NEWSLETTER - Spring & Summer 2022
2nd May 2022
hOLa folks! Time to touch base and have a little update methinks.
COVID
Since March 2020, it seems to have been a long and bumpy road, full of twists and turns, never quite knowing where it's going next or how to deal with it! Again, just to say a heartfelt thank you for all the fabulous support that I received during the lockdowns and those in-between bits, which is much appreciated and definitely kept the drums beating!
Covid restrictions are now of course all lifted (Yay!!!) - so much more relaxing for us all. Thank you for bearing with all the malarkey that entailed! However, it is still good practice to clean our hands and keep fresh air flowing where possible, (as required by the venues too), and to be considerate of those of us who remain cautious for various reasons.
OUR GROWING COMMUNITY
I am very happy to say that we have welcomed many new folks into our drumming community already this year. (Give 'em all a RUMBLE!) I think we will all agree that a fuller drum circle is more fun to be in, more powerful, and it is refreshing to have new energy in the mix. It's wonderful to see folks beginning their drumming journey, and to have some 'rusty' players dust off their drums to join us. It brings me great joy also because I absolutely know how much good drumming does for our wellbeing, in so many ways.
DRUMMERS NEED OTHER DRUMMERS!
Please take a moment to comment, like and share social media posts every now and then if you can. Interacting with and sharing posts means that Facebook thinks that Rhythm Harmony must be worth a look, and so it makes a real difference to posts etc being shown to others, (it's an algorithm thing), thus helping to sustain and grow our drumming community, keeping the drums beating and the circles bouncing! You could even go the whole hog and leave a review on my Facebook page :)
BUYING A DRUM OF YOUR OWN?
Take a look first at the Drum Info page of my website as it may be helpful to you.
WHAT'S ON
The easiest way to know what is happening where and when is via the What's On page of my website. (I'm in the process of tidying this page up a little!) All drum circles etc are listed there, with links through to Eventbrite to find out more and to book a place. I also do a regular facebook post for the week ahead.
Not all drum circles are the same; there are Djembe Drum Circles, Buffalo Medicine Drum Circles, Al Fresco Drum Circles, and Upbeat Drum Circles, each for particular drums, and with a vibe of its own! And of course the more challenging 'Djembes on Fire!' sessions - I have been loving these!
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
Using online booking via the Eventbrite platform will continue.
(I don't miss some bits of 'the good old days' pre March 2020 - the kerfuffle of the cash pot in the halls, nor the carrying around of unwanted drums, or the disappointment of not having enough to go round! Nor drum triangles. It is far more welcoming to have your seat waiting for you, rather than a chair re-shuffle and/or empty seats. Less time faffing means more time drumming.)
Online booking is open, as a rule of thumb, until 8pm the evening before the drum circle, unless otherwise stated on the Eventbrite listing. (There are practical and logistical reasons why it is not open longer.) Please make sure that you are familiar with the payment/refund policy. Booking and payment gateway fees are quite high, so I endeavour to keep those costs down.
EMAIL INVITATIONS
Eventbrite gives me the facility to 'invite' previous participants and subscribers, via email, to forthcoming drum circles etc. This seems generally popular with folks, as it gives you a heads up and a direct link to find out more and to book. It's not a very flexible system, so it may be that you have already told me that you won't be coming, or indeed that you have already booked, in which case just ignore the email. Please bear with it, and don't feel that you need to reply to each and every 'invitation'.
SUPER SUNDAYS
Sunday morning sessions take place in East Brent every now and then, giving an opportunity for extra drumming, or something a little different. Coming up on 8th May is a BUCKET DRUMMING WORKSHOP! (Open to all ages from14 years+) I am really looking forward to this - it's going to be fun. There are still places available at the time of writing.
On Sunday 17th July will be a FLUTE CIRCLE/WORKSHOP. Suitable for complete beginners, as well as those who already enjoy their NAI flute but would like a little more structure, technique and inspiration for their playing, as well as having the joyful experience of playing with others. I shall be sharing information to help those wishing to buy a flute in readiness, (as obvs I don't provide them), so keep a look out for it soon.
CHANGES AT WOOKEY
Places at the Djembe Drum Circles at Wookey can be booked online as usual, in which case there will be a chair waiting for you, and a drum if you have booked to hire one, and you will be in the loop for email updates. Alternatively, but ONLY if you have your OWN djembe to bring, you can just drop in on the day, pull up a chair, and make payment in cash in a named envelope, which you pop into the tub. This is a recent change at Wookey, and so far so good, as the hall layout lends itself to this arrangement without it being disruptive, and the core group of drummers at Wookey is big enough to make this viable.
