X8 Drums Blog

Drum circles happen in all climates, and during all times of the year. Some circles are inside, away from the elements and allergens, while others maintain their presence in the great outdoors. For drum circle drummers who like to bang their Djembe or shake their shekere au naturel, facing the extremes of temperatures may just be part of the whole drumming experience, but it never hurts to have some extra advice, especially when drumming in cold weather climates.In cold weather …

No matter how much you drum, where you drum and what style of drumming you prefer, there may come a time when you want something new, inspirational and creative to enhance your drumming repertoire. Drum circles are constantly evolving through the addition of new people, instruments, focus or intention, so when it's time to bring something new to the rhythm, where do you find your own inspiration?One "man" bands are a whimsical and awe-inspiring tradition of sorts that are reg …

Many people drum for its community aspect, the health and wellness that drumming can provide, or just for the fun and entertainment. Some drummers are die-hard musicians, while others may drum as a natural part of their heritage and ancestry. The reasons to pick up a drum are as varied as the people and the drums that are used, but when you grab your Djembe and start playing a new rhythm, have you ever really thought about what drumming has taught you?At its core, drumming is t …

For the non-drummer, the idea of a Djembe drum solo may be the random beating on a drum, expressing one’s inner rhythm, creativity or the elusive concept of being “carried away” by the music. The benefit of this illusion for the drummer is being seen as a true artist of unlimited drumming potential, especially when it appears that just by chance, the Djembe drummer manages to blend the solo back into the anticipated rhythm, literally without missing a beat. Drummers know that …

For the parent, teacher or case manager responsible for a person affected by autism, there is nothing more important than finding a way to help and benefit the life-long struggles that those “on the spectrum” face as they navigate through school and move into the adult world. With the wellness effects of drumming and the inherent structural benefits of a steady rhythm, drumming can help reach autistic children on a fun and familiar level, giving them great music and a way …

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that was brought over to the United States in the 1970s. It is thought to have originated in Tibet, and has been practiced in many forms throughout the East. The basis of Reiki is "hands-on healing" that uses inherent energy in order to open chakras and provide healing to the body. Reiki promotes wellness, relaxation, release of negativity and the intention to balance and strengthen energy within the body. There are many Reiki practitione …

DjembePad 1.0 for iPad - Learn and Play Simulated African Djembe Drum[prMac.com] Sofia, Bulgaria - ONYX Apps today is pleased to introduce DjembePad 1.0, their realistic digital drum simulator and practice pad exclusively for iPad. Goatskin is replaced by a high-resolution IPS display, and the ancient and modern worlds meet. Loudness and tone are user controlled, and sounds include: slap, tone, bass, woodblock, and cowbell. An optional metronome helps aspiring percussionists master the …

As a celebration of women and feminine mysteries, belly dancing is rapidly becoming a popular means of artistic expression, as well as a fun activity to help women (and men!) stay in shape today. Chances are that you’ve seen belly dance classes offered at your community center or at a local dance studio, or maybe you’ve even been invited to a Hafla or a belly dance performance in a restaurant, festival or other dance showcase. Belly dancers come in all shapes and sizes and dance …

Teaching children the value of music, especially music that gets little radio play, can be invaluable to a well-rounded education and a child’s self esteem. If your daughter or son has ever used your pots and pans or a bucket for a drum, then you know the fun they have when they get a chance to make music.Music education is going far beyond marching band, choir and orchestra in our schools today. While fine arts budget cuts are abundant, there are still plenty of alternative …

Interested in drumming within a drum circle, but can't seem to find a way in? There are times when joining a drum circle are not possible due to personal schedules, distance, unavailability or even personal hesitation. For the novice drummer, it may be somewhat intimidating to enter into an established drumming group and try to join in the fun with little to no experience. Some drum circles are only held during the week, at night, and can conflict with your work or kids' commit …