Fresh beats with Gabby Banzon, Q-&-A about drum circle

Gabby Banzon, junior music therapy major, disscusses the ins and outs of drum circle, its significance, and how to join. 

Q: What exactly is drum circle?

A: It literally is people drumming in a circle, but the difference between this and an ensemble is the goal behind it. They aren’t there to perform. They are there to connect with their inner self and with everyone else in the circle and to have some fun.

Q: When and where do you meet?

A: Usually we meet the first Wednesday of every month on front campus at 5 p.m. But due to schedule changes, we haven’t figured out dates for this semester.

Q: How did it get started?

A: I think it started with the music therapy department. but I’m not sure. It probably was a way for music therapy majors to get experience out in the community of Milledgeville while getting some clinical hours.

Q: How long have you been involved in drum circle?

A: Two years.

Q: What kind of drum(s) do you play?

A: Djembe, bongos, xylophone, any type of auxilary percussion (tambourine, shakers, bells, etc).

Q: Do you play certain types of music or is it more anything goes?

A: Anything goes because every type of music has a beat to it.

Q: What is your favorite part about drum circle?

A: When everyone gets really excited and energetic, that’s when it’s most fun.

Q: Are there any qualifications in order to join?

A: No, anyone can join.

Q: How can you get involved with drum circle?

A: There’s a facebook group. Look up “GCSU Drum Circle.” Otherwise, just look for chalk around campus.

Posted by Constantina Kokenes on Sep 6 2012. Filed under A&E, Spotlight. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.