Drum circle to begin at the Community Center
Have you ever wanted to participate in a drum circle? Starting Saturday, May 27 you’ll be able to. A new drum circle will meet the fourth Saturday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center at the Meadow Mall in Boothbay Harbor.
The gathering is being facilitated by three Mainers who have been involved in drumming for many years: Kitty Hartford, who is a member of the Different Drummers drum circle of Yarmouth; John Kootz, a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild; and Lizzy Derecktor, a former member of Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm.
Hartford talked about the impact of drumming in a recent interview with the Boothbay Register. “It’s been shown that there is a therapeutic value to drumming” she explained. “Hospitals and clinics are recommending drumming because it can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help with those who suffer from anxiety and PTSD.”
Asked what newcomers to drumming should expect when they attend the drum circle, she answered that it’s best not to have any expectations. The chairs are placed in a circle so that everyone is equal and the drummers come together as a community to share the experience.
Members of the circle are invited to start a rhythm and are “gently guided” by the facilitators. The drummers are encouraged to listen to on another. “Every one is a member of an orchestra playing original songs that have never been played before and will never be played again.”
Community drum circles have been meeting for decades and Hartford has been drumming for 20 years. The experience can be different for everyone. According to Native Peoples Magazine, it’s believed that the first musical instrument used by man was the drum. It was used to communicate, in religious ceremonies and for other purposes. The beating of a drum can be sacred to indigenous peoples.
Hartford hopes the new drum circle will grow and be able to meet more frequently. Those who would like to attend can bring their own instruments or use those provided by the facilitators. For more information, contact Kitty Hartford at 633-6355.
