"In his series How Music Works, Howard Goodall presents theories that rhythm recalls how we walk and the heartbeat we heard in the womb. However neither would seem to have any survival value in Man's evolution. More likely is that a simple pulse or di-dah beat recalls the footsteps of another person. Our sympathetic urge to dance is designed to boost our energy levels in order to cope with someone, or some animal chasing us -- a fight or flight response."
~ Origins of human appreciation of rhythm
I'm not so sure that our circles instill a fight-or-flight response...but I like the thought that we experience a sympathetic urge to dance. Are you ready to drum again? I am! Let's resume the tradition of drumming on the third Saturday of the month. This month, that means January 17th.
THE DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, January 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
*****************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
*****************************************************************************
As a foreplanning thought, the Fox Valley Drum Circle has been invited to participate in Earth Day 2009 at Campton Hills Park in St. Charles. This year's event will be held on Saturday April 18, 9am-noon, and will be a bit scaled back from last year. Rather than a "circus" approach, this year we'll be focusing more on the earth itself, offering people an opportunity to remove the invasive shrub buckthorn. Pam thought it would be neat to have the restoration work take place to the beat of the drums. What say you?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thanks for a GREAT year!!!
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon... must inevitably come to pass!"
~ Paul J. Meyer
My dear friends,
Our last drum circle of the year was on Friday, October 31st. Traci graciously hosted and I've heard it was truly an amazing gathering. Keith has shared his photos of the event.
Click here to see more photos.
What a fantastic year 2008 has been for the Fox Valley Drum Circle! I wondered if my goal of a monthly drum circle was impossible, but thanks to YOU, we made it happen! We have gathered together for the last ten months in celebration of friendship, music, and rhythm. We've been inside and out. We've had dancers and fire spinners. We've had small gatherings and crowds. Thank you so much for sharing it!
As is tradition, there will not be another gathering this year so that we may all enjoy our holidays and family time. I hope that you enjoy a happy and peaceful year's end, and I look forward to drumming with you in 2009!
*hugs*
--
Lissa Melton
drum circle organizer
~ Paul J. Meyer
My dear friends,
Our last drum circle of the year was on Friday, October 31st. Traci graciously hosted and I've heard it was truly an amazing gathering. Keith has shared his photos of the event.
Click here to see more photos.
What a fantastic year 2008 has been for the Fox Valley Drum Circle! I wondered if my goal of a monthly drum circle was impossible, but thanks to YOU, we made it happen! We have gathered together for the last ten months in celebration of friendship, music, and rhythm. We've been inside and out. We've had dancers and fire spinners. We've had small gatherings and crowds. Thank you so much for sharing it!
As is tradition, there will not be another gathering this year so that we may all enjoy our holidays and family time. I hope that you enjoy a happy and peaceful year's end, and I look forward to drumming with you in 2009!
*hugs*
--
Lissa Melton
drum circle organizer
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Happy Halloween, Merry Samhain
Greetings and Saluations!
Well, it looks like drumming of the third Saturday won't work, but how cool would it be to drum on Halloween? Traci has offered to host a Halloween Drum Circle...Costume required, byob and plan to stay if you have too much. Dish to pass required. Won't the tricker-treaters be in for a surprise?
The Details:
WHEN: Friday, October 31st
TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Gardner House (address and a map will be provided on 10/29 to those RSVPing Yes)
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
****************************************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are necessary for the address.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) You MUST wear a costume!!!
4) Please bring a dish to share.
5) If you have too much to drink, you can plan on spending the night.
*****************************************************************************************************
Well, it looks like drumming of the third Saturday won't work, but how cool would it be to drum on Halloween? Traci has offered to host a Halloween Drum Circle...Costume required, byob and plan to stay if you have too much. Dish to pass required. Won't the tricker-treaters be in for a surprise?
The Details:
WHEN: Friday, October 31st
TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Gardner House (address and a map will be provided on 10/29 to those RSVPing Yes)
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
****************************************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are necessary for the address.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) You MUST wear a costume!!!
