Friday, July 03, 2009
News
MOVING TO THE BEAT
Argus-Press Photos by Anthony Cepak Children strike a variety of drums during the Drummunity percussion presentation at the Owosso branch of the Shiawassee District Library Thursday afternoon.
By MICHAEL PETERSON Argus-Press Staff Writer
OWOSSO - The pulsating beat of nearly 75 children and adults pounding on drums and other percussion instruments resonated at the Owosso branch of the Shiawassee District Library Thursday afternoon as the “Drummunity” got underway.
Drummunity, a drum circle program led by Lori Fithian, of Dexter, took place in the downstairs' children's area of the library, Fithian brought two large tubs of percussion instruments, such as bongos, drums, cowbells, shakers and tambourines. Some of the non-traditional percussion instruments included pots and ice-cub trays.
The participants were invited to choose any instrument and join a large circle around Fithian.
Fithian led the group in rhythmic exercises. For example, in one, she held up her right hand and everyone with drums played. She held up her left hand and everyone who had a non-drum instrument played. She used this technique to make complex beats as she moved her hands rapidly up and down like a conductor.
“I like having fun with people right now - there is no rehearsal,” she said. “We play music instead of working at it. It's in the moment.”
The exercises were meant to encourage team building, cooperation, coordination and fun, according to Fithian. She also asked some of the children in the circle what books they had been reading lately, and then used the title's syllables and make beats for the circle to imitate.
At one point, Fithian had some of the kids come in the middle of the circle and dance to the different rhythms.
Occasionally, the kids got out of hand and the beats turned into pounding, to the chagrin of the parents and Fithian.
“Our music just turned into noisic,” Fithian said with a smile. “Sometimes we lose control of our drumming.”
Fithian, who is the creator and founder of Drummunity, has been doing the program since 1998. She said her program is influenced by many drumming traditions - like West African, Brazilian and Japanese.
She added she does the program for all age groups, not just children.
The program proved to be popular with the participants.
“My boys loved it,” said Jennifer Lavery, who brought her two sons, Ryan, 8, and Aidan, 3. “They got to participate, instead of just listen.”
Ryan agreed.
“I really like music,” he said. “I have a lot of instruments at my house - a guitar, harmonica and a piano.”
Children's librarian Anne McKay said the program was booked through Michigan's Library Cooperatives. This was the first time they've had Drummunity, but she said she thought it was success.
“The kids had a great time, and some of them were great dancers,” McKay said.
- Contact Michael Peterson at 725-5136 extension 223 or mpetersonarguspress@gmail.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.
Drummunity, a drum circle program led by Lori Fithian, of Dexter, took place in the downstairs' children's area of the library, Fithian brought two large tubs of percussion instruments, such as bongos, drums, cowbells, shakers and tambourines. Some of the non-traditional percussion instruments included pots and ice-cub trays.
The participants were invited to choose any instrument and join a large circle around Fithian.
Fithian led the group in rhythmic exercises. For example, in one, she held up her right hand and everyone with drums played. She held up her left hand and everyone who had a non-drum instrument played. She used this technique to make complex beats as she moved her hands rapidly up and down like a conductor.
“I like having fun with people right now - there is no rehearsal,” she said. “We play music instead of working at it. It's in the moment.”
The exercises were meant to encourage team building, cooperation, coordination and fun, according to Fithian. She also asked some of the children in the circle what books they had been reading lately, and then used the title's syllables and make beats for the circle to imitate.
At one point, Fithian had some of the kids come in the middle of the circle and dance to the different rhythms.
Occasionally, the kids got out of hand and the beats turned into pounding, to the chagrin of the parents and Fithian.
“Our music just turned into noisic,” Fithian said with a smile. “Sometimes we lose control of our drumming.”
Fithian, who is the creator and founder of Drummunity, has been doing the program since 1998. She said her program is influenced by many drumming traditions - like West African, Brazilian and Japanese.
She added she does the program for all age groups, not just children.
The program proved to be popular with the participants.
“My boys loved it,” said Jennifer Lavery, who brought her two sons, Ryan, 8, and Aidan, 3. “They got to participate, instead of just listen.”
Ryan agreed.
“I really like music,” he said. “I have a lot of instruments at my house - a guitar, harmonica and a piano.”
Children's librarian Anne McKay said the program was booked through Michigan's Library Cooperatives. This was the first time they've had Drummunity, but she said she thought it was success.
“The kids had a great time, and some of them were great dancers,” McKay said.
- Contact Michael Peterson at 725-5136 extension 223 or mpetersonarguspress@gmail.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.