B.A.S.C. DRUMMERS' ORIENTATION POINTS

SUPPORTING THE CIRCLE in all its diversity is why we're here, to be of service.


LIMITED SEATING to encourage rotation.  Please leave the Drum Zone at least once during the event.


Stay in VISUAL CONTACT with other drummers, not just the Lead Drummer, at least half of the time.   It helps KEEP FOCUS.


SILENCES are essential. 4 is a good starting place.  Any drummer, as well as the MC, can call a silence. Consider leaving at least a couple of minutes before playing again.


VOLUME is based on what is happening in the Circle.  As soon as you hear singing or spoken word, bring it way down.


SONIC DIVERSITY allows for quieter instruments--frame drums, melodic instruments, solo vocal improv.


CHOOSE INSTRUMENTS that best fit the energy of the moment.  Bring padded mallets.  Metal bells and dumbeks are much more difficult to play quietly than djembes, djun-djuns, or congas.  Dumbeks should be considered more like a solo instrument.


DOUBLING SOMEONE ELSE'S PART strengthens the groove.


ACCURACY & SIMPLICITY.  If you hear a more complex part, pre-hear it and enter quietly.


FADE YOUR PART OUT when changing instruments or leaving the Drum Zone.


The LEAD DRUMMER is empowered to make SUGGESTIONS and REQUESTS from anyone in the Drum Zone.  This might include encouraging someone to solo, asking someone to double someone else's part, waiving out parts, or creating a new pattern with rests.  It is all about workability--don't take it personally.


PRE-OPENING CHANT while group is walking around center = texture is very spare with one melodic instrument, low heartbeat drum, and light bells or bowls.  No other instruments.


OPENING CHANT is the only time when there is a pre-set rhythm that is given by the Lead Drummer. One group plays the high part while the other group plays the low part.  After that anyone is free to create a texture (pulsed/non-pulsed) that supports what's happening in the Circle.


TEMPO / DYNAMIC SIGNALS can be initiated by any drummer. 1st get the attention of other drummers. The initiator determines how quickly the change happens.

 Faster = "sup"            Slower = "sloooow"         Fade Out = "sail away"  
 Quieter (at same tempo) = one arm level with ground motioning down


TAKE DRUMS OUT OF DRUM ZONE onto the stage when not playing them, unless they are "resident djun-djuns" set on chairs.  Uncovered drums on stage are assumed to be OK to play.  Remove your rings to avoid damaging hand drums.