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Spring Fling Drum Thing

May 2-4, Oakwood Retreat Center, Muncie, IN

Join us for the 5th Annual Ladies' Spring Fling Drum Thing at Oakwood!

Drummers, dancers, and singers of all styles and experience levels welcome! Arrivals begin at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday and we end Sunday after lunch. Djembes & ashikos are available for rent ($15) or purchase.

Here are some highlights:

• hands-on instruction using drums, small hand percussion instruments, our bodies, and voices
• the skills necessary to play comfortably in any group,  regardless of experience or skill level
• the guidance and support you need to reach your next level of playing & facilitation skills
• the skills necessary to best teach yourself and others
• improvisational & part-oriented world drumming, including African drumming
• using body movement & voice to quickly learn drumming skills & synchronize groups
• skills for accompanying dance, singing, & chant
• how to buy & care for drums, hand percussion
• using the power of the drum for creativity, spirituality, healing, ritual, & community building
• exploring rhythm from a female perspective; what to do when male and female energies clash

Break-outs for beginners focus on gaining a solid basic skill-set: correct playing technique; finding and keep an even beat; accurately subdividing beats and playing syncopated rhythms; strategies for ostinato-based improvising; and playing simple African rhythms.

Break-outs for intermediate/advanced players focus on more complex rhythmic and performing concepts: additive and divisive rhythms; playing in odd and unusual meters; more complex tihais; arranging pieces for performance; extended playing techniques; improved independent coordination and listening skills; accompanying skills; creating powerful and expressive solos; teaching and facilitating techniques; and more challenging world music rhythms, including African ensemble playing.  We’ll stretch you as far as you want!

Other break-outs will include movement, dance, and chanting, and (tentatively) an Irish bodhran and frame drum breakout.  The other possibility is a poi twirling breakout.  If you have a strong preference for one over the other, please let Sally know ASAP!  Whatever we don’t do in the spring we’ll do in the fall!  There have been requests for both and it may depend on our poi teacher’s schedule.  We’re always open to new ideas for Saturday night breakouts!

Other highlights will include: * Oakwood’s chocolate-chip cookies * Bonfire & silo drumming/chanting and hayrides or a candle labyrinth, weather permitting * Optional yoga morning and evening * An optional instrument making workshop * Hiking * A spring peeper & coyote serenade * Wonderful food * Cozy rooms * Walking in the World Garden * Indiana in the spring  * Bluebells by the river * An incredible group of women!

Come celebrate the spring, refresh your mind and spirit, and recharge your creativity!
Drum in a safe, supportive, and playful environment!

NOTE: Many photos are clicky... so click to embiggen!