TALKING DRUMS

I know we usually let our drums do the talking at the circle, but I think it's important too to be able to talk about things that could make the circle better.

It can vocal - reminding people "Play Together!" (Dev:), or hollering "FASTER!" if the pace is lagging, or someone whooping or cheering to acknowledge that a groove has found it's sweet spot. Let that drummer know that you like what they´re playing. It can be eye contact, a clap, a call and response.

I also think it's fair to tell someone who's not playing with the group to listen more, or to make someone who's wailing on a cowbell aware that they´re shredding your eardrum, try playing at the volume of the group a little more. Or if a drummer or dancer doesn´t know how physically close they are to you, to let them know. I know some seated drummers who prefer not to have an assblocker.

At last night's circle, it was obvious that, it being so close to Christmas, the circle was set too wide for the number of participants. There were gaps of 4 or 5 chairs between drummers in some spots, the energy was low and there were no dancers. It was suggested that we move the chairs in to close the gaps. People were a little shy at first, but once we got going, the music was tighter, people were more engaged, connected and energetic, and the floor filled with dancers. Success!

The point is, as long as it's done kindly and directly, with the best interests of the circle at heart, drummers shouldn't be shy about communicating about our playing together.

It's just plain (playin') healthy for the circle.