"Drumming is essentially a social behavior. When we connect with other humans through rhythm, devoid of race, culture and prejudice, there is something pure and compelling about it. Circle drumming is very social, very human."

                    - Joseph Walker, High School Principal

• Fun
• Self-expression
• Stress reduction
• Social interaction and community building
• Exercise for mind, body, and spirit
• Camaraderie and support
• Multi-generational family activity
• Develop key musical skills; such as rhythmicity, improvisation, and ensemble

Make sure to include key phrases like:

• Instruments provided, OR, Please bring your own drums and percussion.
• No prior musical experience necessary.
• All levels welcome.
• All ages welcome.

Enlist key pollinators in your community, people who can get the word out. Think outside the box. For a women's drum circle, send emails or flyers to the college campus women's studies program. And don't be discouraged by a low attendance the first time. When they happen regularly, drum circles have a natural tendency to grow (for more ideas, go to www.remo.com, click on "drum circles," and click on "start your own.").

Setting the Circle
Since the beginning of humankind, people have gathered in circles for an important reason. The circle creates community. There is no hierarchy. A sense of equality prevails. The circle is a container for powerful transformation, a vehicle to build up community and celebrate life.

To set up your circle, start by establishing the center. Place a drum or other marker in the middle and place chairs (preferably ones without arms) equidistant from the center. Even standing circles benefit by having a centerpiece, such as a blanket, to focus on. The center of the circle is not a "stage." It is empty, waiting to be filled by the energy of the group, the facilitator, and perhaps a few dancers along the journey. Leave space for entry paths into the circle and remember to make room for wheelchair seating. No one likes feeling cramped, so allow space between chairs for people to be comfortable and not feel "forced" into more intimacy than they're willing to gamble. If you have a drum circle of thirty or so, you may want to have one big circle. If you are working with larger groups, concentric circles help everyone hear each other's beat. Even after everyone arrives, there may be an empty chair or two. Don't be too quick to pull these chairs away. Empty chairs often represent "the ancestors." Welcome their presence into your circle and the music will soar.

Creating Your Team
Many more people than the facilitator alone compose the successful drum circle. You will need to create an inner circle to support the outer drum circle experience. Utilize your human resources to amass a team for the following roles;

***Remember to thank and acknowledge your drum circle team. That's an element of the art of facilitating that should never go unheard.