Telematic Drum Circle

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' commitments. Or, perhaps you do not live close enough to a drum circle, and none of your friends or family share your love for rhythm.

The good news is that if you want to drum, but are hesitant or logistically unable to take that step, you can always go online and begin there.

The Telematic Drum Circle is a project led by Byeong Sam Jeon in conjunction with several other organizations including Arts Council Korea and The University of California, Irvine. The project involves 16 robotic percussion instruments, including Conga and Djembe drums, each representing different geo-cultural regions such as Asia, Africa, Latin America, The Middle East and North America.

The purpose of The Telematic Drum Circle is to "explore the rupture of deeper communication in the technology meditated world, and addresses the issue of global harmony by sharing participants' rhythmical spirit."

The project enables people from all over the planet to log-on and participate in a drum circle, virtually, just by using their keyboard and Internet connection. Through the magic of the Internet, The Telematic Drum Circle facilitates bringing drummers together for a global purpose, to prove that while people are tied to technology, they can still gather for a greater purpose and share their unique talents, culture and musical knowledge with each other.

Drum circles are always occurring, but sometimes it is not always possible to participate. The Telematic Drum Circle gives the world a chance to experience drumming, drumming with others, and the unity that music and rhythm can provide, all from the comfort of one’s own home. Log-on to the Telematic Drum website and experience the world, through the amazing unity of drumming.