Drum Circles: From Good to Great

Details

Drum Circles: Going from Good to Great July 19, 2025 Playshop-Retreat
A 1-day playshop and optional retreat weekend for Drum Circle Participants and Hosts who want

Juicier, more satisfying music
Warmer community connections
Players returning time after time!

Registration link and info: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewuoZpmgmMpFiqXQ36jxF4-qQCHp-0nUJlJR-gwMxbUpXihA/viewform

Are you a Drum Circle Participant or Host who has experienced circles ranging from “meh” to mind-blowing? Want to know how your circles can reach those heights more often and reliably?
When you understand the underlying dynamics and ingredients that make a drum circle great, you can help it happen more often. Come learn the secrets at our 1-day workshop!
Our focus will be on free-form, and lightly-guided hosted circles.
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025
Your hosts: Mary Tolena and Lori Carroll
Location: TerraSol hostel-style campground in Patagonia AZ
Optional Friday evening before and Sunday morning after, with camping available
**** * * Scroll down for registration form * * * ***
You will learn:

The arc and evolution of a drum circle, from beginning to middle to Wow.
Know your circle — key differences among circles, and why they matter.
Set up for success — how to make the most of the physical setting.
What “ingredients” make the music good — beyond what people are specifically playing.
How to tune into a circle’s purpose or intention to deepen the musical experience.
Life cycle of a Groove — ways to start a groove that takes off, and help a groove come to a satisfying ending.
Ways to boost Entrainment — the secret sauce of a good drum circle — so the music can really soar.
Subtle, “stealth” ways to help the music tighten up or evolve as the music is playing.
Etiquette and issues — handling players who aren’t getting it.

SCHEDULE
Friday, July 18 — Optional early arrival for hangout, dinner in town or at camp, evening drumming.
Saturday, July 19 — Workshop day
10:00 - 10:30 Drum gathering
10:30 - 12:30 Morning session
12:30 - 2:00 Lunch - BYO or sandwich bar contribution
2:00 - 3:30 Afternoon session
3:30 - 4:00 Break
4:00 - 5:00 Q & A, more examples, try things
5:00 - 6:30 Break & Potluck dinner
6:30 - 7:00 Playing to enhance musicality — leads into drum circle
7:00 - ____ Drum Circle / Improvisational Ensemble
Sunday, July 20 — Optional extra morning
10:00 - 11:00 Rhythm Church — melodic, textured, sweet, relaxed music circle
LOCATION
TerraSol hostel-style campground
542 Harshaw Ave, Patagonia AZ 85624
[TerraSolaz.com](http://terrasolaz.com/), 520-987-0770
Workshop price: Sliding scale $75 / $60 / $50, plus camping (see below)