Drumming Workshop & Labyrinth Walk & Drum Circle

DRUMMING WORKSHOP with LABYRINTH WALK and DRUM CIRCLE
Hosted by Iris McCray, facilitated by Mark Sawasky

Rain or shine, we will be indoors and outdoors weather permitting.

July's workshop is about the 'Spirit of the Frame Drum'
"Join us for an afternoon of music, movement, and joy! In the first hour, we will guide you
through exercises to relax physical and mental tension and release vitality. This will
include a frame drumming workshop and labyrinth walk to center our spirit. Everyone
will play one of Mark’s frame drums, and no previous experience is required.
We’ll begin this journey by beating a steady pulse, then slowly and intentionally, we’ll
build our unison rhythm to ground us as a group and strengthen our sound. As our
creative spirits spark, we will begin to explore polyrhythms and experience overtone
vibrations. The workshop will culminate in a walk to the center of a beautiful labyrinth.
The next two hours will be dedicated to a drum circle. For this session, you may play
your own drum, continue playing frame drums, or experiment with other percussion
instruments that Mark will provide for our drum jam journey."
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HOW TO REGISTER:
**Please e-mail Iris at: TheJOY2B@gmail.com**

Cost: $44
Payment options:

• Venmo: Iris McCray @JOY2B
• Zelle: 313-333-5903
• Checks payable to JOY2B, LLC and mailed to 7103 Token Valley Road, Manassas, VA 20112

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Each month the WORKSHOP will be followed by a lively
DRUM CIRCLE also led by Mark Savasky, to let the primordial rhythms of a wide array of drums from many cultures inspire you to re-connect and self-express in shared a community.

All are welcome! No prerequisite required but please bring your own drum if you have one.

This is for anyone who would like to:
- have fun
- improve cognitive and motoric skills
- learn how to listen to one's own energetic rhythm
- experience pure and childlike joy
- unlock mental and / or physical blocks
- enhance your neuroplasticity by introducing a new yet playful skill
- learn something new
- deepen your drumming skills if you already familiar with it
- make new connections with peers in safe space
- boost your creativity
- support and be part of your community

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Meet Your Instructor:
Mark Sawasky is a world percussionist, teacher, and recording artist who has been a leader in the NOVA drum circle community for 15 years. By day, Mark is an elementary school music teacher in Fairfax County, and on the second Friday of every month, he facilitates “Drum Jam Free” in Alexandria’s Ben Brenman Park. Mark’s drum circles incorporate rhythms from Africa, Spain, South America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, and have a signature blend of unison grooves and individual self-expression.
As a founding member of the award-winning Immigrant Suns, Mark published six full-length albums and toured nationally. He has recorded with artists such as Eastern Winds (Middle Eastern), Odu Afro-Beat Orchestra, and Musique Noir (world jazz), and has toured internationally with the flamenco group, La Chispa.
Mark has been a guest performer with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra and the 257th Army Band. He has also taught ensemble percussion courses at George Mason University and Fairfax County Parks, and has been an instructor at Northern Virginia Community College Summer Music Camp and Harmonia School of Music.

Meet Your Hosts:
The Workshop and Drumming Circle will be held at the air conditioned JOY2B Sound Works Studio on the grounds of Iris & Calvin McCray.

Iris McCray, certified in Sound Healing since 2019 provides public and private Sound Baths in the DMV area, is best known for her ongoing monthly Sound Bath series at the Workhouse Arts Center since 2023. Iris offers Personal Sound Healing Sessions, Peter-Hess-Sound-Massages® and Sound/Gong Immersions in the newly built ‘JOY2B Sound Works Studio’ in Manassas, VA. The studio space was created together with her husband Calvin to re-connect with healing energies available to each one of us, accessed through experiential classes, workshops and events to cultivate individual and collective peace & wellbeing. Walk the Labyrinth, meditate in the Medicine Wheel, gather around the fire circle or take in the cool breeze of the water feature.... to recharge and relax. Email Iris at: TheJOY2B@gmail.com