Drumcircle Facilitator's Forum
Creating connection with rhythm
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- About Me:
- Professional drumcircle facilitator, drummer, enthusiast
- Hometown, country:
- Ontario, Canada
- Website:
- http://www.heartsongs.ca
- Type of drumcircles you are involved in:
- Wherever the Drum Song calls me to go!
- Your most fantastic drumcircle experience to date.
- All are fantastic because all are unique gifts wrapped up in the song of the drum and presented with love.
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It is so nice hearing from you. Please send me your Email address and I'll add it to my list. I really enjoy connecting with you.
I thought that I would respond to your question about helping students with autism and drumming.
I'm going to give some generic thoughts, and then some thoughts about what I've learned with Nicholas, specifically.
GENERIC THOUGHTS
1. I think that we all need to learn "people first" language. It is critical that we all know how to show our concern about people who have disabilities by using terminology that honors them as people first. You may read more about this at: http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm
2. We have to be very careful not to make any assumptions when we hear of a diagnosis or label for someone. The safest assumption to make is to assume that someone can learn, yet their pacing, interests, and ability to engage in typical ways may be different. We cannot assume, for one minute, that just because someone is not playing or looking at us, that the experience has no benefit. I can go into more detail with you on this, if you want to write to me offline at peacelovefaith@mac.com. The point being that it is not always about the playing . . . although it can be . . . it is mostly about belonging, networking, and being part of something bigger than always being alone.
3. Making choices, for all people, is very important. The glory of a drum circle, and all of the related toys, is the ability to choose.
4. Bring a few of those ear gear things (they look like recording type headphones, without the cord, and are really cheap at places like Walmart, etc.) that people use to mow the lawn, to muffle the sound. I'd bring several of them, even for the people who don't have disaiblities. Hold a set back, however, if you really know that you are having someone who might have issues (then you don't have to ask someone else to give them back). You don't want "noise cancellation" to totally block the sound, you just want people who are sensitive to various frequency to be able to muffle the sound. Hey can still feel the drums and rhythms. (Note: Ear plugs are nice for some, but not for all.) You can wipe the headphone types off with a disinfectant when you are done, since they are mostly plastic.
5. I would briefly demonstrate all of the instruments to everyone at the beginning, if you have someone new. No matter who it is. It doesn't take long. You either will have to take the time before, or after. Doing it before helps the entire community. For example...some people may have never learned how to do a slap...why not show a few sounds on the djembe and bring everyone up to speed, including your new people? This is what makes your circle a "community" and "inclusive." (Plan on having YOUR seat next to the new person to help. There is a lot of comfort in allowing people to look to the side. Or, have someone who is patient and kind sit next to that person. Being planful pays off in spades.)
FOR NICHOLAS
Background: Nicholas has autism, very severe on the autism spectrum. (See www.nicholaskrishnan.com and a presentation that I volunteered to give at the APBS conference last week, which can be downloaded from http://www.apbs.org/conference/chicago/files/C-11_Krishnan_presentation.pdf. I describe the "point" about doing what we do with music, and percussion and great people have been a big part of that.) We are grateful for all of the amazing people who have helped our son on his journey, including many from our drum circle community. Arthur Hull, Mikey Hart, and Barry Bernstein (At a Naropa University Workshop) were the first to help us learn about drumming and drum circles, so that we could take that and apply it to Nick. Later, I attended HealthRHYTHMS to learn some additional techniques that helped me take Nick to another level. Thanks to Sandy Mabery, Kofi Ameyaw, and great people who study with them, we can see Nicholas being involved in the percussion community for the rest of his life. We are discovering what this is going to look like, as we turn a corner in Nick's maturity and learning what his own preferences are.
Drum Circles with Nicholas:
1. It is like getting used to swimming in a cold lake. We put our toes in, and I follow Nick's lead. If he needs to get up, I follow him, then redirect him back. We play, then take breaks, even if the group isn't breaking. I know his rhythm, so I'm able to do this. I also know how to keep him attending a little big longer.
