I just returned from the 2024 Drum Circle Facilitators Guild (DCFG) conference, held this year in Prescott, AZ. The theme of this year’s conference was “Cultivating Connections” and that is exactly what we did.

You may be wondering what a drum circle is and why we have conferences about this stuff? Maybe you’ve seen a group of people gathered together playing drums and wondered what’s the big deal?

But if you’ve experienced a drum circle from a well-trained facilitator, you may understand the valuable level of connection and community that is created. 

Rhythm is inherent in every aspect of life. Our brains automatically connect to the rhythm of life around us through a process called entrainment. Facilitators design rhythmic activities to help people connect their minds and bodies to the environment and the community around them. A group of complete strangers can create music together cues with no experience or training. Click here for more information

The conference began and ended with beautiful ceremonies to honor our local community and to bless the earth, our environment and each other. Both ceremonies reminded us to honor, our creator, our ancestors, the environment, the rhythms, and the music in our lives. 

In between the opening and the closing ceremonies were two days filled with learning and music making. We had very important dialogues about appropriation of world rhythms, cultures, and customs, and learned new techniques for facilitating rhythms, learning, wellness and fun.

There were Music Therapists, Teachers, Counselors, and Wellness Professionals who work in schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and community centers and many other locations. It was an absolute joy to be in the room with so many people that dedicate themselves to enriching the lives of others through music! We drummed, sang, danced, laughed and played with scarves and bucket drums and large Taiko-style drums, together. 

And there were many times of connecting with each other in smaller groups for song and flute circles. Rhythm Church on Sunday morning using small percussion, chimes, bells, gongs, and voices, is a deeply meditative experience that allows for quiet self-reflection. 

It has been both an honor and a blessing to have served the DCFG, as part of the conference planning committee for two years, and then on the Board of Directors as the communications coordinator, for the past two years. As my term of service has ended, I have much gratitude for the deepening relationship with the people in this organization and most especially for the work we do, and for my lifelong relationship with the rhythm! The heartbeat of our family continues on.

Are you ready to start connecting your community through rhythm and music? Contact Debi for more information