Product Description

Together in Rhythm is a complete guide to Drum Circle Music™, a unique music facilitation approach that supports the highest standards of professionals in music-based disciplines. The book and 80-minute DVD provide the learning resources needed for anyone to successfully create in-the-moment drum circle activities for education, wellness, development, training, and recreation. The layout is easy to follow and the information is clear and concise. In addition to the core material, there is a strong personal aspect to both the book and DVD that reflects Kalani's 25+ years of experience through the many photos, stories, quotes and tips.

In Chapter one, Kalani provides an overview of drum circles, the Drum Circle Music approach, and its various applications (community, educational, therapy/fitness, and training). Chapter two outlines the DCM philosophy, process, and illustrates the importance of its key concepts and how they are crucial for creating the best possible outcomes. It also provides numerous activities and strategies for facilitating successful musical and interpersonal outcomes. Chapter three familiarizes the reader with the world percussion family of instruments and various ways individuals and groups can make music together. Chapter four demonstrates Kalani's effective facilitation techniques from the three main categories and introduces Kalani's drum circle notation system, DCMI (Drum Circle Music Iconography) that has many applications, from helping visual learners to cross-curricular support in the classroom. In chapter five Kalani presents six effective drum circle activities that can help! anyone have immediate success with groups of all sizes. (Each activity also appears on the DVD). Chapter six shows how to present a Drum Circle Music event in a step-by-step process that is easy to follow. This section also features special tips for music stores. Chapter seven dives deeper into the DCM approach with strategies for creating a holistic experience for all the participants, creating meaningful personal connections, and helping the reader learn about and apply the theory of multiple intelligences which is widely recognized as a way foster learning and aid in the developmental process of diverse populations. Chapter eight shows how to present four unique cooperative learning games. The games are outcome-oriented activities that are designed to reach specific developmental goals. Each game is presented in an easy-to-follow format and shown on the DVD. (More games can be found in the companion book, The Amazing Jamnasium). Music educators, music therapists, trainers and counselors will find these particularly useful in their work. Chapter nine addresses the needs of specific populations and offers many activities, strategies, and tips for creating effective programs that address their needs. Special populations include Community Circles, Educational Circles, Training & Development Circles, and Health & Wellness Circles. Kalani addresses the finer points of music facilitation, including how group drumming can benefit our health and ways to make sure the experience is safe and supportive for all participants.

The chapters are supplemented with a wealth of information including an instrument guide, an instrument quick reference chart, how to build an Instrument kit, rhythm basics, a table of DCMI symbols, information about DCM Training Programs, and an overview of the National Standards for Music Education.

The 80-minute DVD shows a complete drum circle event from start to finish (with DCMI in the upper left corner of the screen), games and activities, interviews with Kalani and the participants, and demonstrations of over 25 World Percussion instruments.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55129 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 102 pages

Customer Reviews

Great Intro to Drum Circles!
I have really enjoyed this book and video. Kalani explains various methods in the book, but it's very helpful to watch him execute them on the DVD. I even like the section of the DVD where he plays various instruments to demonstrate them. Being a very amateur percussionist, I had never thought of some of the techniques he demonstrates.

Good facilitation techniques, but no rhythms outlined.
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.

The Best Guide to Recreational Music Making Facilitation
This book is the best guide on learning drum circle facilitation techniques. Kalani is a master recreational music facilitator, and provides straight forward information on how you too can learn to facilitate a drum circle.