NEW! Harvest Moon: Women’s Autumn Retreat with Drum & Song

HARVEST MOON
Women’s Autumn Retreat with Drum & Song
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2015
With Francesca Genco of Lilac Music and Jeni Swerdlow of DRUMMM.
Located at the beautiful Four Springs Retreat in Middletown, CA. Just a 2-hour drive from the S.F. Bay Area!

20% discount if you pay in full by Friday, July 24!

Renew yourself in the company of women as we celebrate the Harvest. Prepare to soothe, connect and awaken the mind-body-spirit through rhythm, voice and movement.

• Playful singing experiences for proclaimed singers and “non-singers” alike! Especially those who think they “can’t sing”!
• The funnest, most empowering drumming you ever dared to experience!
• Celebrate the Harvest through time-honored rhythms & songs from around the world.
• Explore what you’re harvesting in your life this year through the art of collage.

Lovely accommodations, delicious meals, swimming pool & sauna, and trails through forest & meadows await you! Bodywork sessions will also be available.

Open to all levels of experience and creativity, this will be a safe and supportive environment in which to explore, play, discover and nurture both inside and out.

What women said about the last Women's Drum & Song Retreat:

• Healing – enlightening – freeing!
• Opened my heart for the creative woman inside me! 
• I feel so open and alive!

Cost of Retreat - includes all activities, meals, accommodations, instruments, materials, swimming pool, sauna:

• $550 single/$450 double/$375 camping

Early Girl Super Special!   20% off if you pay in full by July 24!
Early Girl Special!   10% off if you pay in full by September 7!

To register, contact Jeni at jeni@drummm.com or (510)316-2850.

Monthly "3rd Saturdays" East Bay Drummm Circle beats strong in Berkeley!

Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center in Berkeley, California is the home of the long-running Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle, now in it's 6th year. Facilitated by DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR, the group meets on the third Saturday of every month, from 4-5:30pm.

Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing, dancing, and the occasional hammered dulcimer) this Drummm Circle makes the experience of drumming engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Jeni playfully challenges participants to build musical skills as they release stress, build community, and experience joy and liberation through the rhythm. No special musical talent or prior training is necessary to participate fully.

No prior drumming experience? Show up right at 4pm for the beginner's introductory mini-lesson, and try your hand at basic drumming techniques and world grooves. Don't have a drum of your own? No problem, Jeni offers a variety of hand and stick drums to play for a nominal fee.

Come check it out and discover why folks from all over the Bay Area come back month after month. Your satisfaction is guaranteed or your next monthly Drummm Circle is FREE!

"3RD SATURDAYS" EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Facilitated by Jeni Swerldow, MA-ATR (and special guests!)
3rd Saturday of each month
4-5:30pm

Location: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave. (at Gilman St.), Berkeley CA.

Cost: Adults $10-15 sliding scale; Kids (13 + under) $5-10; Babies (under 2) Free! No reservation needed. Pay at the door. Cash is appreciated.

Drums: Bring your own drum or play one of Jeni's for $5. First come, first serve.

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

See you in the circle!

www.DRUMMM.com

"2nd Sundays" Up Bay Drummm Circle hits Vallejo!

Now in it's second year! Every "2nd Sunday" of the month is UP BAY DRUMMM SUNDAY in Vallejo CA!

Are you ready to groove your heart out? This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Beat stress, expand joy and wellness, connect with community. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!

Every 2nd Sunday of the month @ 3:30-5pm

Located at IntegriTea, 717 Marin Street, Vallejo CA

Cost: Adults $10-15 sliding scale; Kids 13 + under $5-10 sliding scale; Babies under 2 are Free.

Bring a drum or percussion if you have one, or play one of our drums for an additional $5 each (first come, first served).

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

5th Annual Holiday Drummm Circle, Potluck, Gift Bazaar, Food Drive hits Berkeley on Sat. 12/20!

Join DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow and friends in a RHYTHMIC HOLIDAY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION! We'll be hitting the holiday spirit hard this season. Check it out:

- Holiday and Solstice themed Drummm Circle (Ho Ho Ho and a Bang on the Drum!)