4) Please bring a dish to share.
5) If you have too much to drink, you can plan on spending the night.
*****************************************************************************************************
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Beat is ON! September drumming
"Man has been beating on things from as far back as history records. Among numerous other artifacts found through the years, hollowed out logs were excavated that were believed to be communication devices in primitive times. Drums would later take a more prominent role in tribal ceremonial gatherings where they accompanied ritual dancing and celebration." ~411 Drums
Jim has welcomed the Fox Valley Drum Circle to his home in Naperville! Weather permitting, there will be drumming on the deck outside. The caution is that it's a busy week, so forgive the house and bring lots of potluck yummies. They'll likely have some local organic produce to work into the usual bountiful mix. The bonus is that there are solar tours (Jim's house, I believe, is on some of the Green Tours of the area due to all of his interest and hard work) and ping pong!
THE DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, September 20th
TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Camasto House in Naperville
(address and a map will be provided on 9/18 to those RSVPing Yes...or contact Jim at JCamasto@sbcglobal.net)
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
**********************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are necessary for the address.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
************************************************************************************
Jim has welcomed the Fox Valley Drum Circle to his home in Naperville! Weather permitting, there will be drumming on the deck outside. The caution is that it's a busy week, so forgive the house and bring lots of potluck yummies. They'll likely have some local organic produce to work into the usual bountiful mix. The bonus is that there are solar tours (Jim's house, I believe, is on some of the Green Tours of the area due to all of his interest and hard work) and ping pong!
THE DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, September 20th
TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Camasto House in Naperville
(address and a map will be provided on 9/18 to those RSVPing Yes...or contact Jim at JCamasto@sbcglobal.net)
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
**********************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are necessary for the address.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
************************************************************************************
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Call for Hosts!
Hey all,
So I have been very good about making my New Year's Resolution to have drum circle on the third Saturday of the month. We've made it eight months running! But I was bound to run into some kind of conflict....
September 2oth is my Dad's 60th birthday and he wants to go camping. Sorry, gang, but I am not going to miss this one. October 18th is the wedding date for some dear friends, and again, I am not going to miss it.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean there cannot be drumming! Would anyone like to host? You do not have to host both months, we could easily have two different houses. We can also limit the number of RSVPs if you would like to host but can only manage a group of 10-12 people. If you are interested, please speak up!
ALSO, in general, we do NOT have drum circles in November or December. If people would like to change that, now is a good time to speak up about it and we can figure out when would work for the most people.
So I have been very good about making my New Year's Resolution to have drum circle on the third Saturday of the month. We've made it eight months running! But I was bound to run into some kind of conflict....
September 2oth is my Dad's 60th birthday and he wants to go camping. Sorry, gang, but I am not going to miss this one. October 18th is the wedding date for some dear friends, and again, I am not going to miss it.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean there cannot be drumming! Would anyone like to host? You do not have to host both months, we could easily have two different houses. We can also limit the number of RSVPs if you would like to host but can only manage a group of 10-12 people. If you are interested, please speak up!
ALSO, in general, we do NOT have drum circles in November or December. If people would like to change that, now is a good time to speak up about it and we can figure out when would work for the most people.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Dog Days Drumming!
Ever wonder why we call them the "dog days" of summer? Sure, it's hot and sultry and you feel like a lazy dog, but that's not the reason. The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky this time of year. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, "dog days" after the dog star.
Funny the things you learn from this drum circle, hmmmm?
Anyhow, it is time to drum again! Nettie has offered to host us again (thank you thank you) and that means pool fun as well. Bring your drums, your suit, your towel, and a dish to share!
Announcing the August gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, August 16th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
********************************************************** *****************************
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
************************************************************ *****************
Funny the things you learn from this drum circle, hmmmm?
Anyhow, it is time to drum again! Nettie has offered to host us again (thank you thank you) and that means pool fun as well. Bring your drums, your suit, your towel, and a dish to share!
