On Sunday I attended a four-hour drumming workshop sponsored by writer friend Pat Walker and Gayan Gregory Long. Even though it doesn’t show in these pictures because Pat caught me during moments of intense concentration, I had a great time. I thought you’d like to see these photos of this old broad learning new tricks.
See how focused I am? Actually, all of us appear to be in the zone. I’ve only attended one other drumming experience, but I occasionally go to a Native American pow-wow and am always mesmerized by the sound. That feeling was even more intense in this group when I actually participated in making those sounds.
Okay, Pat did catch me smiling in this one, but that’s only because I noticed she was pointing the camera my way. Am I groovin’ or what?
Back in the zone. On the right is Gayan, our fearless instructor, who is coaching one of the drum circle participants to keep the rhythm going on a bell. Little did I know that innocent little bell would be my downfall.
See Pat concentrate. See Pat try to learn a 9/8 rhythm on a cowbell. See Pat look totally confused, even though she can read music? You have no idea how badly I longed for my drum during this next drumming session that lasted forever and ever.
Would you believe it? I flunked cowbell.
You didn’t flunk cowbell, Pat, you soloed, my friend! It was great fun having you there! Gayan and I are fixing to do another workshop in June. Do you mind if I link your post to my website?
It’s a little known fact that the cowbell actually drives the rhythm. Yes, that small piece of metal is the LEADER of the drums. Don’t feel bad, hopefully you developed an appreciation for an instrument that pros make look easy! Much respect for the bell.
Another writer friend gave me the name of a DVD for drumming students: “Beginning Hand Drumming” with Jill Sager. I wonder if we could start a virtual drum circle… 🙂
Do you know The Drumming Song by Florence and the Machine? It’s a joyful piece of soul-thrumming riotous nonsense. This workshop makes me think of that! Good for you!
hahaha cowbell!! Oh it looks like great fun :o))
I know I shouldn’t laugh – but that’s hysterical! That also looks like a great time!! 🙂
I would so flunk cowbell, too, Patricia. Looks like a lot of fun! Good to know about the pow wow this weekend, too!
Hearth Cricket
Looks like a lot of fun Patricia! Keep at it, you’ll get it!
You seem to be at one with your drumming muse. Perhaps when you next sit down to write you’ll get mesmerized by the rhythm of the click of the keys on the keyboard. On second thought, that might not be a good thing .
And to add to my drumming experience, I just found out there will be a spring powwow at the Colorado State University equine center in Fort Collins this weekend. One more reason to love Northern Colorado!
It seems a good time was had by all.
I loved the pictures, Thanks for sharing.
Yvonne.
This drumming looks like so much fun, even if you did flunk the cowbell!! I really like to see personal pictures on a blog so I can see what mere words can’t completely capture. From these I feel like I know you better. Thanks so much for posting them, and for commenting on my Tagged post that I put up yesterday.
I’ve tried to play the cowbell. It ain’t easy, girlfriend. This sounds wonderful. I,too, am mesmerized by drumbeats. Powwows are awesome for that reason.
Karen
You may have flunked cowbell, but you sure seem to have had a great time.
Wow, I didn’t even know cowbell was an instrument. I would have flunked for sure. Great pictures, it seems like fun.
CD