- Community Potluck (Eat to the beat, make a friend, bring a treat!)

- Gift Bazaar (Buy instruments, music and drumming inspired art - give the gift of rhythm!)

- Annual Food Drive for the Alameda Food Bank (Bring your donations of canned and other non-perishable foods in unopened containers)

Saturday, December 20, 2015 @ 4-6pm (extended time!)

Located at Ashkenaz, - 1417 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley CA

Adults $10, Seniors $8, Kids 12 + under $5
Bring a drum or rent one of ours for $5 (first come, first serve)

Open to all levels and styles of drumming! Prepare to be playfully challenged and merrily groove-ified! 

Contact Jeni Swerdlow - jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850 for more info.

Fall Back Into the Groove! Upcoming DRUMMM Events, Sept-Oct 2014

FALL BACK INTO THE GROOVE!
Upcoming DRUMMM Events
September-October 2014

Friday 9/12 @ 7-8pm - Drummm Jam at "2nd Fridays" Vallejo Art Walk (meet at the corner of Georgia St. and Marin St., right outside The Hub). Bring a drum or soundmaker and join in the fun at this monthly community art celebration! Open to all ages and levels/styles of drumming. Chairs provided. FREE!

Sunday 9/14 @ 2:30-4pm - "2nd Sundays" Monthly North Bay Drummm Circle at The Hub Vallejo, 350 Georgia St. This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum, or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Thursday 9/18 @ 3:30-4:30pm - Drummm OneBEAT at Danville Library, 400 Front St. DRUMMM hits the Arts Enrichment Book Club - fun for kids of all ages! FREE!

Saturday 9/20 @ 4-5:30pm - "3rd Saturdays" Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle - Special Autumn Equinox Celebration!  at Ashkenaz Berkeley, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing and dancing)! Jeni Swerdlow's facilitation makes the experience engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum, or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Saturday 9/27 @ 6-7pm - Jeni Swerdlow leads the Closing Drum Circle at Oakland World Percussion Festival at East Bay Church, 4130 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. "Northern California's Largest One-Day Percussion Event!" FREE!

Friday 10/10 @ 7-8pm - Drummm Jam at "2nd Fridays" Vallejo Art Walk (meet at the corner of Georgia St. and Marin St., right outside The Hub). Bring a drum or soundmaker and join in the fun at this monthly community art celebration! Open to all ages and levels/styles of drumming. Chairs provided. FREE!

Sunday 10/12 @ 2:30-4pm - "2nd Sundays" Monthly North Bay Drummm Circle at The Hub Vallejo, 350 Georgia St. This fun, playfully challenging drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Saturday 10/18 @ 4-5:30pm - "3rd Saturdays" Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle at Ashkenaz Berkeley, 1317 San Pablo Ave. Open to all styles of drumming (as well as singing and dancing)! Jeni Swerdlow's facilitation makes the experience engaging, accessible, meaningful and FUN for participants of all ages and levels. Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5. Bring a drum or borrow one for $5, first come first serve.

Check back often, as we're adding and updating events all the time!

More info: www.DRUMMM.com - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

5/11 Celebrate the Rhythms of Life with Mom!

Join us on Sunday, May 11th for a Mother's Day Drummm Circle! Moms get $5 off admission!

This fun, playfully challenging "Second Sundays" drum circle is facilitated by DRUMMM Rhythmic Eventsfounder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR. Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!

3:30-4pm Beginner Lesson: Intro to Hand Drumming/World Grooves
4-5pm All levels Facilitated Drummm Circle + Community Celebration.

Located @ IntegriTea Art + Event Space, 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA

Adults: $10; Kids 13 + under: $5; Seniors 65 + up $8; Babies under 2: Free. $5 off for Moms!!

Bring a drum or percussion if you have one, or play one of Jeni's drums for an additional $5 each (first come, first serve).

Questions? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850.

DRUMMM Community Events (Feb-May 2014)

Sat. 2/8 DRUMMM for Kids @ Claremont Branch Library, Berkeley CA.
4-4:45pm
Family friendly + Free!