Announcing the August gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, August 16th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
******************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
******************************
Saturday, July 5, 2008
July Drumming
"You know the drum was the first instrument besides the human voice. " ~ Billy Higgins
There is something about the drum that creates a connection. In a circle, we fall into rhythms together. In ourselves, we echo our heartbeat. In a grand sense, we remember our roots and our commonalities, no matter the differences. Connect with us this month!
Announcing the July gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, July 19th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
An extra bonus feature to this drum circle...Nettie has a pool! Bring your suit and a towel and take a dip to cool off.
There is something about the drum that creates a connection. In a circle, we fall into rhythms together. In ourselves, we echo our heartbeat. In a grand sense, we remember our roots and our commonalities, no matter the differences. Connect with us this month!
Announcing the July gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, July 19th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
An extra bonus feature to this drum circle...Nettie has a pool! Bring your suit and a towel and take a dip to cool off.
******************************************************************************************
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
******************************************************************************************
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Solstice Drumming
"Just as certain selections of music will nourish your physical body and your emotional layer, so other musical works will bring greater health to your mind. " ~ Hal A. Lingerman
Which selection of music is drumming for you? For me, it is a combination of creativity, relaxation, high energy, good food, and wonderful people. I'm so glad you found us and I hope you will join our circle!
Announcing the June gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, June 21st
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
Which selection of music is drumming for you? For me, it is a combination of creativity, relaxation, high energy, good food, and wonderful people. I'm so glad you found us and I hope you will join our circle!
Announcing the June gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, June 21st
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
******************************************************************************************
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
*******************************************************************************
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Special thank you!
Dear Drummers,
On April 26th, we deviated from our normal routine to gather at Campton Hills Park to celebrate Earth Day with the St. Charles Park District. We got some coverage from the local papers, and a few days ago, Pam, the organizer for the event, wrote me...
"Hi Lissa and the Fox Valley Drum Circle—
I set out to send you a proper, hand-written thank-you note but, guess what? Throughout all our cyber-conversations, I neglected to ask for your street address! I hope you'll find this note of e-thanks sufficient because, gosh, we sure appreciate all you did to make our Earth Day event a big success. Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the drum circle, both listening to and participating in it. Please pass our gratitude along to the other members of the circle; you all made for a fine afternoon of wonderful entertainment!
I know 2009 is a long way away, but we'd be flattered if you'd consider participating in the event next year, in whatever form it may take. In the mean time, take care. I hope our paths cross again soon—
Pam Otto
St. Charles Park District"
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Drums and Pox!
So I got enough outcry at the cancellation threat to reconsider...we WILL be drumming on Saturday! Woo-hoo! er.... Duh-da-da-dahm!
But I do want to warn you, Tyler had another chicken pox exposure and will potentially be contagious. I don't know for sure that he has it, but the pox is most spreadable the 2 days before spots break out. I just wanted to give fair warning. If you've had it or have been vaccinated, please come....I am looking at being house-bound AND without Sam for a while and would appreciate the company!
*hugs*
Lissa
The details:
WHEN: Saturday, May 5th
TIME: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora (ask for the address/map if you need it)...if it's nice, we may be in the yard and have a fire in the fire pit!
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
*******************************************************************************************
But I do want to warn you, Tyler had another chicken pox exposure and will potentially be contagious. I don't know for sure that he has it, but the pox is most spreadable the 2 days before spots break out. I just wanted to give fair warning. If you've had it or have been vaccinated, please come....I am looking at being house-bound AND without Sam for a while and would appreciate the company!
*hugs*
Lissa
The details:
WHEN: Saturday, May 5th
TIME: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora (ask for the address/map if you need it)...if it's nice, we may be in the yard and have a fire in the fire pit!
