Every 2nd Monday - Carl Swanson

I like to cover drumming basics, and present rhythms for varying skill levels, depending on the makeup of a given class. I feel that it's important for everyone to feel welcomed by the group, and experience the feeling and benefits of group drumming. I will touch on rhythms from around the world, but I particularly enjoy those from Nigeria, and the sounds of a full Guinea drum ensemble. I strive to make everyone feel comfortable as we all learn and grow in this shared experience. I also have a good deal of experience in building and repairing drums, and can help people understand the differences between drums from various locations, as they look to acquire a drum for themselves. 

Every 3rd Monday - Justin Eskridge

Justin is laid-back, but also encouraging and informative. He enjoys simple rhythms with a good groove, mostly in 4/4, and is particularly interested in multiple rhythms playing together in a musical conversation. He emphasizes that every rhythm has a simple core that beginners can play, with further layers of complexity available to those who want more.

5th Mondays and every other Friday Fundamentals Class with Blake Biery. Check Home Page Schedule for exact dates.

Every 1st Monday - Jan Eskridge (Drumming the I Ching)

My love for African drum rhythms and TaiChi joined when I read Melinda Maxfield's book, Drumming The I Ching. Dr Maxfield's idea that the solid and broken lines of that ancient book of Chinese wisdom could have been drumming patterns immediately grabbed my attention and imagination. These symbols played on djembes, frame drums and other percussion instruments are simple but challenging making them a great exercise in focus and being in the present moment. Plus, in a group, a lot of fun.  I so enjoy sharing this and invite you to join us and get in touch with your inborn rhythm.

Info on Jan's Class: The I Ching is an ancient book of Chinese wisdom consisting of 8 sets of 3 sold or broken lines called trigrams. When used as drumming patterns, the broken line is drummed as two, 1/2 beats; the solid line as one, 1/2-beat  and one, 1/2 beat rest.  Sound confusing? It's not. We use an easy-to-read banner and printed "music".  Bring your drum or use one from the Center. Participants find this simple but challenging. It can improve focus and drumming skills while making a joyful sound.  We have fun !😊. Come join us.

All levels are welcome: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

Most classes offer a short teaching of tones and general drumming guidelines.

Every 4th Monday - The original, one and only, Leslie Brown.

"Drumming is not worrying about what you can't do. It's about having fun with what you can do.”

— Chris Adler

“Where I come from we say that rhythm is the soul of life, because the whole universe revolves around thythm, and when we get out of rhythm, that's when we get into trouble. For this reason the drum, next to the human voice, is our most important instrument. It is special.” — Nigerian Drummer Babatune Olatunji