There are drum circle groups and then there are MEMORABLE drum circle groups… We get calls for corporate training through arts and are happy to share our spirit. But only a few companies truly understand what we are sharing through our sessions: an experiential and internal shift using rhythm or expressive arts. This was our post group drumming photo ritual with the wonderful, genuine, energetic and rhythmic folks at TeemGenie. This group reminded me of why I started doing this work in the first place.
This was not just another run-of-the-mill corporate drum circle. Right from the initial calling and information-exchange stage, the clients were present and receptive of the content and way we work. Needless to say, this is a two way street. There is an automatic exchange of mutual respect. The group understood the theme and spirit of the sessions and made sure that the room would be set up in a circular format with chairs and ensured that no tables would be set up (in the otherwise “usual” cluster setting). This made way for the guests to interact in the middle of the circle and the kids had ample space to run around and work up an appetite.
Total many people have experienced some form of group drumming. This could have been in procession drumming events, to other drum circles or existing hobbies and so on. In each session I make it a point to explain the difference between being a hobby drummer, a novice percussionist, a djembe student and a participant of a drum circle. I am happy to say that this group got it. Why? Because when most groups are listening to respond they listen to understand. It’s not difficult to understand that the djembe is one of the best drums for a drum circle and yet learning the djembe does not qualify you to lead a drum circle. Easy, no? In my experience, not for all… With such a group you won’t hear, “We had a djembe circle for corporate training…” Instead you will hear, “We had a very interesting experiential corporate training session using the concept of drum circles or group drumming…”
What also stood out was the way everyone was truly present, genuinely participating and doing their best to hold space for the whole group. Of course the interactive drumming will bring out our inner child and some inherent competitiveness but what’s SO much more important is the sense of achievement and belongingness felt at the end of that activity. We all successfully managed to turn our conscious minds OFF for a short while and experienced being in the ‘here and now’. A very special and very much needed phenomenon today to recharge our internal “batteries”. If that wasn’t enough, the level of drumming and complexity of the rhythms was very impressive (as demonstrated by the younger 😉 )kids present in the group. All in all, it was an evening well spent
I am very grateful to be able to get the chance to do what I love and for groups like these that drum with open minds and hearts.
What’s your reason to drum?
#ComeDrumBeOne #WassaWassa
Come. Drum. Be One.
Varun Venkit
Team Taal Inc.

Varun is the founder and director of Taal Inc.
The visionary behind the motto
Come. Drum. Be One.
To read more about him Click Here