introduced to a gentleman in his mid-seventies. He started his path as a drum maker in his 60’s, and has since made over 4000 drums and has taught many to become drum makers over the last 15 years or so. He showed me how painfully easy it is to make a drum, as they key to making a good drum is knowing first how to approach the process, then how to prepare the hides for stretching, and finally the proper techniques involved in building them. These are all easily learned. What can really make a bad drum is in NOT knowing what NOT to do during the process. That, as well, is easily learned and therefore avoided... sometimes by trial and error to the new drum maker.
So with my wet hides and willingness to learn, I became initiated as a drum maker. Once a drum maker always a drum maker, as you will continue to make drums all around you from that point forward. Even if you never touch a wet piece of Elk, Moose, Deer, Bear, or any other animal, the process of creating a drum for yourself that can be handed down to generations to come, is more than just making a drum. It’s about stepping into a Sacred Mindspace with an intellectual and Experiential knowledge of the workings of the Universe, the interconnectivity of all things, and how the voice is created. And to that end, we learn when taking the drum into circle that we have the power to create and to cause change. Its as simple as stepping into the rhythms all around us, and taking your proverbial beater, and the heart beat of the Earth within you, and changing the rhythm that can be felt and heard by others. One simple idea can change the course of a society or culture. In quantum theory we say that the beating wings of a butterfly can change the weather patterns on the other side of the world. We can prove this theory in the laboratory on a molecular level, but what we also do is what we have done for centuries. We can use the gift that resides in each of us to do the very same thing. Making a drum is an intellectual and kinetic expression of this, and a physical celebration of this Great Power.
From the first drum I made, I knew that I wanted others to experience the personal transformation and Awakening. I knew it would be my calling to Initiate others and present them with the Opportunity. As with anything, it is up to them what they get out of it. However I have yet to find anyone who was not transformed by the process of making and connecting with their own drum.
The reflection:
It has been said that the Journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step. The Drummers journey never stops and transcends this life I am most certain. Once you are open to drumming and, perhaps, even as a drum maker, you become open to so many useful things in life. The perspective you gain, and the voice you develop, is unstoppable and ever developing. The drum has been used in cultures of developed humans for ages. Shamans refer to the drum as the horse, as it carries you; some even induce a “shamanic state of consciousness” using the drum. Some use it to communicate, while others use it to celebrate. Some use it to heal, while others use it to study the world around them. One common thread is that drumming unites, transcending all language, culture and understanding.
As a drum maker, it now behooves you to teach these concepts to others. Again, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to teach someone how to stretch and tie rawhide, but merely how to reflect on the information and Experience presented to you by the Universe and by your own heartbeat.
Further reflections on the drum making process:
Now, getting to the process of drum making and what you have an opportunity to experience. There are many important lessons a drum maker has an opportunity to both experience and learn in the process of making a drum. We are not perfect. The good new s is that we don’t have to be! Every one of us has imperfections in our physical, emotional, “spiritual”, or any other areas in our lives. It gives us something to work on and to perfect. It also gives us a reflection point for which to triangulate our efforts in life, in everything we do. When we make a drum, we use materials that are imperfect. The edges are rough. The hide has scars, bruises, marks, and other imperfections. The rawhide ties are cut by hand and reflect rough edges; we do that, as well, to use as much of the hide as we can so not to waste anything unnecessarily. When we tie a drum, sometimes the holes break and we have to make another one. Sometimes the ties break and we have to splice them. Sometimes the hide or the handle is not centered. Like life, a good drum will have imperfections. With this process, as mirrored in life, we need to embrace the spirit of humility and acceptance. This is as important in the drum making process as it is in life. What we do come to discover is that like with people, what is important is the Voice. Some of the ugliest drums I have seen have turned out to have the best voice. Some of the most perfect, mechanically made drums have sounded the worst, in my opinion. Consider why this is.
In my estimation, it is because the drum lacks “soul”.
The drum is alive, and alive with the Spirit of the drum maker. Nothing less than an Experiential understanding of this will do.
If you have the opportunity to make a drum for yourself, I urge you to consider the journey. If you do not, you can still benefit from regular attendance at a local Drum Circle. Most communities have at least one. If you do not have access to one, consider starting one.
The Journey of 1000 miles begins with one footstep...
or even one drum beat.
The Invitation:
Many are called. Few answer. Even fewer are “initiated”. I recall attending a “real” powwow for the first time. It was different than just a bunch of white guys selling cheap knockoff beads, dream catchers made in horrid colors and with plastic beads, low grade “Native American” flutes that were made in China or India, and guys running around in moccasins with “made in China” imprinted on the sole. I have been to those, and while you can find good “finds” from the occasional vendor who sells the real articles, they are not a good representation of traditional drumming, traditional dancing, traditional food, or high quality wares from vendors who sell to people expecting to pay more for authentic goods.
