tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989380297719961453 2014-28-24T12:03:11.820-04:00 Kristin support@x8drums.com Join hand drum enthusiasts around the world in conversation about percussion. http://www.x8drums.com/blog/ en-us Copyright 2014, X8 Drums support@x8drums.com (X8 Drums) support@x8drums.com (X8 Drums) Musical Instruments http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.x8drums.com/content/X8-DRUMS-LOGO.gif http://www.x8drums.com/blog/ X8 Drums is the leader in djembe, hand drums and percussion. X81024 2014-05-05T22:25:32+0000 2014-05-05T22:25:32+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/x8-drums-staff-review-of-the-gretsch-marquee-drum-set/ GRETSCH MARQUEE DRUM SET, GRETSCH, DRUM KIT, X8 DRUMS Matt from X8 Drums demos and reviews that brand new Gretsch Marquee Drum Set.

Matt from X8 Drums took some time to demo and talk about the Gretsch Marquee Drum Set, a brand new offering from Gretsch. After playing a couple of songs and getting a feel for the kit at Wunder Studios in Austin, TX, Matt is confident in saying that the Gretsch Marquee Drum set is currently the best value drum kit that Gretsch offers. It has a solid sound and a professional look that any drummer will appreciate. The Gretsch Marquee Drum Set features an 8-inch tom, a 10-inch tom, a 12-inch tom, a 16-inch floor tom, and an 18” x 22” kick drum. All of the drum shells are made completely of maple for a beautiful look. The kit also features the 9711 G Class Bass Drum Pedal from Gibraltar, all Gibraltar hardware, and Sabian cymbals from the HH series and HHX series. A great thing about the Marquee drum kit is that it comes with professional Remo drum heads, including Emperors on the toms and Powerstroke 3s on the kick drum. These are the Remo drum heads that all the pros use. If you want to change them out, you can, but the Gretsch Marquee Drum Set sounds terrific with the Remo heads. Matt also demoed the brand new Gretsch aluminum snare drum. It measures 6” x 14”, features wood hoops, and sounds great. Matt is using Wunder Mics, including the CM7 FET mic on the kick drum, CM12 overheads, and the CM50 room mic, to capture the beautiful sounds of the Gretsch Marquee Drum Set.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X81023 2014-04-21T00:00:00+0000 2014-04-21T00:00:00+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/play-with-music-legends-with-drums-karaoke/ DRUMS KARAOKE, DRUMMING, DRUM COVER Drums Karaoke lets you rock with your favorite bands and music legends and create a unique drum cover.

Ever thought about what it would be like to play drums for your favorite bands or rock with music legends? Drums Karaoke takes you one step closer to taking the stage with your favorite rockers by producing play-along tracks designed specially for drummers. Just like traditional karaoke tracks feature music without the vocals, Drums Karaoke’s tracks feature vocals and music without the drums. Drums Karaoke’s collection includes 2,700 high quality play-along tracks from all genres, including rock, jazz, funk, R&B, metal, blues, pop, latin, and hip-hop. You can play along with your favorite bands and artists and even record your drums. What’s really cool about playing along with drum-free tracks is that you can really focus on adding your own style and rhythm to songs without the distraction of the original drumming. Perfect for creating your own unique drum cover, like Cobus Potgieter’s popular cover of Vanilla Sky’s “Umbrella” cover (seen above). Head over to drumskaraoke.com to check out their extensive song list. If you find something you like and decide to try it out, be sure to record yourself playing and to send the link to your drum cover video to Drums Karaoke so that they can publish it on their “Videos” page. Have any cool drum cover videos? Share the link with us in the comments section below!

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X81022 2014-04-21T21:19:44+0000 2014-04-21T21:19:44+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/beware-of-mr-baker-chronicles-ginger-bakers-controversial-music-career/ GINGER BAKER, BEWARE OF MR. BAKER, PRO DRUMMERS Beware of Mr. Baker chronicles the musical career and controversial life of the world's greatest drummer, Ginger Baker.

