Women’s Drumming Weekend

September 24-26, 2010, Oakwood Retreat Center, Muncie, IN

Make plans now for WomenDrum!

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

world_gardenHere 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 and facilitation skills
  • the skills necessary to best teach yourself and others
  • drum circle facilitation skills
  • improvisational and part-oriented world drumming, including African drumming
  • using body movement and voice to quickly learn drumming skills and synchronize groups
  • skills for accompanying dance, singing and chant
  • how to buy and care for drums and hand percussion
  • using the power of the drum for creativity, spirituality, healing, ritual, and 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; 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 and complex world music rhythms, including African ensemble playing.  Let us know what you need!

Other break-outs will include movement & dance (Nina), chanting (Pam), possibly some Japanese taiko drumming; and a Saturday night breakout (content TBA—contact Sally if you have suggestions).

Other highlights will include: Oakwood’s chocolate-chip cookies * Optional morning and evening yoga * Optional instrument making (shekeres, bean pod shakers) and fabric arts (silk scarves and mandalas) workshops, $12-$25 * Bonfire and silo drumming and chanting, weather permitting * Hiking and a coyote serenade * Wonderful food * Cozy rooms * The World Garden * Optional body work * Indiana in the spring * Incredible women!

flowerCome celebrate the fall, 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!