Drum circle

Defining values of a drum circle include equality, autonomy, inclusivity and freedom of expression.The origins of contemporary drum circles in North America can be traced back to Congo Square in New Orleans, a pivotal site in the history of American music.

During the French colonial occupation and before, this area was known as Bulbancha, a Choctaw/Chickasaw word meaning "place of many tongues," reflecting the diverse languages and cultures that converged there.

Congo Square was a unique space where enslaved Africans free people of color Native Americans and the allies of freedom would gather on Sundays to sell goods often to buy themselves from slavery which naturally led to drumming, dancing, and maintaining their cultural heritage.

For an in-depth exploration of this history, the book Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans by Freddi Williams Evans is highly recommended.

The facilitator (leader) takes responsibility for the physical space, arranging chairs and instruments to optimize communication and connection in the group.

In this way, the facilitator takes on a role similar to that of a music teacher or drumming instructor whose goal is to empower the participants and encourage them to share their ideas.

Guided Interactive Drumming consists of highly structured drumming-based programs that are led by an individual or group to reach non-musical goals.

There's clinical improvisation of drumming groups within a music therapy session, led by certified therapists.

An inclusive way of life that is focused on creating a positive enhancement of self of identity while enforcing a no harm to the collective group attitude.

At Neopagan festivals, people gather around a large bonfire, the drummers generally sitting on one side to encourage better listening.

Often, those present will stay and play throughout the night until dawn, treating the evening as a magical (or alchemical) working.

Shamanic drumming is generally simple and repetitive, often considered as a form of prayer or method of trance induction, rather than as music or entertainment.

There is also a growing body of people working in places such as hospitals, prisons, and hospices using drumming as a form of recreational and supportive music making.