Drumming is a Language

As soon as the drum circle class at Rumpuree World Dance Studio starts, the thudding beats begin to resonate. The hands of the drummers speed up, and active rhythms capture the swelling sound. The sound sweeps away the stress and fatigue of the day, and neither drummers nor their audience can keep still.

The drum circle is a group of people who gather round to improvise different beat patterns with all kinds of percussion instruments. The rhythm is varied and freestyle, depending on the drummers, but it's amazingly harmonised. Everyone can show and share their skills and rhythms.

The studio's drum circle class focuses on African Drums, or Djembe, and Arabic union drums, or Durbuka. There is a lead drummer who is like a conductor, adjusting the volume and pace of the rhythm.

"People in the group have learned the percussion techniques of many cultures," says Luis Calderon, an instructor. "It's also good for practising concentration and releasing stress."

It doesn't matter if you don't have any basic knowledge or skills in drumming. In the first few classes, the instructor will guide you through some easy rhythms. Students then learn gradually through experience and practice. Each class has five to 10 participants, but the number of players in a drum circle is not limited.

The classes are held every Friday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Rumpuree World Dance Studio on the fifth floor of Amarin Plaza, near Chidlom Skytrain station. They are conducted in English, and the fee is Bt250.

By Suwicha Chanitnun/ DAILY XPRESS

Photo by Supachai Petchtewee