Sun. 2/9 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 2/15 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-5:30pm

Sun. 3/9 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 3/15 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
Come play and get ready for Sun. 3/16 event (see below), where we will Drummm for the masses!

4-5:30pm

Sun. 3/16 East Bay Drummm Circle Drummers @ Ashkenaz World Dance Showcase (41st Anniversary Bash + Benefit), Berkeley CA.
Must attend 3/15 East Bay Drummm Circle to participate as a drummer at this event (see above).
Doors @ 4:30pm, Show @ 5pm

Sun. 4/6 Closing Drummm Circle Celebration @ Stockton Earth Day Festival, Stockton CA.
4-4:45pm

Fri. 4/11 "Rhythm Ride" Drummm Circle @ East Bay Bike Party, Walnut Creek CA
9-10pm

Sun. 4/13 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 4/19 Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-5:30pm

Sun. 5/11 NEW "2nd Sundays" North Bay Drummm Circle @ IntegriTea, - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA.
3:30-5pm

Sat. 5/17 DrumSTRONG S.F. Bay Area "Drumming to BEAT Cancer!" Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA.
4-6pm

Check back often, as we're adding and updating events all the time!

More info: www.DRUMMM.com - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

Deck the Halls with Grooves and Rhythms! Celebrate the Holidays with DRUMMM

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with your community in rhythm! Please join in one (or both) of these Drummm Circles and let your spirit soar!

Sunday 12/15/13
VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time! Please donate to our local Holiday Food Drive! We are accepting healthy canned or packaged foods for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. 
3-5pm
IntegriTea Art + Event Space, 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA

3-3:30pm Beginner Lesson: Intro to Hand Drumming/World Grooves
3:30-5pm All levels Facilitated Drum Circle/Community Celebration.
Adults: $10; Kids 12 and under: $5; Babies under 2: Free
Bring a drum or percussion if you have one. There will be plenty of extras on hand.

Saturday 12/21/13
EAST BAY COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE, SOLSTICE CELEBRATION, POTLUCK + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
Eat! Beat! And Be Merry! Winter Solstice is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming one. Please bring a dish or beverage to share at our annual Community Potluck, plus healthy canned or packaged foods for our annual Holiday Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
4-6pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Are you having a holiday event of your own that could use a little "kick"? Contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850 to book your interactive holiday drummm circle or live drumming performance for your staff party, community event, or family gathering!

For more info, visit DRUMMM.

The beat goes on! DRUMMM welcomes newest drummer to the family, plus September-December 2013 Community Events

Please welcome little drummer boy Ethan Isadore Brightman to the DRUMMM family! Ethan was born on Sunday August 11th, 2013 in Berkeley, CA to DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow and proud papa Peter Brightman. So far he's shown an interest in listening to legendary drummers Babtunde Olatunji, Glen Velez, Master Musicians of Jajouka, and Mamady Keita to name just a few. Glad you could join us in rhythm and in life little Ethan! We can't wait to drummm with you.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY DRUMMM EVENTS
September-December 2013

Saturday 9/21
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Featuring special guest facilitator Kathy Quain, MME, MT-BC
4:30-6pm  in the Back Studio (Special time + space!)
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Sunday 10/6
DRUMMM CIRCLE @ DRUM SUNDAY KICKOFF PICNIC
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR; Hosted by Women Drummers International
1-3:30pm
Mosswood Park, Oakland CA
FREE!

Saturday 10/19
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
4-5:30pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Saturday 10/26
HALLOWEEN COMMUNITY + FAMILY DRUMMM PROGRAM
11am-12pm
Guerneville Regional Library
Come in costume and join us in drumming up some Halloween fun!
FREE!

Saturday 11/9
VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE
1-2pm 
IntegriTea Art Space - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA
In support of Vallejo Open Studios. Open to all ages, all levels. Bring a seat and drum or percussion if you have one. Some drums available.
FREE! (Donations accepted)

Sunday 11/10

VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE

5:30-6:30pm
IntegriTea Art Space - 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA

In support of Vallejo Open Studios. Open to all ages, all levels. Bring a seat and drum or percussion if you have one. Some drums available.