While attending this more sophisticated, authentic powwow I heard a sound that captivated me and spoke to something innate that was likely encoded within me on a genetic level. It was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In the center of a ring used for traditional dancing and dancing competition, the local tribe sat around a ceremonial drum with beaters in hand and offered a prayer. There were 8 of them and the drum was so large it easily accommodated all of them. When they began to beat the sound would ricochet off any solid object and echo back from a great distance, but only after penetrating the skin, bones and sinews of everyone present. From then I knew what I wanted, but didn’t know that I was being called to become a drum maker.
From that very moment, like many, I was “initiated” into the rhythm of the Earth and the path of the Drum Maker. I fell in love with the drum and wanted to play one. I didn’t own a single percussion instrument at this point, but I opened myself to the Universe and discovered so many “coincidental” happenings just falling into my path, including a resource for which to purchase my first drum (a Djembe) and people who would teach me about drumming, about how to make drums, and about the wisdom of the animals used in the process. One would be surprised as to just how many of such “life lessons” present themselves to us in our day to day activities when one steps into the stream of Awareness and Intention; the key is just to be open and available to be taught by them.
The Test:
This next stage I call “The Test” because in that stage we are given an opportunity to experience the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and to partake in it like it were a communion with The Sacred. This might come in several forms for individuals, but for me it presented itself by way of the Native American flute, surprisingly enough. The process has given me a greater understanding of quantum theory and of the Great Web of Wyrd, an ancient but valid concept of the inter-connectivity of everything. Chief Seattle in his famous speech referred to it as “The Web of Life”. Digressing, the Native American flute caused me to gain a deeper understanding of natural rhythms from the standpoint of an instrument originally designed as a courting tool, and later as a solo instrument that uses techniques of rhythm in its playing. In learning to play the Native American flute I was taught to look at the horizon and, for example, pick a tree line and play the notes on flute according to the rises and dips in the height of the trees. I would Experientially come to understand that rhythm comes in visual forms, in cause verses action as seen in a swaying branch in the wind, and a host of other examples.
Of course, the Native American flute is also commonly played along with drums and other percussion instruments such as rattles and shakers. Basically the Native American flute and drums go together like ham and eggs. I would then go on to form a flute circle where drums are often played, so I began to look at the Native American flute, like life itself, as complementary to the drumbeat. That of course, caused me to want to experience drums on a more intimate level, and an opportunity presented itself – again, Universe directed – to make a drum. The real test came when I was presented with the challenge of what to do with this opportunity.
I view the entire experience in this stage as a test because at each stage an opportunity was presented to me. What I choose to do with it, and how I chose to relate to it, was purely my own choice based on Awareness, on Intuition, and on an almost Spiritual level, the answer to what I felt was a natural Calling from what already was within me… I just needed to Remember both how to do it, and how to step into the rhythm I already know was there. Some of the best things come to you when you open yourself to them.
The Initiation:
In short, I made my first drum, and I quickly discovered the healing properties of sound and was forever transformed from the very moment I soaked my hides and ties 2 days prior to making it.
I was introduced to a gentleman in his mid-seventies. He started his path as a drum maker in his 60’s, and has since made over 4000 drums and has taught many to become drum makers over the last 15 years or so. He showed me how painfully easy it is to make a drum, as they key to making a good drum is knowing first how to approach the process, then how to prepare the hides for stretching, and finally the proper techniques involved in building them. These are all easily learned. What can really make a bad drum is in NOT knowing what NOT to do during the process. That, as well, is easily learned and therefore avoided... sometimes by trial and error to the new drum maker.
So with my wet hides and willingness to learn, I became initiated as a drum maker. Once a drum maker always a drum maker, as you will continue to make drums all around you from that point forward. Even if you never touch a wet piece of Elk, Moose, Deer, Bear, or any other animal, the process of creating a drum for yourself that can be handed down to generations to come, is more than just making a drum. It’s about stepping into a Sacred Mindspace with an intellectual and Experiential knowledge of the workings of the Universe, the interconnectivity of all things, and how the voice is created. And to that end, we learn when taking the drum into circle that we have the power to create and to cause change. Its as simple as stepping into the rhythms all around us, and taking your proverbial beater, and the heart beat of the Earth within you, and changing the rhythm that can be felt and heard by others. One simple idea can change the course of a society or culture. In quantum theory we say that the beating wings of a butterfly can change the weather patterns on the other side of the world. We can prove this theory in the laboratory on a molecular level, but what we also do is what we have done for centuries. We can use the gift that resides in each of us to do the very same thing. Making a drum is an intellectual and kinetic expression of this, and a physical celebration of this Great Power.
