Drums of Healing

Whether a new percussionist or an experienced one, you are welcome to this group where we will develop skills appropriate to community healing events.

Among the many topics to delve into are:

structure of ritual rhythms
developing communication in the ensemble
understanding polyrhythm in ritual
stepping in, stepping out, and stepping up
professionalism in a ritual context
the difference between trancing in and trancing out

Who is this relevant for

Anyone who is interested in working with rhythm for mental health, either personally or in healing work. In particular, it can be utilized by:

· Performers and Artists including Storytellers, Poets, Actors and Dancers

· Facilitators such as Ritualists, Leaders, Activists and Environmental Educators

· Healers like ReWilders, Therapists, and others involved in Healthcare

More Info:

The West African Jembe drum first gained popularity in North America (and then world wide) through Nigerian master drummer Babatunde Olatunji. Influential on various artists in the music scene beginning in the 1960s, he generously shared enthusiasm for the complexity of African rhythms.

Since then another big influence has been Arthur Hull, who is widely credited with originating the technology of the facilitated drum circle, where participants find their own rhythm and organically work together (orchestrated by the facilitator) to play together.

Our work in this course will be neither a strict adherence to traditional rhythms (though they will definitely be part of the disciplined source of our learning) or the unbound free range of the drum circle. Rather, we are following the ubiquitous foundation of ritual rhythms found throughout Africa and the diaspora. This the polyrhythm which is recognizable as an interplay between 4/4 time and 6/8 timing.

As taught by master ritualists Malidoma and Sobonfu Somé, ritual is a "technology of community." In that context, the skill and persistence of the drummers and singers is a major contributor to the creation of a container which temporarily opens a bridge of communication between the human and the other-than-human members of community (nature, ancestors and spirit).

Who is the facilitator

Randy Jones is author of "Medicine Without an Expiry Date: Indigenous Remedy for Modern Trouble," introduced by West African Dagara [Ancestor] Elder and Diviner, Malidoma Somé, PhD. Find more discussion at https://wildgenius.guide

Practicalities—— Tickets through Humanitix

Professional Djembe drums are provided, and you are also welcome to bring your own if it is of suitable quality for class work.

We will work in six week semesters—the first on is Monday nights Nov 10 to Dec 15 2025. Location is to be announced near Fremantle WA.

Please arrive 5 minutes before class for a prompt start.

Venue

To be announced near Fremantle WA

Tuition:

Full Tuition: $255

Scholarship Rate: $225

Partial Scholarship Rate: $195

Dates Monday Evenings 7:00 to 9:00

Nov 10

Nov 17

Nov 24

Dec 1

Dec 8

Dec 15

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