If you ever wanted to get an up-close look into the rocky rockstar life of one of the greatest drummers of our time, check out Beware of Mr. Baker, a stark documentary that takes you into the life, both past and present, of British rock, jazz, and world drummer Ginger Baker. Winner of the Grand Jury prize for best documentary at SXSW 2012, Beware of Mr. Baker chronicles Baker’s musical career and life through Ginger Baker himself, from his roots with Eric Clapton in Cream and Blind Faith to his introduction to Fela Kuti and world hand drumming, which he helped introduce to the West, to the losses and self-destructive patterns that he’s equally famous for. Viewers even get a glimpse into his current life inside his South African compound and his recent 30-date European tour. You’ll also learn about Baker through the stories of his children, ex-wives, and fellow musicians, including Eric Clapton, Charlie Watts, Carlos Santana, Max Weinberg, and more. To learn more about Beware of Mr. Baker and find where you can screen or purchase the film, visit bewareofmrbaker.com. Photo from www.imdb.com.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810212014-04-22T17:18:29+00002014-04-22T17:18:29+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/how-to-prevent-lower-back-pain-from-drumming/ DRUMMING INJURIES, DRUMMING POSTURE, LOWER BACK PAIN Good playing posture and regular lower back and abdominal muscle exercises and stretches can help prevent lower back pain from drumming.

drumming postureLower back pain is a common injury among drummers because we remain in a seated position while moving our upper bodies for long periods of time. Left untreated, lower back pain can keep you from your kit longer than you’d like. You can avoid lower back pain and injuries or get back to drumming as soon as possible if you experience lower back pain by following a few preventative steps and treatment methods both while you’re playing and in between sessions: Maintain good posture while drumming. Adjust your seat to a height that allows you to maintain the curvature of your lower back. Sit tall and keep your core tight. Avoid slouching and bending forward as much as possible, as doing so places stress on the back tissues. Good posture will also help prevent neck injuries. Keep your back and abdominal muscles well conditioned. Incorporate lower back and abdominal exercises into your regular workout routines or into your daily routine. Keeping your lower back and ab muscles strong will help you maintain good posture. Stretch your glute muscles, hamstrings, and lower back. Perform these stretches alone and/or after exercising or try a few yoga exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the lower back. You can also perform these stretches to treat lower back pain but may want to seek help from a professional to avoid further injuring your lower back. Treat lower back pain right away. As soon as you feel pain, stop playing and ice the area. Rest for a day or two but get moving as soon as possible. Stretching and going for short walks can prevent deconditioning and help ease pain. If your lower back pain doesn’t improve within a few days of self-treatment, seek professional health care. How do you prevent or treat lower back pain caused by drumming? Let us know in the comments below!

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810202014-04-25T17:22:09+00002014-04-25T17:22:09+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/the-art-of-drums-series-captures-stephen-perkins-energy-through-visual-art/ STEPHEN PERKINS, DRUMMING, ART OF DRUMS Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins creates a drummer's energy in visual form for SceneFour's "Art of Drums" series.