FREE! (Donations accepted)

Saturday 11/16
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE + FOOD DRIVE
Please bring healthy canned or packaged foods for our annual Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
4-5:30pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Thursday 12/12
DRUMMM FOR KIDS
Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR + the DRUMMM Team
4-4:50pm
Walnut Creek Library
FREE!

Thursday 12/12
DRUMMM FOR ADULTS
Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR + the DRUMMM Team
6:30-7:30pm
Walnut Creek Library
FREE!

Sunday 12/15
VALLEJO COMMUNITY DRUMMM CIRCLE + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
3-5pm
IntegriTea Art + Event Space, 717 Marin St, Vallejo CA
Please donate to our local Holiday Food Drive! We are accepting healthy canned or packaged foods for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
3-3:30pm Beginner Lesson: Intro to Hand Drumming/World Grooves
3:30-5pm All levels Facilitated Drum Circle/Community Celebration.
Open to all ages, levels, cultures, and styles of drumming. No prior musical experience is necessary to participate. Jeni will get your hands moving and grooving on the drum in no time!
Adults: $10; Kids 12 and under: $5; Babies under 2: Free
Bring a drum or percussion if you have one. There will be plenty of extras on hand.

Saturday 12/21
MONTHLY EAST BAY DRUMMM CIRCLE, SOLSTICE CELEBRATION + HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Facilitated by DRUMMM Founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR
Eat! Beat! And Be Merry! Please bring a dish or beverage to share at our Community Potluck, plus healthy canned or packaged foods for our annual Holiday Food Drive. All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
4-6pm  in the Main Space
Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, CA www.ashkenaz.com
Adults $10; Kids (12 + under) $5
Drum Rental $5

Check back here often - events are being added all the time!
For more info visit www.DRUMMM.com.
For bookings or questions please contact Jeni Swerdlow - jeni@drummm.com - 510.316.2850

Summer of Rhythm! DRUMMM Community Events Calendar, Jun-Aug 2013

Join DRUMMM Rhythmic Events founder and facilitator Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR and friends in a joyful celebration of rhythm! It's a magical, music-making experience that everyone can participate in together. Come play!

Sat 6/15 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm

Wed 6/19 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ San Lorenzo Library - Free + family-friendly!
2:30-3:15pm

Sat 6/22 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Union City Library - Free + family-friendly!
2:00-2:45pm

Wed 6/26 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Los Gatos Library - Free + family-friendly!
10:30-11:15am

Wed 7/10 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Menlo Park Library - Free + family-friendly!
10:30-11:15am

Wed 7/10 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Belle Haven Branch Library, Menlo Park - Free + family-friendly!
1:30-2:15pm

Sat 7/20 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle with Special Guest Rhythm Facilitator Susan Jette, MT-BC @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
4-5:30pm

Mon 8/12 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ El Sobrante Library - Free + family-friendly!
7-7:45pm

Sat 8/17 Please note that there will be NO Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle in August. See you in September on 9/21!

For more info, visit www.DRUMMM.com. Check back often - events are being added all the time!

Community Drummm Events Calendar (Feb-May 2013)

Join us in these "hands-on" drumming events - engaging, accessible, meaningful and fun for ALL skill levels!

Sat 2/1 Closing Drum Circle Ceremony with Arthur Hull @ MacWorld/iWorld 2013, Moscone Center, S.F.
3:30-4:30pm

Sat 2/16 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
4-5:30pm

Fri 2/22-Sun 2/24 8th Annual Drum Circle Facilitators Conference (with presentation by DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow) @ Pasaro Dunes Resort, Watsonville CA

Sat 3/16 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm

Fri 4/5-Sun 4/7 Embodying Perspehone: Women's Spring Renewal Retreat with Drum, Yoga, + Song @ Black Mountain Retreat Center, Cazadero CA. Facilitated by Jeni Swerdlow + Francesca Genco

Fri 4/19 Imagining Nonviolence: Healing from Violence @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA
Non-Violence Workshops @ 6:30pm; Kids' Drum Circle @ 7:30pm; Healing Drummm Circle with Jeni Swerdlow @ 8:30pm; Followed by live music with SambaDa + Cosmos Percussion Orchestra.