2. It isn't about playing. He is happy to have his pillow therre, lay his head on my lap, if needed, and learn. Sometimes not playing has to do with Nicholas' style of learning. If he doesn't know how to do something, he'll use his best escape and avoidance behavior. Only when he starts to feel good about what he is doing, will he play. So, I allow him to observe, even if it is me playing the parts. It isn't about MY playing...it is about teaching him the parts...helping him learn them correctly, the first time around. So, when I'm Nick's one on one, that is my sole purpose. Helping him learn. They playing WITH and ALONG will come. But, it has to be on Nick's terms, not mine. I measure progress, not the observer or the facilitator.
2. Sandy Mabery is the best local facilitator that we could have ever asked for. He is a kind man, understands Nick, and has opened doors for Nick. So, the facilitator has much to do with how inclusive everyone else is. Other people have reached out, thanks to Sandy's fantastic leadership, and his advocacy for Nick. We aren't nervous, when we are in Sandy's group. I know that we are there, and Sandy opens his arms.
3. Lessons. I feel commited to our circle. And, Nick is now taking private and group lessons with Kofi Ameyaw. I feel that this is important, since for Nick to be a real contributor, he needs to give a bit too. Because his pacing is slower, I feel an obligation, as his mother, to be ask commited to drumming as I would be to piano lessons. Kofi's personality makes all of the difference in the world. He is a nice guy. Has the content knowledge that Nick needs. And, he was a natural, from day #1 with Nicholas. He is one of the few people who talked with Nick right away. Nick smiles with Kofi. I do too. In the end, it is all about the people.
4. Performances. Nicholas participates in the Detroit Race for the Cure and performances at school. He seems to always rise to the occasion. I think that it has a lot to do with everyone's excitement, dressing up, etc. He always has a nice one on one person with him who can read him well.
5. Nick holds his ears sometimes to modulate the pitch. It is not about as much about the volume, as some might quickly conclude. The headphones help. Although, most of the time, he prefers to hold his ears, and eventually pulls his own hands away. He seems to have more control by doing that. Nicholas will ask for his headphones (or grab for them in the bag), should he need them.
6. Mallets work well for Nick. I give him options/choices. I'll always have a few rhythm toys and drums next to him, so he doesn't have to get up and change things. At lessons with Kofi...I keep just the instrument that he is learning. I don't want to give choices when he doesn't have one. I always evaluate the context, and the outcomes that we want to see, when making these types of decisions. Frankly, at lessons with Kofi, it is really most important that he bond with Kofi right now. For, after that happens, Nicholas' learning trajectory will take off.
So...that is about it. Hope this helps.
Cyber Hugs,
Shari
p.s. This is a little box to type in. I can't see very much of the sentences at once. So, sorry for the typographical errors. :-)
I haven't signed into this Forum for quite some time. Thought I'd check in, and certainly wanted to send a very warm hello to you!
Love,
Shari
Lots of Love,
Jeff
How have you been doing?
Have you done any drum circles in the school system?
Here is an idea. Try facilitating drum circles in the special education classrooms. KIDS LOVE IT!
These kids need to drum for it is sad to say that alot of everything is focued on their dissability. These kids need a chance to be showcased and to creatively express themselves.
If you want more information let me know.
I wish you a very happy winter season.
Have you got any snow yet?
Jeff:^)"
You know how a tragedy in your life draws light.
I was one of those people who hesitated to write to you when you lost your daughter. I could see that you were receiving blessings from a beautifully supportive circle and really wasn’t sure how to add to it. I am sorry for your loss and pray that Patricia’s memories bring only smiles.
I’m pleased to see that her passing has brought positive results in your life.
I was so moved by your experience with Patricia’s friend who came to you for direction. I forwarded to my son who’s a freshman with wayward tendencied friends. You and Patricia have touched many more than you realize.
Please stay in touch.
Love, peace and health,
Scott
I read your post on yahoo and mentioned to a "percussive " friend you were seeking bata info. If it is training you seek his response was to contact Michael Marcuzzi at York University - "He is the best teacher I have ever met outside of Cuba" was Ray's response. So - good luck!
Caryn
Thanks for the friend invite!
Just checked out your website - beautiful! You are a most talented and very busy lady!
I look forward to meeting you some time seeing as we are so close - I'm sure our drumming paths will cross one day.
Thanks for choosing to play Mountain Rythym-it is always a pleasure to meet people who play our drums and it is a real compliment when facilitators use our drums to share their talent and energy.
Be well,
Caryn
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