Back in 2011, Jane’s Addiction Drummer Stephen Perkins teamed up with SceneFour to create visual drum art for the “Art of Drums” series. The idea intrigued Perkins because of how hard it is to capture the energy of a drummer in a photo, despite the amount of power coming from a drum set. According to an interview Perkins had with The Stranger, the visual drum art captured everything about drumming that you want a photograph to capture but can’t. To create the art, Perkins played the drums in a dark room using drumsticks with lit, colored tips. Photographers took pictures while Perkins played, resulting in vibrant, abstract images that seem to capture lava spewing from a drum kit. Like a Rorschach test, the images are interpretive, but Perkins saw that drumming energy that’s hard to capture on film. “I see my personality - hyper, bubbly,” he told The Stranger. “I like to travel around the drum kit. [...] You can see that in this art, someone who likes to move around, someone who is mobile. Both the visual art and Perkins’ interpretation of it sparked The Stranger to ask what he thinks when playing to have created such visual energy. “I think about what happens from below the ways,” he said. “How do I make people move?” Looking at the visual art he created for “Art of Drums,” you can really see that movement. The fiery images fully capture Perkins’ ability to ignite movement in his audience, something you can’t see in a picture of a drummer playing or even in a picture of the audience. But at their simplest, the images capture that energy and rhythm that, otherwise, we’d never witness without being present to hear, see, and feel every beat. Photo by Stephen Perkins/Art of Drums. From lineout.thestranger.com.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810192014-04-25T12:49:39+00002014-04-25T12:49:39+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/robotic-drumming-prosthesis-could-help-make-music-and-more/ DRUMMING, PROSTHESISJASON, BARNESDRUMMING A drumming prosthesis created to help Jason Barnes play the drums without his right hand could potentially be used in other areas, such as medicine.

Drummer Jason Barnes lost his right hand in a work accident in 2012. Not one to give up on his passion for music and drumming (and bored out of his mind without drumming in his life), Barnes taped a drum stick to his arm a few weeks after leaving the hospital to see if he could play. The makeshift drumming hand was far from perfect, but it helped him realize he could still play. After tinkering with a few more makeshift drumming hands that allowed him to play well enough to get into the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, Barnes crossed paths with Gil Weinberg, a music professor and musical robot inventor who helped Barnes build a drumming prosthesis. The GATech robotic drumming prosthesis features two drum sticks. Barnes controls the first stick by using his bicep muscle. The prosthesis uses electromyography to pick up the electrical activity of the bicep. The second, motor-controlled, self-playing drumstick senses the rhythm Barnes is playing and creates a complementary beat. That second stick also allows him to play a lot faster than most drummers. While the prosthesis was designed for drumming, Barnes told ABC2 News that it could be used for more than just making music. He said that the prosthesis could potentially act as a third arm for surgeons or to hand tools to astronauts working on a space shuttle or station. At the time, Barnes was still just testing it out for drumming in preparation for his first live show using the prosthesis. Photo by Rob Felt/Georgia Tech from www.ibtimes.co.uk.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810182014-04-24T20:53:01+00002014-04-24T20:53:01+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/fender-music-foundation-donates-instruments-to-eligible-music-programs-/ DRUMMING, PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS, MUSIC PROGRAM, FENDER MUSIC FOUNDATION The Fender Music Foundation donates used instruments to eligible music programs through a grant.

Teaching music to students, community members, or music therapy program participants can get expensive. Especially if you run a music program at a public school or through a nonprofit organization. Luckily, public schools and nonprofits are prime candidates for funding, donations, and grants, such as the Fender Music Foundation Grant. The Fender Music Foundation donates instruments and music equipment to eligible music instruction programs, or those that are part of a nonprofit organization or public school. From acoustic, electric, and bass guitars to traditional instruments, including percussion instruments, keyboards, string instruments, and more, the Fender Music Foundation can donate pretty much any instrument you need. Keep in mind that these instruments are all used and come with imperfections, but they all still have more playing to do. Besides, who wouldn’t love to play on a vintage drum kit or hand drum with a bit of history to it? Interested in applying for the Fender Music Foundation Grant? Here’s what you need to know: Your program must fit into one of four categories: in-school music class, after-school music program not run by the school, community music program, or music therapy program. All programs must offer music instruction. Your program must meet five criteria: the program can’t deny participation based on musical ability, any fees must be less than the fair market value, the program must run smoothly for at least one year, participants are instructed at least once a week for at least 8 months per year, and you must be sure the program will exist for the foreseeable future. You must fill out a two-part application within 24-hours. For more details and application instructions, visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810172014-04-24T16:16:30+00002014-04-24T16:16:30+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/sober-metal-drummer-jeremy-spencer-to-release-autobiography/ DRUMMING AND ALCOHOLISM, PROFESSIONAL DRUMMERS, JEREMY SPENCER, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH After a year of sobriety, Five Finger Death Punch drummer Jeremy Spencer announced the release of his autobiography, Deathpunched: Cheers to My Sobriety.

