EVOLUTION OF A DHH DRUM CLUB DORAN BLAKESLEE, LCSW SWCCCASE

EVOLUTION OF A DHH DRUM CLUB DORAN BLAKESLEE, LCSW SWCCCASE

WHY DID I START A DHH DRUM CLUB? Limited extracurricular opportunities for students Need for positive social interaction among students Desire to broaden students musical experiences And drumming was a personal interest and something I knew I would enjoy doing with students

INSPIRATION Evelyn Glennie www.evelyn.co.uk Deafness is poorly understood in general. For instance, there is a common misconception that deaf people live in a world of silence. To understand the nature of deafness, first one has to understand the nature of hearing. Hearing is basically a specialized form of touch. Sound is simply vibrating air which the ear picks up and converts to electrical signals, which are interpreted by the brain. The sense of hearing is not the only sense that can do this, touch can do this too.for some reason we tend to make a distinction between hearing a sound and feeling a vibration, in reality they are the same thing. --from Hearing Essay by Evelyn Glennie (1993) www.evelyn.co.uk

So do I go out and buy a bunch of drums and just start drumming with my students?

MY TRAINING Developmental Community Music (DCM) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music (Book & DVD)--Kalani (Aug 1, 2004) www.drumcirclemusic.com DCM was the perfect training ground for me because it includes techniques, theories, knowledge, philosophies, activities, tools, and resources that form a comprehensive approach to creating a rhythm-based event.

WHAT IS A DRUM CIRCLE? A drum circle is a musical gathering. But a drum circle is more than just the instruments and the act of drumming; it is also the shared experience of the participants. The drums and the drumming are just vehicles that take the group to its final destination a place where everyone has a voice and is empowered to use it, and where the creative spirit is shared by everyone in the circle. A drum circle is really a people circle. (p. 9) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music--Kalani (2004)

Drum circles are a form of recreational music making, which means that the focus is not on performance but rather on personal or group development and wellness, or just plain fun. (p. 9) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music--Kalani (2004)

Recreational music making is Less about playing tunes and more about tuning into our playfulness; less about re-creating what others have done before and more about co-creating something in the moment; less about being on stage and more about reaching new stages of being; less about tuning out the environment and more about tuning into your heart. (p. 9) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music--Kalani (2004)

When an entire group of people participate in the same process, a rhythmic web is created that serves to support and connect everyone in the group. (p. 10) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music--Kalani (2004)

WHAT DOES A FACILITATOR DO? The role of the facilitator is to Provide an atmosphere that helps people feel welcome; help participants play music together; present activities that are fun and accessible; encourage creativity and cooperation; foster a sense of appreciation (p. 10) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music--Kalani (2004)

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF DRUM CIRCLES Community drum circles Educational drum circles Training & Development drum circles Health & Wellness drum circles

NOTE TO SELF! Be careful not to misrepresent the program, my abilities, or proposed outcomes. DHH Drum Club is not music therapy or music education.

WHY DRUMS AND DRUMMING? Drumming can be quiet, loud, and everything inbetween and therefore accommodates a range of hearing ability and hearing loss Drumming is highly visual Drumming is something one can feel as well as hear Drums are accessible to most people Drums tend to draw people in rather than push people away (sometimes they are even dangerously irresistible!)

WHY NOT ONLY DRUMS? Drums comprise a large family of instruments why limit anyone? Some students would prefer to start with something less intimidating (e.g., a shaker, triangle, or pair of sticks) A variety of percussion instruments make a variety of sounds (and vibrations), but they can all still be played together in rhythm Body percussion allows you to be both the drum and the player of the drum (you can t help but feel that!) Scarves and balloons allow students to see rhythm visually Multi-sensory percussion items the best of both worlds (e.g., see-through shakers, rain sticks, etc.)

WHAT WE DO In DHH Drum Club We play drums, shakers, rattles, sticks, bells, scrapers, rain sticks, and thunder tubes We clap, snap, stomp, march, step, dance, rap, sing, and drum on our bodies We bounce balloons, wave scarves, stack cups, and pass egg shakers around a circle We mime, gesture, act, conduct, and listen with our eyes, ears, and bodies We play music games, learn rhythms, explore new instruments, and learn about music and cultures But mostly we PLAY!

Playing through music is one of the best ways people can connect with one another and share a common bond. It s a healthy way we can reach out to our neighbors, make new friends, and create a sense of community in a world in which people spend a lot of time looking into television and computer screens. Participating in group music-making activities is a great way to learn about ourselves and each other, gain confidence in our creative abilities, learn how to work together, reduce anxiety levels, and express ourselves in a way that is fundamental to who we are. (p. 16) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music Kalani (2004)

PHILOSOPHY & APPROACH OF DCM The structure of a Drum Circle Music event is built upon three key components that are essential to maximize a successful group process: inclusion, cooperation and appreciation. (p. 18) Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator s Guide to Drum Circle Music Kalani (2004)

INCLUSION Ways you can help create a sense of inclusion: Use a communication style/method that provides for equal access and equal understanding Provide a sense of security and safety (auditory, emotional, physical, creative) Create a playful atmosphere ( silly, but safe ) Model that there is no wrong way to participate (make a point of doing it differently and having it still be OK) Assist everyone to feel comfortable, involved, and valued (including giving permission to create or assume a different role in the activity if necessary)

COOPERATION Ways to encourage cooperation: Assist with building communication access for all students ( voicing or interpreting for students until they develop the skills to do it themselves) Encourage full participation while being sensitive to students individual struggles and needs Offer alternatives for participation know your students abilities and limits, and try to provide a variety of choices you know will work for everyone Offer music activities and rhythm games that incorporate sign language, movement, gestures, facial expressions, and body language Encourage what works, accept changes from what you had planned, and be ready to move on to something else Draw ideas from the group and let participants take the lead (it s everybody s group )

APPRECIATION Ways to foster appreciation: Acknowledge everyone s unique contribution during the event ( Did you all notice how Jim created a new and fun way to use the scarves today? ) Offer brief statements of reflection and gratitude ( That felt like we were all really listening with our eyes and ears, I really appreciate how people helped each other in that game, thanks! ) Reinforce the feeling of community by acknowledging and thanking those who help make sure all perspectives and experiences are considered ( Thank you Mr. S. for showing us a way to feel the beat even more ) Provide closure to the event by reviewing the process, checking in with students, and inviting comments on what was learned, enjoyed, and experienced

SO HOW HAS DHH DRUM CLUB EVOLVED AND WHAT IS IT NOW? DHH Drum Club is different from week to week (year to year) based on students needs, skills, experiences, and limitations DHH Drum Club is a carefully thought out, structured event that incorporates sign language, story telling, movement, music play, rhythm games, body percussion, and drumming with a focus on group process and creative play. DHH Drum Club is inspired and informed by the principles of Kalani s DCM (Developmental Community Music) approach, but has evolved to also include tools, methods, and activities uniquely suited for the DHH population. DHH Drum Club will continue to evolve as long as it exists.

DHH Drum Club: Feel the beat