Drum Circle Facilitator's Guild Conference

Collaboration, Connection, Community, Commitment

     Shorty and I just returned from the DCFG 2014 Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. While these conferences are always fantastic, as the years go by they improve. Geared for individuals who facilitate drum/percussion circles/events for groups of people, it also helps teachers, music therapists, and other folks connected to music. On one level it’s a great place to learn tricks of the trade and new techniques. It’s a good place to share tried and true practices. There were presentations on working with special populations to typical school children to victims of abuse, to corporate executives, etc. You can learn about grants and other programs that are out there. There were fun workshops on best business practices, a difficult topic for many artists. This conference was packed with information for all involved in some sort of music facilitation. On another level some of these workshops led us on an inward journey. “Where is my passion?” “Why am I doing this job?” “Do I have a mission?” “My good health is non-negotiable.” “It’s time to love and take care of myself?” Deep stuff presented in a safe place with like-minded people available for listening.
     Some of the biggest names in drum circle facilitation were present; Arthur Hull, Jim Donovan, and Dave Holland all presented. Others participated. And the drumming? Well late night drumming was like listening to dessert. There is just no other way to describe it.
     Heather Hodorowski, Conference Coordinator, asked us to share our biggest learning. For me it is the importance of knowing my heart and letting the “why” lead the way. In reality, I got something out of each and every workshop, whether it was a nugget of useful information or a philosophical nudge, the whole event really was a dance that mingled every part of it into a body mind connection.