Facilitated Drum Circles
A facilitated drumcircle has a person or group of people who are holding the boundaries of the circle. The music is improvised but the facilitator is there to provide guidance, support and focus.
Instruments:
Drums and percussion from any culture can often be present in a drumcircle. They can be provided by the facilitator or belong to the participants. There is a spirit of inclusion and the celebration of diversity. Some drumcircles may have a specific cultural focus
Awareness:
As a participant in a drumcircle you need to be aware that it is a group experience. The more you can keep your attention with the whole of the group the more satisfying your experience will be. Musical bliss occurs when everyone is playing within that awareness of the totality. Musical breakdown occurs when individuals are too focused on themselves or a small clique of other players.
The Facilitator's Role:
A facilitator is tuning in to the music and the needs of the group. You may be completely unaware of their existence or they may occasionally take on a conductor like role. They may see a need for some specific skills training or initiate some games and activities to lead the group to greater connectedness.