25th Anniversary WomenDrum
Sept. 22-24, 2023, Oakwood Retreat Center, Muncie, IN
Join us for the 25th Anniversary WomenDrum! Arrivals begin at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday and we end on Sunday after lunch. Djembes and ashikos are available for rent ($15) or purchase.
Here’s what to expect from your WomenDrum weekend:
- 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
- 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
- special 25th anniversary surprises
Skills 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; listening skills; and playing simple Africa and world rhythms.
Skills for intermediate/advanced playersfocus on more complex rhythmic and performing concepts: additive and divisive rhythms; playing in uncommon 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.
Other break-outs will include movement, dance, and chanting, and whatever you want more of. The Saturday night breakouts will include singing and chanting, and a percussion-based breakout based on what people are most interested in – we’re open to suggestions about things we’ve done in the past, or that are totally new. Let Sally know!
Other highlights will include:
*Oakwood’s chocolate-chip cookies * Saturday night Fire and Water party (Bonfire drumming/chanting and a pool party, weather permitting) * Optional yoga or stretching morning and evening * Optional instrument making or arts workshops * Hiking * Wonderful food * Cozy rooms * Walking in the World Garden * Indiana in the fall * Eagles by the river * Vendors * And an incredible, diverse, wonderful group of women!
The movement, chant, and arts activities will be led by wonderful professional facilitators. Vendors will be on-site offering instruments, clothing, jewelry, etc., and professional body workers will be available for optional half- and one-hour massages (ca. $70 an hour).
Celebrate 25 years of Wild Women in the Woods, 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!