Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator's Guide to Drum Circle Music (Book & DVD) [Paperback]

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Book Description

Publication Date: November 2004

Create compelling rhythm-based events for groups of all kinds! Learn the art of drum-circle facilitation from master percussionist, educator and award-winning drum circle facilitator, Kalani. The interactive DVD includes activities, games, an instrument guide and inspirational interviews. Participants will also gain essential life skills, including creative thinking, active listening, teamwork, self-direction and communication. This title has been awarded by iParenting Media as one of the "Outstanding Products of 2005."

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: Alfred Publishing; Pap/DVD edition (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073903510X
• ISBN-13: 978-0739035108
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book I've been looking for.., August 25, 2006

By 

Daniel Heffner "enneagram 9" (Dayton, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator's Guide to Drum Circle Music (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

I am grateful to Berry Bernstein for introducing me to drum circles at a Music Therapy Conference in Nashville. That was around 15 years ago. This is the book (and DVD) that I have been looking for ever since. A very practical methodology; good activities and concepts, excellent DVD with examples, and plenty of resources with which to expand. If I could have only one resource, this would be it. It presents so well the how, what, and why of drum circle facilitation. I am looking forward to receiving the companion volume, Jamnasium. Thanks Kalani!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must for the evolution of group music making!, July 9, 2006

By 

Bill Matney - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator's Guide to Drum Circle Music (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

Kalani has been prolific in his media works. Communicating important concepts on many percussion instruments in the past, he has now created a concisely eloquent manual on group music making. Of the three popularly accepted books on drum circle facilitation, this was the last one I read. While I enjoy all three books, I personally believe that this book is the best organized, best communicated, and most engaging of the three. Kalani communicates his ideas with clarity, using a "less words say more" approach. Sequentially speaking, Together in Rhythm begins with the important descriptive and philosophical underpinnings of the Drum Circle Music approach. The book then offers an introduction to the "mechanics" of facilitation and rhythm games, and then the logistics of creating group events, be they for training and development, music education, general community, or wellness. The book continues with an instrument guide, and ends with many appendix resources.

There are two things in my mind that stand out in this book that are part of what separates it from the other books out there. First, during the well-thought out sequence, Kalani consistently returns to his concise underpinnings in order to elaborate important points throughout the book. This contributes to the books overall organization and ease of use. Second, Kalani has developed a facilitation notation system called Drum Circle Music Iconography. The symbols are easy to use, and offer an invaluable tool for creation of musical sequences, and more importantly, analysis of our facilitation skills through visual representation and recollection.

As if that weren't enough (and no, I don't have Kalani's gift for concise speaking ; ) )

The book also comes with a DVD. The video gives the all important visual reference of facilitation cues and sequences in action, as well as an introduction to many percussion instruments and how they can be played. It is an excellent accompaniment to the book, making it's offerings relevantly sequential as well.

As a part of my profession, I conduct various types of drumming programs with many populations. This book, as well as attendance of one of Kalani's Drum Circle Music workshops, have been invaluable assets to my personal development and subsequent implementation of group music making. Therefore, I highly recommend Together in Rhythm to current facilitators, music educators, music therapists, and anyone interested in drum circle facilitation.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource, June 7, 2005

By 

Michael Marcionetti (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator's Guide to Drum Circle Music (Book & DVD) (Paperback)

Kalani has done it again! An excellent resource for the music facilitator, classroom teacher, or music therapist. Kalani breaks down the skills needed to facilitate successful music experiences and lays the techniques out in a clear and easy to follow format. His DCMI innovation is a great way to communicate ideas for drumcircle facilitation. I highly recommend this resource for the beginner all the way to the seasoned pro in music facilitation. This book is chock full of helpful tips to get you out there to help others find their rhythm. AND you have to see the DVD that is included. An eyes on approach that lets you see the facilitation in action with a true community drumcircle.