From the first drum I made, I knew that I wanted others to experience the personal transformation and Awakening. I knew it would be my calling to Initiate others and present them with the Opportunity. As with anything, it is up to them what they get out of it. However I have yet to find anyone who was not transformed by the process of making and connecting with their own drum.
The reflection:
It has been said that the Journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step. The Drummers journey never stops and transcends this life I am most certain. Once you are open to drumming and, perhaps, even as a drum maker, you become open to so many useful things in life. The perspective you gain, and the voice you develop, is unstoppable and ever developing. The drum has been used in cultures of developed humans for ages. Shamans refer to the drum as the horse, as it carries you; some even induce a “shamanic state of consciousness” using the drum. Some use it to communicate, while others use it to celebrate. Some use it to heal, while others use it to study the world around them. One common thread is that drumming unites, transcending all language, culture and understanding.
As a drum maker, it now behooves you to teach these concepts to others. Again, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to teach someone how to stretch and tie rawhide, but merely how to reflect on the information and Experience presented to you by the Universe and by your own heartbeat.
Further reflections on the drum making process:
Now, getting to the process of drum making and what you have an opportunity to experience. There are many important lessons a drum maker has an opportunity to both experience and learn in the process of making a drum. We are not perfect. The good new s is that we don’t have to be! Every one of us has imperfections in our physical, emotional, “spiritual”, or any other areas in our lives. It gives us something to work on and to perfect. It also gives us a reflection point for which to triangulate our efforts in life, in everything we do. When we make a drum, we use materials that are imperfect. The edges are rough. The hide has scars, bruises, marks, and other imperfections. The rawhide ties are cut by hand and reflect rough edges; we do that, as well, to use as much of the hide as we can so not to waste anything unnecessarily. When we tie a drum, sometimes the holes break and we have to make another one. Sometimes the ties break and we have to splice them. Sometimes the hide or the handle is not centered. Like life, a good drum will have imperfections. With this process, as mirrored in life, we need to embrace the spirit of humility and acceptance. This is as important in the drum making process as it is in life. What we do come to discover is that like with people, what is important is the Voice. Some of the ugliest drums I have seen have turned out to have the best voice. Some of the most perfect, mechanically made drums have sounded the worst, in my opinion. Consider why this is.
In my estimation, it is because the drum lacks “soul”.
The drum is alive, and alive with the Spirit of the drum maker. Nothing less than an Experiential understanding of this will do.
If you have the opportunity to make a drum for yourself, I urge you to consider the journey. If you do not, you can still benefit from regular attendance at a local Drum Circle. Most communities have at least one. If you do not have access to one, consider starting one.
The Journey of 1000 miles begins with one footstep...
or even one drum beat.
Remembering How to Drum
It is during the solstices, equinoxes and all the physical evidences of seasonal changes around me that I am reminded that we are all a part of a global and, ultimately, a universal rhythm. From even before conception our very existence is as a result of rhythm. Once conceived the rhythms of a mothers heartbeat (and even emotional rhythms) have both direct impact and direct implications to the fact we now must simply remember.
Whether considering interpersonal relationships where emotions have their own rhythms, to the walk in the forest where the creaking of trees in the wind, or their branches moving back and forth in rhythmic movement, rhythm is all around us.
In my experience the key to celebrating and stepping into this is to first learn to "recognize" this.
Any drummer will tell you that they spend a lot of time recognizing patterns… beginning with the reorganization of our recognition receptors to the point of seeing/ feeling that there ARE patterns around us before even getting to the patterns themselves. With this mindset we start to look at the world around us differently and with more appreciation. We tend to look at life differently as well, and see that all things are natural patterns, even to birth, life, death, and rebirth again.
Drumming is Pathwork.
Drumming is recognizing your place in the rhythmic continuum of existence.
Drumming is a celebration of that "Experiential Understanding" of this concept.
When we begin to drum from "Experience" we realize that drumming is merely "remembering".
When we do a Circle of Eight's where a particular piece of percussion begins on the first, second, third, forth, etc., etc. beat, and after X-amount of measures everyone strikes the same beat, we "Experientially understand" the inter-connectivity of everything through rhythm… the very rhythm we are born with. This is good to understand, especially when we are challenged with walls and borders that often come up in life whether related to interpersonal, social, economic, geo-political, or any other challenges. We find that the reality of things are that there is a meeting place in any chaotic stream of events… there is an "event horizon" where all things meet and connect.
