Drum Circle Etiquette
When I go to drum circles, I have gone either by myself or with friends and I have noticed a trend to those who participate in drum circles. You have a wide variety of drummers and non-drummers attending, some of whom can be quite disruptive and annoying! So I have listed below some examples of things to do and not do at a drum circle, and examples of those who can be disruptive, annoying or just don’t have any business being there!
Don’t hot dog - Here we have the “show off”, the one who likes to play really loud and show how many beats they know. Even though they may not even be able to keep time, the do it anyway. Be respectful of others who are staying within the rhythm and who are keeping the volume level with the rest of the group.
The elitist - Ever run into drummers who think they are the shit? They act like a shit as well, and get flustered because these poor advanced drummers have to play along with novices. To them these drum circles are filled with nothing but those who seem to play the same beats or just aren’t as good as he or she is, in their minds. All they do is complain about how boring the drum circle is. Then the elitist will they play beats that no one can keep up with. Not everyone is a drum master, dude. Keep it fun! If you can’t handle a novice or basic drum circle, don’t participate!
The dancers - Some of the best things about a drum circle is the people who get up and dance. It doesn’t matter what kind of dance, just dance! Some drum circles initiate a trance dance and play hot and heavy to build the level of ecstatic dancing. I love to see bellydancers or fire dancers adding their skills to the music. It brings the musical and artistic expression together in powerful manner.
The newbie - Everyone has to start somewhere, right? So be patient with those who are just starting out. Better yet, if you have experience with drumming, share your gift! Give the newbie a quick lesson in tones and drum techniques. Trust me, this will help them enjoy the experience even more and not feel so intimidated. They will thank you for it, and it will give them something to practice until the next drum circle!
The addict - I don’t care what your chosen poison is, keep it out of the drum circle. I know that drugs and alcohol go hand in hand with a party atmosphere in a drum circle, but I have seen people get belligerent and destructive while drunk or high and it disrupts the flow of the drumming and it quickly becomes a war zone instead of a peaceful gathering. Let’s keep it down to a bare minimum on the stimulants, ok?
The lead drummer - Perhaps the most important role of all, the lead drummer is the one everyone looks to. He/she starts the beat, maintains the beat, keeps up the energy, and sometimes supplies the location and makes the decisions as to the direction of the drum circle. In many cases, this person has taken the time to start and advertise the drum circle. They deserve a lot of kudos for all the hard work they do, many times out of their own time and pocket.
Drum circles are about unity, life, music, art, dance and fun! When people don’t want to get along in something as ecstatic and euphoric as a drum circle, then it ruins the experience for most everyone involved. If there are newbie’s to the drum circle, and someone is being disruptive, then most likely, they won’t come back. Welcome them and encourage them to participate! It’s hard enough to get regular attending members to drum circles, so do your best to get along and enjoy the art. If the drum circle doesn’t match your style, skill level or atmosphere, find another one! Or better yet, start your own.
Drum circles are also about fusion. Many different ethnic beats or generic tribal beats are heard at drum circles, unless specified as an African, Taiko or Middle Eastern themed drum circle. Find the one that best matches your personality and skill level. Take the time to learn new beats or help those who are just starting out. And most of all, have fun!!
What have been your experiences with drum circles?