Building Community with World Music Drumming: Rituals of Relation
Drum Raffle: https://forms.gle/CHBB4iquRgT7SU9K6
Workshop resources:
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QW3pFNPR55mnmHKihZUulT6b1jnd2Mq9mHUGfTuNUuo/edit?usp=sharing
Name Game Videos:
Geoffrey Cohen Values Affirmation: https://www.geoffreylcohen.com/surveys-and-interventions
World Music Drumming: https://www.worldmusicdrumming.com/
Music and Peacebuilding: https://www.musicpeacebuilding.com/
Edited AI Summary:
Music educators know that the classroom is a space where community is built, where students learn to connect with each other and with themselves. This slide deck, "Building Community with World Music Drumming: Rituals of Relation," explores how we can intentionally use World Music Drumming and rituals within music education to "act our way into being" with better forms of relation.
The presentation emphasizes the difference between rituals, habits, and routines. While routines are simply repeated actions, rituals hold deeper meaning and can transform ordinary moments into something sacred.
A key concept explored is the idea of values affirmation. Research shows that when individuals reflect on and affirm their core values, they feel a greater sense of belonging and are more resilient to challenges. The presenters suggest incorporating values-related activities into the music classroom, such as having students identify their most important values and then express them through rhythmic chants or drumming patterns. This allows students to not only connect with their own values but also to share them with the group, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
The slide deck also delves into the power of movement and dance as ritual. Through folk dances and other movement activities, students can learn about consent, turn-taking, and respecting personal space. These physical rituals can help students "act their way into being," embodying positive behaviors and fostering a culture of kindness and cooperation.
The presentation highlights the importance of rituals in creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Rituals can help students transition between activities, manage their emotions, and develop self-regulation skills. One powerful anecdote shared is the story of a student who initially refused to participate in music class. However, after establishing a ritual where students could earn the opportunity to play a gong, this student became fully engaged and even expressed how much he had been missing out.
The slide deck encourages music educators to think creatively about how they can incorporate rituals into their teaching practices. It provides numerous examples, from simple name games to elaborate drumming ceremonies. The presenters emphasize that rituals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming; even small, intentional acts can make a big difference in building community and fostering a sense of belonging.