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
*******************************************************************************************
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are appreciated. It's also helpful to know what sort of potluck contribution you think you might bring.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
***********************************************************************************
1) RSVPs are appreciated. It's also helpful to know what sort of potluck contribution you think you might bring.
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
******************************
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Camping invitation
This invitation has been extended by Gill and Friends....
How would you like to share a campsite with other Kind Vegan Campers in DuPage County on a nice June weekend? group bonfires, singalongs, communal Vegan and RAW meals, hiking, etc.... We are looking at the weekends of June 20-22 or June 27-29. It will be kid and pet friendly, too.
And it only costs $15 per night (if you are a DuPage resident so someone else would have to reserve the sites since we live in Kendall Co) for a site of two tents/8 people...
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Blackwell has 60 campsites (available May through mid October, Friday and Saturday nights only), canoe access to the West Branch of the DuPage River, eight miles of multipurpose trails, access to the Illinois
Prairie Path, and fishing and boating on Silver Lake. Boat rentals are available. Camping fees are $10-$15 per night.
For detailed information on camping reservations, call (630) 933-7200 or visit "Camping in DuPage County Forest Preserves."
How would you like to share a campsite with other Kind Vegan Campers in DuPage County on a nice June weekend? group bonfires, singalongs, communal Vegan and RAW meals, hiking, etc.... We are looking at the weekends of June 20-22 or June 27-29. It will be kid and pet friendly, too.
And it only costs $15 per night (if you are a DuPage resident so someone else would have to reserve the sites since we live in Kendall Co) for a site of two tents/8 people...
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Blackwell has 60 campsites (available May through mid October, Friday and Saturday nights only), canoe access to the West Branch of the DuPage River, eight miles of multipurpose trails, access to the Illinois
Prairie Path, and fishing and boating on Silver Lake. Boat rentals are available. Camping fees are $10-$15 per night.
For detailed information on camping reservations, call (630) 933-7200 or visit "Camping in DuPage County Forest Preserves."
Friday, May 2, 2008
May Drumming
"Different drum sounds have different uses in music. For example, a jazz drummer may want drums that sound crisp, clean, and a little on the soft side, whereas a rock and roll drummer may prefer drums that sound loud and deep. Because these drummers want different sounds, their drums will be constructed differently."
~ Wikipedia
Perhaps that is the most interesting part about our drum circles...while each of us comes to drum, we all approach the drum differently. The drums we prefer, the rhythms, the voices...and yet, we can occasionally rise above simple cacophony and discover the truest meaning of harmony.
It is something that should be practiced often, and not just in drum circles!
Announcing the May gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, May 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
~ Wikipedia
Perhaps that is the most interesting part about our drum circles...while each of us comes to drum, we all approach the drum differently. The drums we prefer, the rhythms, the voices...and yet, we can occasionally rise above simple cacophony and discover the truest meaning of harmony.
It is something that should be practiced often, and not just in drum circles!
Announcing the May gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!
WHEN: Saturday, May 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle
******************************************************************************************
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
Hope you can join us!
Couple of HOUSE RULES:
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....
2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.
3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.
******************************************************************************************
Hope you can join us!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Earth Day Drum Circle - 2008
"Members of the Fox Valley Drum Circle, including Jim of Naperville, Emily and Adam of Aurora and Sam and Lissa of Aurora, invite everyone to join in and play any instrument Saturday at the Earth Day Festival at Campton Hills Park. "
Laura Stoecker | Daily Herald Staff Photographer, published Sunday, April 27, 2008
Yup. We made the paper! I have a pdf of the entire article if you are interested. I'm sporting a RED sunburn on my forehead and nose, but it is totally worth it! The outdoors drum circle was a fantastically good time. There were about 18 of our regular drummers and a large number of families that came and joined in for a round or two of drumming. We even got full sun for the afternoon...the one day in a string of like 6 rainy ones. Yes, yes, it was windy, but you can't have everything. *wink* The St. Charles Park District organizer, Pam Otto, said we were the "life of the party" and hinted at inviting us back next year...
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