SPRING EDITION – March 2010
Drum Up Rhythms
SPRING EDITION – March 2010
Dear Drummers, Dancers and Friends:
Ah yes, it’s spring all right! Does it seem to you that the season, and energy, has started early this time around? I certainly seem to be well into spring mode these days. New starts. Big ideas. Lots on the go.
Survey Monkey
If you ever need to do a survey for any reason, be sure to check out this site: www.surveymonkey.com.
They provide several levels of survey services, and, even at the “free” level, you can design a survey, send a link out to people asking them to complete it, and then see the results. Very cool.
In February, I did just that. Ever diligent about not over-using my e-mail out list, I only sent the link out to a few of you to ask for your participation. Now, here’s the tricky part. Your answers were anonymous. That means I can’t tell who responded, which means I can’t personally thank those of you who took the time and effort to complete the questions. So, I offer a heartfelt, albeit blanket, big thank you to all those who helped me by taking the survey. The information I gained from your answers was very helpful. (To see the survey, here’s the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WSPQ95R.)
Here are a few tidbits from the survey results, for your interest:
- 80% rated the current tagline “Let the rhythms flow” as extremely effective or very effective
- 75% rated the current Tidal Beat logo as very effective
- 80% said yes to the question: When facilitating a Tidal Beat drum circle, do you think Heather should wear clothing with the Tidal Beat logo on it?
Now that’s enough about me and my projects. Here’s the scoop on upcoming Tidal Beat drum events so you can sign up and put some spring in your groove! Hmmm. Or should that be put some groove in your spring? Either way, here you go…
TIDAL BEAT DRUMMERS
We had tons of fun in this “rhythm band of drummers” last year. We drummed at Alderney Landing, for a diversity event at a local school, and, our finest moment, performing at the Tall Grass Festival in Seaforth. Too much joy!! So, for any hibernating Tidal Beat Drummers and others who find the idea intriguing, it’s time to get the drums rolling! I’m thinking May is a good time to start???
www.tidalbeat.ca heather@tidalbeat.ca Phone: 902.431.8052 Cell: 2-3-DRUMS
Based on feedback from the group and what I learned from doing this for the first time last year, I’ve
tweaked the formula a bit. Here’s the plan:
• Four practice sessions. Practices will be on Sunday afternoons at the North Woodside
Community Centre, 230 Pleasant Street in Dartmouth from 2 – 3:30 pm. Dates are
May 16, May 23, June 6 and June 13. Also, on Sunday, May 30 there is an Open
Drum Circle at NWCC which registered TBDs are welcome to attend at no extra charge.
The $50 fee includes the four practice sessions, the open drum circle on May 30, and
the performance session.
• The performance. We will schedule a time to perform sometime after the last practice. It could be a gig we may be asked to do, or we will play our pieces on the waterfront or some other suitable location. We will be performing the rhythms we have created as a group and practiced. That is, they will be repeatable – coming from a core rhythm – with room for spontaneity in the moment.
• The band. This time, the formation of the sections in the band will be determined by who joins the band and what instrument you want to play. You won’t have to play the same instrument or be in the same section for every piece, unless you want to.
• The commitment. Last year, people could pay by the week and/or drop in for one session which made it more like an open drum circle/band practice combo. When you sign up this time, it will be for the whole series, much like a class or course. If you have to miss a week, no problem, but essentially the band members will remain the same for the duration of the series. That way, we can keep the forward momentum going and do a bit more with each piece.
• Drumming experience. As you know, I’m all about bringing the joy of drumming to everyone,
including those who have little or no previous experience. In this band, we’re creating our own
rhythms, so we are free to include complicated and easier parts. To be in the Tidal Beat Drummers, however, you do need a pretty good sense of rhythm and some ability to remember and repeat rhythms (notwithstanding those of us who are over 50!).
So there you have it. The formation of the band, of course, depends on your interest. Register today!
For pictures of the Tidal Beat Drummers performing at the Tall Grass Festival in Seaforth last fall, follow the link on my homepage (www.tidalbeat.ca).
OPEN DRUM CIRCLES AT NORTH WOODSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Here are the dates for upcoming open drum circles. No experience is needed. New and experienced drummers are welcome. Instruments will be available to use, or bring your own.
Cost is $10/circle.
Sunday afternoons from 2 – 4 pm
March 28, April 25, May 30 and June 27, 2010
North Woodside Community Centre, 230 Pleasant St., Dartmouth