Some might say "well, I am not a drummer" (often as they are tapping their pens, or wiggling their leg. The fact is, we are all drummers. We are all percussionists. We are all masters of rhythm as our very heartbeats, our breathing patterns, the gate in which we walk along, the subconscious rhythm we use and the order in which we grab for razors, toothbrushes, makeup, etc. in the morning all demonstrate this simple fact.
That fact is that we are all drummers.
It has been said that even "the Creator" loves drums so much that he gave us each a heartbeat so that it would be within us at all times.
We celebrate this fact when we pick up a drum, shaker, etc. and, even with a simple beat, carry a tradition older than time itself. We celebrate this fact every time we begin drumming at a different pace or rhythm and others start following along. Drumming causes change, and change causes evolutionary process that no human can stop.
The local drum circles in Tuolumne County every Wednesday night, and now in Calaveras County every Monday night, are venues for which to explore world drumming. There are always an assortment of drums, rattles, etc. to borrow, but many bring their own drums (whether Djembe, Native American drums, or as we saw last Wednesday, an overturned garbage can). Sometimes a flute or didgeridoo makes its way into the venue.
We will be offering a drum making class, and soon a rattle/shaker making class.
However the point is that it is really healthy, healing, and just a powerful experience to step into the natural rhythms of the world around through world instruments, through hand to skin on the drum head, and through celebration of the most primal, instinctual experience there is.
Even if you choose not to partake in a drum circle, consider these things next time you walk your dog, or the next time you walk in the forest, or drive your car. Recognizing the inner drummer in yourself is to recognize the potential in yourself to change the very rhythms around you for good or ill.
Whether considering interpersonal relationships where emotions have their own rhythms, to the walk in the forest where the creaking of trees in the wind, or their branches moving back and forth in rhythmic movement, rhythm is all around us.
In my experience the key to celebrating and stepping into this is to first learn to "recognize" this.
Any drummer will tell you that they spend a lot of time recognizing patterns… beginning with the reorganization of our recognition receptors to the point of seeing/ feeling that there ARE patterns around us before even getting to the patterns themselves. With this mindset we start to look at the world around us differently and with more appreciation. We tend to look at life differently as well, and see that all things are natural patterns, even to birth, life, death, and rebirth again.
Drumming is Pathwork.
Drumming is recognizing your place in the rhythmic continuum of existence.
Drumming is a celebration of that "Experiential Understanding" of this concept.
When we begin to drum from "Experience" we realize that drumming is merely "remembering".
When we do a Circle of Eight's where a particular piece of percussion begins on the first, second, third, forth, etc., etc. beat, and after X-amount of measures everyone strikes the same beat, we "Experientially understand" the inter-connectivity of everything through rhythm… the very rhythm we are born with. This is good to understand, especially when we are challenged with walls and borders that often come up in life whether related to interpersonal, social, economic, geo-political, or any other challenges. We find that the reality of things are that there is a meeting place in any chaotic stream of events… there is an "event horizon" where all things meet and connect.
Some might say "well, I am not a drummer" (often as they are tapping their pens, or wiggling their leg. The fact is, we are all drummers. We are all percussionists. We are all masters of rhythm as our very heartbeats, our breathing patterns, the gate in which we walk along, the subconscious rhythm we use and the order in which we grab for razors, toothbrushes, makeup, etc. in the morning all demonstrate this simple fact.
That fact is that we are all drummers.
It has been said that even "the Creator" loves drums so much that he gave us each a heartbeat so that it would be within us at all times.
We celebrate this fact when we pick up a drum, shaker, etc. and, even with a simple beat, carry a tradition older than time itself. We celebrate this fact every time we begin drumming at a different pace or rhythm and others start following along. Drumming causes change, and change causes evolutionary process that no human can stop.
The local drum circles in Tuolumne County every Wednesday night, and now in Calaveras County every Monday night, are venues for which to explore world drumming. There are always an assortment of drums, rattles, etc. to borrow, but many bring their own drums (whether Djembe, Native American drums, or as we saw last Wednesday, an overturned garbage can). Sometimes a flute or didgeridoo makes its way into the venue.
We will be offering a drum making class, and soon a rattle/shaker making class.
However the point is that it is really healthy, healing, and just a powerful experience to step into the natural rhythms of the world around through world instruments, through hand to skin on the drum head, and through celebration of the most primal, instinctual experience there is.
Even if you choose not to partake in a drum circle, consider these things next time you walk your dog, or the next time you walk in the forest, or drive your car. Recognizing the inner drummer in yourself is to recognize the potential in yourself to change the very rhythms around you for good or ill.
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