Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

If you are looking for an easy to read "how to" get started with creating your own drum circles book, "Together in Rhythm: A Facilitator's Guide to Drum Circle Music" fits the bill. The material in the book is easy to follow and the included DVD helps to re-enforce the concepts presented. In addition to the material that covers conducting a drum circle, the book also touches on practical business practices such as recommended instrumentation, drum circle set-up and what to do following a event. Over-all I feel this book is a must have for anyone interested in taking the plunge into the world of drum circle facilitation. Kudos to Kalani for creating such an excellent resource.

I love drum circles and this book provides everything you need to know to facilitate your own drum circle. I have taken the DCM Facilitation Training with Kalani, first in California for Level One and the next year in Florida for Level Two. The book is a detailed description of the training one receives. Excellent resource!

Percussionist/Drum Circle Facilitator "Kalani" has created the ultimate owner's manual for beginning drum circle facilitators. The operative word here is "comprehensive;" Kalani's well-conceived approach is thoroughly explained throughout this 102 page text. Beginning with the first chapter ("What is a Drum Circle"), the reader is given a guided tour covering all aspects of this popular activity, including Kalani's philosophy, techniques, recommended games and activities, instrument guide, etc. The accompanying DVD (included) reinforces the book material and shows Kalani facilitating a circle and being interviewed.
Although other types of drum circles are discussed (community, training and development, and health & wellness), Kalani's specialty is the educational drum circle, and along with its companion book, "The Amazing Jamnasium," (64 pgs., with CD), "Together in Rhythm" will be a boon to classroom teachers. His system of symbols and notation, which he calls Drum Circle Music Iconography, the many suggested musical games, and the accessibility of percussion instruments should help to make this activity user-friendly for even the youngest participants.

It is not one of those books you read once and put away. I keep learning new ways to develop DC facilitation every time I pick up the book. Excellent resource!

The book outlines specifics well, but I think it is important to see from beginning to end, how a drum circle excercise/rhythm is followed through. The video just shows excerpts. Also, no syncopated rhythms were broken down visually or in the book. You have order the next installment to get the drum circle rhythms! The instructor's method is great, but I was left feeling that some crucial beginner elements were missing from this video.

I am just getting started with drumming - but I have facilitated other kinds of groups for many years. This is by far the most helpful resource I have ever found on the basic art of facilitation (vs. teaching or leadership). Though the book is focused on facilitated drum circles, I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in any kind of group facilitation. That includes corporate events and brainstorming and committees, church small groups or youth events, camp counselors, etc.

This book has great exercises and games. I use them all the time but I may change it up a bit and create my own methods. I recommend it to any drum facilitator.