CHANGES TO AL FRESCO TUESDAY MORNINGS
Hooray! Al Fresco Drum Circles on (most)Tuesday mornings in Highbridge have returned for 2022, albeit in a slightly different format this year now that the regular indoor drum circles are all properly back up and running. More of an informal gently guided jam session, seeing where the beats take us, going with the flow. (It's a great opportunity to have a play of any other instruments that you have too.) Own drums etc and seats are needed. You can register online to be kept in the on/off/sun/rain loop, or you can just turn up on the day. Payment is in cash, in the spirit of dana. (Full details are on the Eventbrite listings.)
DJEMBE PERFORMANCE CREW
A couple of weeks ago we played at the Bridgwater Food & Drink Festival, where we had been asked to provide some street entertainment. Wow!!! What a team! Hats off to you guys! It took a lot of concentration, and some preparation, but the effort showed in our performance, and I hope that you agree that is was very satisfying to be a part of. There are two more Bridgwater dates this year in June and August. These will be pretty much a 'repeat performance', and it would be great if you can join me again.
There's a short video here on YouTube https://youtu.be/x1XgXn46IKo
The Djembe Performance Crew is open to ALL Rhythm Harmony Djembe Drummers, so if you're keen but hesitant, bite the bullet and give it a whirl! More info can be found on my website DJEMBE PERFORMANCE CREW page, and you can also 'sign up' there via the links for the upcoming performances in Bridgwater.
DRUM CIRCLE CREW
We will be taking our special drum circle vibe to some local fairs/celebrations coming up soon. ALL drummers are welcome to join me, with ANY drum or percussion instrument that you wish to play. There is nothing that you need to learn or remember - this is a much more casual version of the performance crew. More info and links to book a place can be found on the DRUM CIRCLE CREW page of my website.
DRUMPING at MENDIP CAMP - SEPTEMBER 9th/10th 2022
Open to all who drum with me, and of course their families, simply for the love of drumming and camping! CLICK HERE for more info and to register. Payment in full, in cash, needs to be with me by 11th June.
DRUMMING WAVES
You can join the group on facebook by clicking HERE. Another 'live' on facebook will be coming soon. If you haven't already seen it, you may enjoy this 'snippets' video of our drumming wave in East Brent back in March. https://youtu.be/xULn3tUVDhU
BURNHAM SEAFRONT GATHERINGS will definitely be happening again. (I just have not had the time available yet when the weather has been behaving.) Bring on the sunshine!
ZOOM has not been forgotten! We had some super djembe sessions a while back, and I am really happy to see (and hear) that learning now coming into drum circles. More zooming to come at some time, in some shape or form.
I think that covers it for now! As always, please do ask if there is anything that you would like to know.
Tread softly and smile generously.
Peace Out folks xxx
hOLa folks! Time to touch base and have a little update methinks.
COVID
Since March 2020, it seems to have been a long and bumpy road, full of twists and turns, never quite knowing where it's going next or how to deal with it! Again, just to say a heartfelt thank you for all the fabulous support that I received during the lockdowns and those in-between bits, which is much appreciated and definitely kept the drums beating!
Covid restrictions are now of course all lifted (Yay!!!) - so much more relaxing for us all. Thank you for bearing with all the malarkey that entailed! However, it is still good practice to clean our hands and keep fresh air flowing where possible, (as required by the venues too), and to be considerate of those of us who remain cautious for various reasons.
OUR GROWING COMMUNITY
I am very happy to say that we have welcomed many new folks into our drumming community already this year. (Give 'em all a RUMBLE!) I think we will all agree that a fuller drum circle is more fun to be in, more powerful, and it is refreshing to have new energy in the mix. It's wonderful to see folks beginning their drumming journey, and to have some 'rusty' players dust off their drums to join us. It brings me great joy also because I absolutely know how much good drumming does for our wellbeing, in so many ways.
DRUMMERS NEED OTHER DRUMMERS!
Please take a moment to comment, like and share social media posts every now and then if you can. Interacting with and sharing posts means that Facebook thinks that Rhythm Harmony must be worth a look, and so it makes a real difference to posts etc being shown to others, (it's an algorithm thing), thus helping to sustain and grow our drumming community, keeping the drums beating and the circles bouncing! You could even go the whole hog and leave a review on my Facebook page :)
BUYING A DRUM OF YOUR OWN?
Take a look first at the Drum Info page of my website as it may be helpful to you.
WHAT'S ON
The easiest way to know what is happening where and when is via the What's On page of my website. (I'm in the process of tidying this page up a little!) All drum circles etc are listed there, with links through to Eventbrite to find out more and to book a place. I also do a regular facebook post for the week ahead.
Not all drum circles are the same; there are Djembe Drum Circles, Buffalo Medicine Drum Circles, Al Fresco Drum Circles, and Upbeat Drum Circles, each for particular drums, and with a vibe of its own! And of course the more challenging 'Djembes on Fire!' sessions - I have been loving these!
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
Using online booking via the Eventbrite platform will continue.
