Drum Circle Spirit: Facilitating Human Potential Through Rhythm (Performance in World Music Series)

I have been involved in a drum cycle class for many months at our facility and love it. I have had lessons on several musical instruments like the harmonica, ukulele, flute, drums, clave, and maracas the last few years but hand drumming has become my favorite way to make music. When I saw this 208 page soft cover book (Drum Circle Spirit: Facilitating human potential through rhythm by Arthur Hull) on Amazon for a bargain price I decided to purchase it along with a few other books on drum circles etc.This book explains in great detail the various kinds of drum circle activities that are practiced around the world. The fourteen chapters cover the following topics: Rhythmaculture, circle, and drum circle etiquette, facilitators, exercises and drum circle games, reading and respecting the drum circles, addressing the circle, event format, Arthurian terminology, facilitating in specific populations, the mission, tools and techniques, elements to facilitate in a drum circle, orchestration tools, universal groves, and orchestration ideas.If you are part of a drum circle and have a desire to help lead a group this book is a good guide. My only complaint is there was no CD with this book as advertised.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Chair/Seated Tai Chi, Qigong, and Yoga for seniors and the physically challenged)

As a Christian wanting to start a church-oriented drum-circle, I was somewhat concerned that this book would be full of propaganda that would run counter to my Christian values. (Making it annoying to read at the least, and at worst, difficult to convince other Christians in my church of its value.) While some of the author's values come through (especially with references to "tithing to Rhythm Church" and the like) there's nothing in here to really offend any particular religious belief. There's no "we can heal the world with drums, just think good thoughts and good things will happen to you" message here. It's practical advice on how to bring out the best in a group of drummers.Arthur's numerous anecdotes are entertaining and informative. They really conveyed the spirit of what Arthur does with his drum-circles.I'm very anxious to get started applying what I've learned (and will continue to learn) from this book, and it has convinced me to attend one of Arthur Hull's Facilitator Playshops. Arthur's teaching in the book is very clear, presented in small, easily-digested steps, and most of all, very encouraging. The whole book shouts, "You can do this, it isn't that hard!"I've very pleased that Arthur has taken the time to share his hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us. If you're wanting to start a drum-circle, work with kids through rhythm, or any such activity, you can't afford not to own this book.

Some good information about facilitation of drum circles. However Mr Hull seems to have forgotten his roots. His examples are for large groups where dicing and slicing by timbres and such are easily done. It must be nice to call remo and ask for bunches of drums for a special event. Not all of us have that luxury. We must fund our own drum events for beginners.Also, he keeps talking about getting out of the way, yet he talks about standing in the circle and admiring your own work after orchestrating. Very self serving IMHO.Good stuff overall but a little too self-aggrandizing for my taste

I recommend this book for any drum circle facilitator or percussion teacher.Pros:- It is full of past experiences about facilitation techniques.- Very motivating stories- Clear explanation of what you need to run your rhythm based business or life :)- Fundamental rhythms are very useful.Cons:-Some points discussed again and again making them boring.-There is no video about the techniques and it is hard to understand what is going on while listening the audio CD.

Great ideas for someone wanting to facilitate drumming circles - learn from the master!

The best part of this book was the CD with the music andsounds the kids could follow along with.

Really goes into the characteristics you need to develop to facilitate a great circle. Lots of great info with practice tracks on the included CD.

still reading it but just what I wanted to learn how to hold drum circles for parties

Book is good but Cd arrived pieces. Full refund given