Thanks to my school friend Rohan Agarwal, I had the good fortune to lead a college drum circle with the graduating batch of UWC Mahindra College, Pune. One of the major reasons I love to visit this college is its picturesque location amidst nature away from the hullabaloo of the city, making it an ideal space for meaningful student engagement. In addition to that, this was a very special event aptly titled ‘Outroduction’: a celebration of the graduating batch of students. There would be some discussions with alumni, some small sweet ceremonies and finally a group drumming activity led by yours truly to celebrate and tie in all the learnings of the evening.

The key takeaways were

  • To remember the core values of MUWCI 
  • To pass the metaphorical torch to the next generation as they step into the world and are seniors, flag bearers of the UWC legacy 
  • To give generously as they have received in abundance 
  • To remember that they are not alone and will always be a part of this tribe (!)

What better way to celebrate this joyous and once in a lifetime occasion than with drums, a strong intention and a core-memory-group-energy created together through experiential rhythm and community engagement courses?

Group Drumming sessions take on a new energy altogether when the objective is focussed upon more than the musical quality. As I’ve said many times in the past, this is what makes this activity MUCH more than simply fun. 

What did I do differently in this session? To start off with, I must take a moment to acknowledge the support and encouragement of Rohan and the organising team at MUWCI who were VERY clear that this is what we want the group to feel through a meaningful drum circle team building experience. The group would already be feeling a host of emotions and these group events really help process those complex feelings in a natural and effortless and non verbal way. After hearing the brief I took time to be still with the feeling. I remembered what it felt like when I graduated high school and college. Such pivotal core memories, these.

I allowed for these words to flow through me

I am The Universe

Invisible are the steps I take
In solitude is where I wake 
One step at a time
The scenic cruise after a grueling climb 
I am the Universe
When did I forget?
Strong like a mountain
Even as small as a speck
Amidst chaos I steer toward
The silent voice of my heart 
Only seldom to be heard 
For doubt or often, fear 
I am the Universe
When did I forget?
Flowing like a river 
Until my destiny is met
When all seems lost
I remember the values I was taught
(To live with) love, compassion and respect
Until one tribe, we beget 
I am the Universe
When did I forget?
Like the mighty thunder 
Helps the committed droplet 
…..

These words really helped bring out a different energy from the group, encouraging active engagement in education through rhythm and shared expression. We experienced some deep and intricate grooves followed by a high intensity crescendo as well. The groups then spent some time introspecting and also writing a letter to their future selves. This is something they will have access to in the future whenever they feel the need. After this reflective activity the group felt ready to take the rhythm to the next level. They spontaneously broke out into their bespoke house-chants. And this time, with the group all drumming to the powerful words. I remember feeling goose flesh as the group expressed themselves freely without any inhibitions.

Drum circles have the power to unite, to invoke, to express and to celebrate while building student engagement through shared rhythm and collective participation. Group Drumming facilitates movement of energy in any and or all directions that we may desire. It is hence of utmost importance that the facilitator is trained in the ways of this kind of group work. If you’d like to know more about how to do this, get in touch with us…

I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and will always remember this as one of my most memorable group drumming sessions in a long time, reflecting truly effective student engagement through rhythm and shared experience.

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Come. Drum. Be One. 
Varun Venkit 
Team Taal Inc.