(I don't miss some bits of 'the good old days' pre March 2020 - the kerfuffle of the cash pot in the halls, nor the carrying around of unwanted drums, or the disappointment of not having enough to go round! Nor drum triangles. It is far more welcoming to have your seat waiting for you, rather than a chair re-shuffle and/or empty seats. Less time faffing means more time drumming.)
Online booking is open, as a rule of thumb, until 8pm the evening before the drum circle, unless otherwise stated on the Eventbrite listing. (There are practical and logistical reasons why it is not open longer.) Please make sure that you are familiar with the payment/refund policy. Booking and payment gateway fees are quite high, so I endeavour to keep those costs down.
EMAIL INVITATIONS
Eventbrite gives me the facility to 'invite' previous participants and subscribers, via email, to forthcoming drum circles etc. This seems generally popular with folks, as it gives you a heads up and a direct link to find out more and to book. It's not a very flexible system, so it may be that you have already told me that you won't be coming, or indeed that you have already booked, in which case just ignore the email. Please bear with it, and don't feel that you need to reply to each and every 'invitation'.
SUPER SUNDAYS
Sunday morning sessions take place in East Brent every now and then, giving an opportunity for extra drumming, or something a little different. Coming up on 8th May is a BUCKET DRUMMING WORKSHOP! (Open to all ages from14 years+) I am really looking forward to this - it's going to be fun. There are still places available at the time of writing.
On Sunday 17th July will be a FLUTE CIRCLE/WORKSHOP. Suitable for complete beginners, as well as those who already enjoy their NAI flute but would like a little more structure, technique and inspiration for their playing, as well as having the joyful experience of playing with others. I shall be sharing information to help those wishing to buy a flute in readiness, (as obvs I don't provide them), so keep a look out for it soon.
CHANGES AT WOOKEY
Places at the Djembe Drum Circles at Wookey can be booked online as usual, in which case there will be a chair waiting for you, and a drum if you have booked to hire one, and you will be in the loop for email updates. Alternatively, but ONLY if you have your OWN djembe to bring, you can just drop in on the day, pull up a chair, and make payment in cash in a named envelope, which you pop into the tub. This is a recent change at Wookey, and so far so good, as the hall layout lends itself to this arrangement without it being disruptive, and the core group of drummers at Wookey is big enough to make this viable.
CHANGES TO AL FRESCO TUESDAY MORNINGS
Hooray! Al Fresco Drum Circles on (most)Tuesday mornings in Highbridge have returned for 2022, albeit in a slightly different format this year now that the regular indoor drum circles are all properly back up and running. More of an informal gently guided jam session, seeing where the beats take us, going with the flow. (It's a great opportunity to have a play of any other instruments that you have too.) Own drums etc and seats are needed. You can register online to be kept in the on/off/sun/rain loop, or you can just turn up on the day. Payment is in cash, in the spirit of dana. (Full details are on the Eventbrite listings.)
DJEMBE PERFORMANCE CREW
A couple of weeks ago we played at the Bridgwater Food & Drink Festival, where we had been asked to provide some street entertainment. Wow!!! What a team! Hats off to you guys! It took a lot of concentration, and some preparation, but the effort showed in our performance, and I hope that you agree that is was very satisfying to be a part of. There are two more Bridgwater dates this year in June and August. These will be pretty much a 'repeat performance', and it would be great if you can join me again.
There's a short video here on YouTube https://youtu.be/x1XgXn46IKo
The Djembe Performance Crew is open to ALL Rhythm Harmony Djembe Drummers, so if you're keen but hesitant, bite the bullet and give it a whirl! More info can be found on my website DJEMBE PERFORMANCE CREW page, and you can also 'sign up' there via the links for the upcoming performances in Bridgwater.
DRUM CIRCLE CREW
We will be taking our special drum circle vibe to some local fairs/celebrations coming up soon. ALL drummers are welcome to join me, with ANY drum or percussion instrument that you wish to play. There is nothing that you need to learn or remember - this is a much more casual version of the performance crew. More info and links to book a place can be found on the DRUM CIRCLE CREW page of my website.
DRUMPING at MENDIP CAMP - SEPTEMBER 9th/10th 2022
Open to all who drum with me, and of course their families, simply for the love of drumming and camping! CLICK HERE for more info and to register. Payment in full, in cash, needs to be with me by 11th June.
DRUMMING WAVES
You can join the group on facebook by clicking HERE. Another 'live' on facebook will be coming soon. If you haven't already seen it, you may enjoy this 'snippets' video of our drumming wave in East Brent back in March. https://youtu.be/xULn3tUVDhU
BURNHAM SEAFRONT GATHERINGS will definitely be happening again. (I just have not had the time available yet when the weather has been behaving.) Bring on the sunshine!
ZOOM has not been forgotten! We had some super djembe sessions a while back, and I am really happy to see (and hear) that learning now coming into drum circles. More zooming to come at some time, in some shape or form.
I think that covers it for now! As always, please do ask if there is anything that you would like to know.
Tread softly and smile generously.
Peace Out folks xxx