One day during a class session in music therapy, I saw a large drum on the floor, it was colorful and sat about 6-8 inches off the floor and was about 3 feet in diameter. The instructor explained to the class that 3-4 people could sit in a circle and play the drum together. While engaging with this instrument for the first time we sat around the drum, each sharing a story or a short song which we could incorporate sounds and beats into. We followed along and found it to be quite entertaining. Exploring different ways to make sounds by tapping, pounding, and scratching became fun for all that participated. After that first experience, I knew I wanted to get a gathering drum of my own eventually.
While engaging with this instrument for the first time I envisioned children having fun tapping on this large drum. They could use their hands or even mallets. I thought about the story I had heard years ago “ I’m going on a lion hunt” how perfect would that be to have this drum to express this cute little story. So many different sounds could be made; hands tapping back and forth to make the walking and running sounds, our nails tapping, or rubbing of our palms scratching the surface of the drum to demonstrate different parts of the story. I could instantly see so many benefits to using a gathering drum with my clients. I saw how it would help with following a story line, helping with impulse control, following directions, being able to learn to tell a story, and how to match sounds that may occur.
As I thought of other stories and other ways to use this cute, not so little, instrument I got excited. I saved and finally purchased the gathering drum and when I had the opportunity to put it to use, I found out that it was everything I hoped it would be.
When I brought the gathering drum into the classroom for the first time, the children were very curious and anxious for me to let them play it. Some were so excited that they reached forward to tap it. It did take a bit of coaching to have them wait their turn, but when they realized that they would all get a chance to play, they were pretty good at waiting for their turn. The first reaction was to just bang on it, so that is exactly what I let them do. All together I would tell them to use their hands and beat on the drum, I would tell them, beat the drum as loudly as you can…and it was plently loud! Next I would ask them to tap the drum as softly as they could. Then I would give them suggestions of what it would sound like if we were skipping, or if it was raining or hailing or if the wind was blowing, what kind of sounds could we make? I would even ask if someone would like to make a sound on the drum and the rest of us would guess what it was imitating, or have a child make a sound and tell us what that reminded them of.
After the exploring session with the instrument, a story or song was chosen to recite while they made the appropriate sounds. Needless to say it was fun for everyone and they wanted to know if I would bring it again.
I do remember, the next time I went to their class I didn’t bring it and they did ask about it. You know they like something if they request it, I believe that means they had thought about the instrument even after I left that day. I would often wonder if they talk about the activities I do with them when they go home and how they explain these activities and instruments to their parents. I Guess that is something I always hope they will do.
Since I traveled to all my different sessions and had to transport all my instruments with me from location to location, it was a bit cumbersome but well worth the purchase. The children love it and are anxious to think of new ways to use it and they seem to enjoy the rich tone of this drum.
The gathering drum provides for many activities that are good for group interaction. It creates a small space where multiple students gather around and practice group cooperation as they participate in the activity. Children get practice at sitting close to another without touching them because they are so interested in the drum. They learn to work closely together and help each other complete a task as a group. It is a great way to learn how to take turns and learn in a fun way. .
The gathering drum is an excellent tool to do Call and Response activities. Call and response activities are a great learning tool. The teacher begins with a short uncomplicated rhythm on the drum either with their hands or with a mallet. The student needs to listen carefully to see if they can then repeat what they just heard. Everyone takes their turn with the teacher, each time the teacher can give either the same rhythm or a different one for each child. Increasing the complexity of the rhythm when the teacher feels the child is ready for a challenge. This is a very fun activity for the teacher, as well as the students. You know it’s fun when the children are engaged with the activity and staying focused and smiling.
Creating a relaxed environment and situation is the goal of learning while having a good time. This instrument has been very successful for me, and a great purchase I would make again and again..I recommend a gathering drum for any parent, teacher, music therapist, or anyone else who works closely with children and needs a way to connect with them. It is well suited for one on one sessions, small group activities, and whole classroom activities. A gathering drum might be the thing that causes that needed breakthrough with your class, student, or client.