Yesterday we talked about the unfortunate consequences of partaking in the far too common alcohol- and drug-fueled rockstar lifestyle. The Who’s Keith Moon and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham both lost their lives to substance abuse. Fortunately, not all musicians who battle with substance abuse share the same fate. Co-founder and drummer of groove metal band Five Finger Death Punch Jeremy Spencer fully embraced the rockstar lifestyle, and all the booze and drugs that come with it. He escaped the fate of some of his fellow drummers by getting sober. In January 2013, after a year of sobriety, Spencer announced his plans to release an autobiography titled Deathpunched: Cheers to My Sobriety. In celebration of his sobriety, Spencer looks back on his rock and roll lifestyle by sharing his crazy tales. He initially planned to self-publish but said that he has a deal with a publisher. As of last January, the book is expected to be released this year. The only information he’s shared about the book’s contents beyond his wild rockstar lifestyle stories is the cover art, which probably says a lot about what readers can look forward to (or not look forward to) in Deathpunched: Cheers to My Sobriety. According to what he told Los Angeles’s “Heidi and Frank Show” on 95.5 KLOS last year, the cover will feature Spencer in a Superman outfit and Ron Jeremy with a martini glass and two women. Head over to www.drummagazine.com to find out the story behind that bizarre image we just put in your head. Photo from www.drummagazine.com.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810162014-04-23T17:03:19+00002014-04-23T17:03:19+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/drumming-and-alcoholism/ DRUMMING AND ALCOHOLISM, MODERN ROCK DRUMMING, KEITH MOON, JOHN BONHAM Even the most successful and talented musicians, such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, can let alcohol ruin and end their lives.

Alcohol and drug use seem to go hand-in-hand with the music industry. Whether partying, creating a certain image, or self-medicating, musicians can easily succumb to the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Even the most talented and successful musicians can let alcohol ruin and end their lives. The Who’s Keith Moon and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham were two drummers who had the most influence on modern rock drumming, according to Modern Drummer magazine. Both drummers are equally remembered for their heavy alcohol and drug use. Alcohol and drugs fueled Moon’s eccentric behavior, such as destroying hotel rooms, and even caused him to pass out on stage twice during a show on The Who’s 1973 Quadrophenia U.S. tour and again during the opening show of the band’s 1976 U.S. tour. He died two years later in September 1978 after an overdose on drugs he was taking to alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms while getting sober. Bonham, whose unique drumming style became the benchmark for heavy rock drumming, suffered the same fate. A regular heavy drinker, Bonham died in September 1980 after a day and night of heavy drinking. The day of his death, Bonham showed up tipsy at rehearsals, continued to drink during rehearsals, and drunk even more until midnight at guitarist Jimmy Page’s home. Throughout a 12-hour period, Bonham had consumed about 40 measures of vodka. He was found dead the next morning. It’s always nice to celebrate and relax with a beer after a gig, but every musician should know his or her limits and drink with caution. If we’ve learned anything from musicians like Moon and Bonham, it’s that alcohol and drugs can easily take over your passion, musical career, and life. So focus on what music is really about: creating art, inspiring fans, and rocking out! Photo by Jean-Luc (originally posted to Flickr as Keith Moon) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810152014-04-22T00:00:00+00002014-04-22T00:00:00+0000 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg https://www.x8drums.com/blog/health-equity-drum-circle-aims-to-break-guinness-world-record/ DRUM CIRCLE, HAND DRUMMING, HAND DRUM Maryland Center for Healthy Equity at the University of Maryland plans to break the world record for largest drum circle with 1,400 participants.

