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At Drum Circles, we gather in a casual, informal atmosphere and play drums together. Most of the drums are played with our hands or a single stick with one padded end (a "beater"). In addition to drums, there are usually many other percussion "toys" there, such as tambourines, shakeres, bells, rattles, and so forth. Some folks even bring digeridoos and rain-sticks -- anything that makes noise is acceptable! Those who have drums and noise-makers bring them, and there are usually *plenty* of extra items laying around for those who have nothing and need to borrow. Even those who have drums will frequently put them down and try something else for a while.
We usually drag chairs into a circle, but you are always welcome to sit on the floor or stand if you are more comfortable that way. All of the "extra" items are placed in the center of the circle and are available to whomever wishes to use them. Any instruments that the owner considers "special" in some way is not placed inside the circle, and is often covered with a sarong or other type of cloth -- always ask before touching any instrument that is not in the center, or that is covered!
The lights are usually dimmed, and we often have candles burning to create a more relaxed mood. Although some Drum Circles are held inside the local Unitarian Church, the Drum Circles are *NOT* religious events, unless you choose, in your heart, to make it so. The church is graciously allowing use of their space, nothing more. Some of us do, indeed, consider drumming to be a part of our spiritual practice, but we will never push those viewpoints on others. Drumming is fun, a good way to relieve stress, and is a good way to make friends and build a sense of community.
Children are always welcome at our Drum Circles, so long as they are well-behaved. Some children play quietly off to the side while the adults drum, and some children enjoy joining us in the Circle. We have had entire families join us -- parents and children, coming together to the events.
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All of our events have a "start time" posted. However, you are always welcome to "come when you can, and leave when you need to do so." If we start at 7pm and you do not arrive until 8pm, you are not "late" (some folks do this because they have just gotten off work, or whatever). If you need to leave prior to the designated "end time," that is fine, too -- we all have other obligations, or just become unexpectedly tired; just quietly gather your things and wave to everyone as you head towards the door.
The only way to know if drumming is "for you" or not is to attend two or three Drum Circles and see if you like them. There is never an obligation to return and no one will pressure you if you choose not to continue coming to events.
Please note, though, that each Drum Circle has its own "personality," a mood and feeling that is unique to *that* Drum Circle alone. Every Circle has a different "feel" to it depending on who is there that night, what our week has been like, how much energy each of us has, and so forth. Some Circles are loud and noisy, some Circles are quiet and meditative, and some Circles have a little bit of it all as things change through the evening. So, if you come to one Circle and it doesn't seem "right" in some way, try it at least once more before making a decision, or perhaps try attending a Drum Circle at a different location (even the location will influence the "feel" of the event, to some extent).
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