The Art of the Drum Circle
Event description
The West-African Djembe and associated drum ensemble tradition first emerged from the Mandé people of the Malian empire. The Djembe drum is inseparable from the traditional bass drums, the Dunduns, as well as the bells and percussion instruments that constitute the ensemble. Together, the frequencies of sound and intricate design of the rhythms and their shapes around one another function to bring forward vibrational images with profound depth and meaning.
Djembe music is a language. By learning this language in the way it has been passed on by the masters of its tradition over time, we of Western communities can learn to listen more deeply and create music as a community that is rich with purpose and that resists the gradual erosion of ancient traditions that comes from ‘jamming’ without effort to preserve and learn from the original musical structures and techniques.
By giving our attention to the complex system of relationships within the drum ensemble, and also to the inner activity we experience directly when executing the rhythms ourselves, we can begin to appreciate something of the worldview that birthed the art - reliant on personal contact, social agreement and cohesion for its highest expression.
This special event aims to support the education of people already invested in their study of traditional African music, as well as those with no previous drumming experience. It intends to give new perspectives and approaches to learning, as well as to support the creative process of composing meaningful drum music as a community. Drums will be provided for those without. These classes are suitable for drummers of all levels.
About your Facilitator
My name is Djulz Chambers. Back in 2006, I was received by communities of the Sahel in Burkina Faso for several years; immersed in a life of community, ritual and music. Since then I have been devoted primarily to the practice and study of the Art of the Djembe from my base in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria with the continuing support and guidance of traditional custodians living here in Australia, the United States, throughout Mali and Burkina Faso. It is my intention to share my understanding of rhythmical concepts and keys with you in the hope that this knowledge and experience will empower your personal practice and strengthen your connection with the heartbeat that unites us all.