“Thoroughly enjoyable. Lyle made it full of fun!” Parveen Somji (April 2012)
“My first time ever experiencing this… it was a very serene and touching experience. Thank you so much!” Samantha Andrews (March 2012)
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The Beat Street Community Drum Circle started in 1996 and at 16 years running, may well be the longest running weekly drop-in circle in Canada. The last circle of the 2012 Spring session is June 24 – MusicWorks then goes on Summer tour (no circles on Easter Sunday, April 8, and June 3).
Drop-in Sundays from September to June, Jericho Hill Centre, 3 – 5 pm, 4196 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada. An inter-generational, multicultural and weekly rhythmical celebration, all ages and stages welcome, first-time-beginner-friendly, wheelchair accessible (advance notice required), drums and instruments provided. Regular fee: Adults – $10; Children under 16 years, seniors, special needs – $7; kids under 4 years old free.
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Sign up for newsletter for information about holiday cancellations–>
Benefit – Rheumatoid Arthritis:
> “When I came here today I was in terrible pain in my left hand with a rheumatoid arthritis flare up. The pain had been excruciating all night and all morning and I had no use in my hand. After the first half of the drum circle, and using my left hand very gently to keep rhythm, I was amazed to find I could straighten my hand and the pain had subsided. I expected that this could make my hand worse rather than better. My hand was very energized. I see the possibility for all kinds of healing. I am amazed.” Kate Evans – participant, Beat Street Community Drum Circle – Sept 18, 2011.
*** Beat Street Community Drum Circle supports those who are financially unable to pay the entrance fee.
A drum circle is a rhythm-based event where people gather in a circle to express themselves with African drums and percussion instruments. A facilitator guides the session, encouraging and supporting people as they reconnect with their innate sense of rhythm. Inclusiveness is a core principle – people of all backgrounds, mobility, ages and skill levels (even first-time beginners) can participate.
The circle has potential to teach us about community, inter-generational learning, creativity, team building, spirituality, mentoring, wellness, and respect for other cultures. It becomes a model and metaphor for our world family, an opportunity to engage in an age-old activity where young and old (and all of us in between) play and celebrate together.
A circle video sample: Beat Street Community Drum Circle
TESTIMONIAL:
A regular Beat Street Community Drum Circle participant spoke quite emotionally, with tears welling up in his eyes and his voice breaking, as he recalled being offered various instruments in grade school and wanting only to be a drummer. I asked the question “How does the drum circle affect you? to which he answered “It brings me back to my heart of hearts, everything I grew up wanting to be, I can be… this roots me in what I am”. He has been attending the weekly drop-in circle for over 5 years.
Other Videos:
Fairchild TV – 1) Boomwhacker Session
2) Boomwhacker Performance
