SOMERSET COUNTY

Drum circle offers creativity, relaxation

MaryLynn SchiaviCorrespondent
  • Studies show that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system.
  • Drumming circle offers participants an opportunity to relax, enjoy and explore the music.

WARREN – A newly-established drumming circle met for the first time in early January at the Trinity United Church to engage in an ancient art that promises relaxation, creativity and an opportunity to find one’s inner rhythm.

Despite the arctic temperatures and forbidding conditions of winter outside, a small group of area residents warmed up and were carried away by the soothing and hypnotic rhythm of the drum on Thurs. Jan 8 at the Trinity United Church here. The group met for the first of what will be a biweekly drumming circle open to all members of the community.

In addition to the sheer fun of drumming and the opportunity it offers to experience the spontaneous creation of music, Yvette Halpin, a local resident and organizer of the event, believes drumming offers a range of benefits.

“Some studies show that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system, and brings about a feeling of calm and well-being,” Halpin said.

For one area resident, the first-time drumming experience was refreshing.

“It’s nice because it’s non-verbal. It takes in different senses so it’s relaxing and yet you are also concentrating, You learn to listen not to words, but to rhythms,” said Ellen Waldstein, a member of the church and a local resident.

While the event is conducted at the church, all members of the community are welcomed.

Halpin, a retired yoga instructor, said the drumming circle offers participants an opportunity to relax, enjoy and explore the music and their natural creativity in the process.

John Graziano, a resident of Plainfield who has been playing the drums since age 6, facilitated the drum circle. He said people often voice their concern that they have no musical talent. His answer draws upon ancient philosophy and poetry.

“It is a law of life that everyone is rhythmical. Beginning with our heart beat, rhythm is something that all people have inside of them. It is the rhythm of nature. Because of that everyone can participate in the drum circle,” Graziano said.

He believes that even if someone has never played an instrument, participating in a drum circle offers the individual an opportunity to contribute and discover the music inside of them.

“You will also find that you can share with others and experience great communication,” he said.

The drum circle is scheduled to meet 7 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of each month. The Trinity United Church is located at 118 King George Road.

Halpin said there is no need to purchase a drum, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if they choose. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Halpin said she was especially impressed with the testimony of Mickey Hart, drummer for the Grateful Dead rock band when he went before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging in 1991.

Quoting Hart, Halpin said, the drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. It is a huge jam session and a work in constant progress.

For more information contact Yvette Halpin at: 732-469-7858, John Graziano 908-226-5453 or Trinity United Church 732-469-5044.