Sat 4/20 Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

4-5:30pm - Dinner nearby immediately afterwards, followed by Baba Olatunji Birthday Celebration @ Ashkenaz

Sat 5/18 drumSTRONG "drumming to BEAT cancer" Annual Drummm Circle at Monthly East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA. $10-25 Suggested donation. Proceeds to benefit S.F. Bay Area Cancer Support Community.
4-5:30pm

Fri 5/24 Full Moon Drummm Circle Celebration @ UCSF Saunders Court, Parnassus Campus, San Francisco CA. FREE!
12-1pm

Tue 5/28 DRUMMM OneBEAT @ Sebastopol Library, Sebastopool CA (Free + All ages!)
4-4:45pm

For more info, visit www.DRUMMM.com. Check back often - events are being added all the time!

Monthly East Bay Drummm Circle Gathers Community in Rhythm!

East Bay Monthly Community Drummm Circle - Every 3rd Saturday!

Join DRUMMM founder Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR and friends in a joyful celebration of rhythm! Group drumming can be a fun and effective way to reduce stress, connect with oneself and others, live in the moment, and build musical skills. Jeni's facilitation makes drumming engaging, accessible, and meaningful for all ages, all levels. Come play! Watch a Video

Time: 4:00-5:30pm (4:00-4:20pm Quick-n-Easy Beginner Hand-Drumming Lesson; 4:20-5:30pm Let's All Play!)

Location: Ashkenaz Music + Dance Center - 1317 San Pablo Avenue (at Gilman St.), Berkeley, California www.ashkenaz.com

Dates for 2013: 1/19, 2/16, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, (no August), 9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/21

Cost: Adults (13 years + over): $10 at the door if you bring a drum, $15 if you need to borrow a drum (loaner drums available on a first-come, first-serve basis). Kids (12 years and under--must be supervised by an adult): $5 at the door if you bring a drum, $10 you need to borrow a drum.

This is an all ages, all levels, hands-on facilitated drum circle event. Beginners are encouraged to come early for an introduction to hand-drumming and basic world grooves.

Beginning Drummers:
-Learn basic hand and stick drumming techniques!
-Play universal world rhythms in an ensemble!
-Discover how to find the beat and really listen!
-Have fun making music in a safe, supportive environment!
-Explore drumming as a means of self-expression and stress relief!

Experienced Drummers:
-Learn to improvise and play music “in-the-moment”!
-Improve musicality and learn to play dynamically!
-Work on technique and soloing!
-Develop drum circle facilitation skills!
-Connect with other drummers in your area!

About the Facilitator:

San Francisco Bay Area percussionist and registered art therapist Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR is a dynamic and engaging facilitator, trainer, presenter, and performer. Founding DRUMMM Rhythmic Events in 2000, her interactive, “hands-on” group drumming programs have engaged many thousands of participants at a wide variety of events in the U.S. and abroad. She is a REMO endorsed drum circle facilitator, trained HealthRHYTHMS facilitator, and lifelong student of West African drumming and world percussion. Swerdlow is best known for her innovative strategies and playful attitude that foster teambuilding, support wellness, enhance celebrations, and strengthen community for event participants of all ages and backgrounds. 

Info: www.DRUMMM.com
Contact: Jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850

DRUMMM is Back in the Bay and Ready to Play!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY DRUMMM EVENTS
September-December 2012

DRUMMM provides hands-on, facilitated drumming experiences for all kinds of groups and events. Programs are open to all ages, all levels, all styles of drumming. We're connecting the world in rhythm, one beat at a time...join us!

