Drum With Us!
We always have live drummers and provide extra drums and noisemakers. Everyone at the event is welcome and encouraged to drum along with the other live drummers. Why?
- Drumming really helps the people getting pierced "trance-in" and ride the wave of endorphins, emotions, and whatever else is going on with their experience.
- It's fun, and anyone can drum, not just "musicians" - see below...
- Drumming is one of the oldest, most primal ways we have of connecting and communicating with each other.
- It moves us - literally. We think it will move you, too.
But I Don't Know What/How to Play...!
Everyone can play a drum, especially if there are others around to play
with. Here are some tips:
- Watch and listen to the other drummers, and try to play what they just played right back to them. See if you can make your hands do what they do. Move your body to the same time that they do. Imagine you're talking to them - just with your hands.
- Try playing just the biggest hand movement, then add the others.
- Play just the bass line - the other drummers will love you!
- If you're lost, stop for a moment and feel your drum vibrate. Instead of trying to figure out what you should be playing, just sound the drum the next time it vibrates. Pretty soon you'll be on your way.
- If you can't play it with your hands try to say it - "Shave and a Haircut", "Knick knack Paddywack" - Those are real drum rhythms. if you can figure out a way to say it, you can play it.
- If you're really lost, ask for help. We'll be happy to help. A professional drummer will ask what's going on when they first sit down...
- Don't worry that everyone will hear you make a mistake or "ruin the grroove". Engage, watch, listen, try, help, have fun. You'll do fine. (Besides, everyone makes mistakes - even "pros". And sometimes "mistakes" end up being new rhythms!)
- Get into it - imagine that you are the soundtrack for the people being suspended and play with the same energy you imagine they are feeling. Trust us, it's hot.
First Time Drumming?
There are some guidelines and basic etiquette for drumming at this (and most
drum circles) just like there are basic manners for eating dinner at someone's
home. Very simple and easy:
- Take off Rings and bracelets so they don't hurt the drum's skin (or yours!)
- Sit comfortably so you don't have to reach or crouch to play a note. Oh, and don't forget to breathe....
- Drums need to breathe, too. Don't "trap" the open end agaisnt the floor, tilt the drum so the sound can come out of the open end!
- Don't hurt your hands or tire them. Play the drum with the fleshy part of your hand. Play with both hands or take turns. If your hands get tired, take a break or only play the bass line for a while.
- Everyone is welcome to play the community instruments. They will be on a special table, or standing uncovered on the floor nearby that table or in the drumming area.
- Some people have brought private instruments. Private instruments will either be covered or lying down (as opposed to standing). Obviously, you should ask first before playing with someone's "privates". If you're not sure, ask.
- If you're done playing with them, please put instruments back so others can play them and they aren't a trip hazard.
- If you've not played an instrument before, or it doesn't sound right, don't just bang away at it. Ask. It might have a special way of making it sound or be a "quiet instrument". Remember the "More Cowbell" sketch from Saturday Night Live? Don't be that guy :-{)>
- If you're in the drumming area, don't gabble about the latest TV show or
estate taxes.
Pick up an instrument and play it.
Most Important
Play WITH the people around you. If
you trance out (it happens) or get bored/tired/hungry, or find that you can't
hear or see what anyone else is playing, take a moment to check in, watch,
listen. Most of the time you'll get a smile back. Or maybe someone will look
at you needing help. Then it's your turn to smile with them.
TRY something, even if only for a couple of minutes. It'll be okay. Really.
Have fun!
Connect/Communicate
One
of the drummers may get a great idea for a groove. One of the piercers might
need some quiet to hear the person they're suspending. Signals and questions
can help get everybody on the same page if needed. Listen and try to honor
them when you hear them.
- "Faster" and "Slower" - faster does not = louder and slower does not = softer
- "Louder" and "Softer" or "Shhhhhh...."
- "Steady"= Good, keep playing just as you are, no need to go any faster, louder etc.
- "Watch Me", "Listen Up" or "Hep" = pay attention, something's either about to change or we've wandered away from playing WITH each other.
- "Match Me" = Play what I'm playing as close as you can so we're together
- "Show Me" or "Show Me the One" - if you can't figure out what someone's playing and you want them to play it in such a way that you can better follow
- "Shine on _____" = let the person named _____ solo, go to town, play their heart out and be heard above what everyone else is playing (but keep playing along).
- "Sail Out" or "Fade Out" = everybody keep playing what you're playing but get gradually quieter until you all come to a natural stop.
- "Break" or "Stop" = warning that everyone should get ready to come to a dead stop, after a count - usually "4-3-2-1-BREAK" and then silence. Sometimes the word "BREAK" will not be said but a standard drum break played after which there is silence. The break may be like "Shave and a Haircut" or "DA-da-da-da-da-DA. DA-DA-DA!" You'll know it when you hear it.
Did I mention?
Breathe.
Smile.
Have Fun!
Happy Drumming!
For More Info...
If you would like to know more about SuspenDC, contact us.
Thanks.