9/15 The Return of the East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

9/23 Drummm OneBEAT @ Art in Nature: The Nature of Art Festival, Steam Trail of Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
12:00-1:00PM on the Shuttle; 4:00-5:00PM Parade + Closing Ceremony

9/29 Drummm OneBEAT @ YES Family Camp, Pescadero
All Day

9/30 Drummm OneBEAT @ OMCA Family/Oakland Pride Celebration, Oakland Museum of California
2:15-3:00PM

10/13 Drummm OneBEAT @ YES Family Camp, Pescadero
All Day

10/20 East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

11/10 Drummm OneBEAT @ International Drum Month Celebration, Lafayette Library
1:00-1:45PM

11/17 East Bay Community Drummm Circle @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-5:30PM

12/2 "Universal Grooves - Rhythm for All" with Jeni Swerdlow @ Drum Sundays, Oakland
1:00-3:00PM (Rescheduled from 11/4/12)

12/15 DRUMMM Holiday + Solstice Celebration @ Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, Berkeley

4:00-6:00PM

More Info: www.DRUMMM.com

Contact: Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR - jeni@drummm.com or 510.316.2850

Check back again soon - new events are being added all the time!

Drumming for Wellness at Alpha 1 National Conference

Article by Jeni Swerdlow. Photo by Yasuyo Yamaguchi

Karl Bruhn, considered the “Father of the Recreational Music Making movement,” lost his daughter, Debbie Rogers, earlier this year to a chronic and sometimes fatal genetic disease known as Alpha 1, which attacks the lungs and liver. To honor Debbie, Karl elicited the help of REMO Inc. and I to provide a hands-on presentation and drum circle focusing on the health benefits of drumming at the Alpha 1 Association’s National Conference in San Francisco earlier this month.

As nearly 450 attendees, the majority of whom have Alpha 1 and experience related physical challenges, sat around banquet tables after dinner and a long day of conference programs, I pondered how I was going to engage participants in drumming. How to make it meaningful for them, and facilitate in such a way that they can experience all the benefits without further stressing out their bodies?

Scientific studies are showing more and more the positive impact of group drumming and “recreational music making” (music made by non-musicians) on the immune system, brain functioning, mood and stress reduction. Much of the work that I do in my DRUMMM programs utilizes the HealthRHYTHMS protocol, which was applied in several of these groundbreaking studies.

After extensive research and conversations with Karl and Alpha 1 conference coordinator, Cathey Horsach, about the specific issues patients with Alpha 1 face, I came up with these intentions for the presentation:

1. Introduce the link between drumming and wellness,
2. Generate interest and curiosity in playing the drums (over 450 of them, graciously supplied by REMO Inc, were decoratively displayed around the room),
3. Create a safe and supportive atmosphere for people to try something new,
4. Honor Karl’s daughter and those who have died from Alpha 1 while celebrating life with everyone present,
5. Develop the music with a gentle touch, being mindful of physical challenges,
6. Help facilitate a connection to the breath, the body, the music and the Alpha 1 community,
7. Provide some fun hands-on entertainment.

This translated into starting with a brief overview of the benefits, some gentle upper body “drummer” stretches to recorded flute music, and a few members of the DRUMMM Team playing a soft drumbeat in the background. Eventually, volunteers brought the drums and world percussion instruments to the guests and away we went. After I did an initial demonstration on how to play each type of instrument, the group settled into a nice easy groove based on a simple heartbeat rhythm.

For nearly an hour people played, clapped, sang and cheered for themselves and each other. As their “Drum Circle Orchestra Conductor” I used my body language to sculpt the music, creating dynamics, inspiring cooperation, and keeping the energy and music flowing. One man began a call and response cheer to the group, shouting “Let’s Beat Alpha One,” to which everyone heartily echoed. When people got tired, I invited them to put their hands on their drum and let their bodies receive the vibration of the rhythm through their drum. I saw many closed eyes and smiling faces that night.

7 Evidence-Based Elements of HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming:

1. Stress-Reduction
2. Exercise
3. Self-Expression
4. Camaraderie/Support
5. Nurturing
6. Spirituality
7. Music-Making

To learn more about DRUMMM's Wellness programs, visit http://www.drummm.com/.
For more information on HealthRHYTHMS and the health benefits of drumming, visit http://www.remo.com/.
To learn about Alpha 1 disease, visit http://www.alpha1.org/.
To read and see photos from the conference, visit http://www.alphaone.org/news/alphas-learn-to-live-longer-be-healthier-and-help-to-find-a-cure-for-alpha-1-at-national-alpha-1-conference.