drum circleThe current largest hand drum circle ever assembled consisted of 1,331 participants playing dolu drums at an event in India on May 6, 2012. Seems an impossible number to top, but the Maryland Center for Health Equity and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland are up for the challenge of setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest hand drum circle. During the university’s annual Maryland Day event, the Maryland Center for Health Equity will recruit at least 1,400 people to participate in the Health Equity Drum Circle and help break the record for largest hand drum ensemble. The Maryland Center for Health Equity will also use the drum circle to raise awareness of and promote health equity. For anyone interested in participating in the drum circle, the event will take place on April 26, 2014 at the Byrd Stadium at the University of Maryland from 12:00-3:30 p.m. You’re welcome to bring your own hand drum or several hand drums if you don’t mind sharing. Hand drums may include but are not limited to djembe, doumbek, bongo, conga, ashiko, frame drum, tambourine, and cajon. If you don’t have a drum, choose the ticket option “Group of 10+” or “Individual” when you register so that the organizations running the event know how many participants will need a drum. To learn more about the Health Equity Drum Circle and to find information about planning your day at the university, visit www.healthequity.umd.edu.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810142015-03-23:54:00.022-05:002015-03-23:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/product_images/uploaded_images/bigstock-recording-studio-68612569.jpg?t=1426782022 http://www.x8drums.com/blog/posture-and-pain-a-drummers-biggest-challenge/ posture, health, healing, pain There’s nothing worse than a shooting pain in your lower back or shoulder in the middle of playing your drum set. You’re in the groove, doin’ your thing and ZOW!

There’s nothing worse than a shooting pain in your lower back or shoulder in the middle of playing your drum set. You’re in the groove, doin’ your thing and ZOW! You’re in agony! Plenty of drummers experience the natural aches and pains of drumming, like sore muscles, blisters on the fingers or hands or blurred vision from over-drumming (it happens!). But, when you’re finding yourself in a chronic pain situation from drumming, fixing it could be as simple as adjusting your drum kit to your body’s needs. There are thousands of recommendations from drummers, professional and amateur, alike, about how to set up your drum set “the right way.” But, there are just as many different drum sets as there are drummers, and there are also thousands of other issues at hand when you’re setting up your drum set. So, when it comes to the basics of setting up your drum set, the general consensus is as follows: YOU need to be comfortable, or as comfortable as possible. If your drum set is fairly stationary, you’ll be able to rely on it staying put for the most part. If you move your set around, try to remember and/or mark where to adjust the drum stands, your throne and the angle of the drums, cymbals, pedals and accent percussion. Check your range of motion. Some spaces are more cramped than others, or, maybe you were off when you initially set up your drum set. All playable parts of the drum set should be reachable, with the more common drums and cymbals set up so you can reach them without straining at all. Your posture on the throne is important. Support your core with your bottom, try not to lean or hinge at the waist too much. Adjust the height of your throne so that your legs are as close to a 90 degree angle as possible, with a slight downward slope. If your posture changes, so will your drum set configuration. You could be having an off day and are more slumped, or, you are compensating for back pain and more angled. Adjust your drum set accordingly, and often. Snare drum height is just as important as the height of your throne. You don’t want to lose your rebound from a snare being too low to the ground or lose power when it is too high. Plus, this drum gets so much action, you don’t want to strain to reach it. Let your foot take the lead with your bass drum. Your bass drum pedal placement should dictate the placement of your bass drum, not the other way around. Your entire leg, hip and lower back can be affected if your bass pedal isn’t situated correctly. Check your grip and your gear. The drum stick grip you use may add into any pain you experience in your hands, wrists or arms. Your drum sticks could be too heavy or too light or you’re (gasp!) just playing too hard. Relax. If you cannot play your drums without feeling physically stressed or strained, then locate the problem and fix it. Listen to your body and let it lead you – otherwise, you’re just asking for an injury. Once you get the hang of setting up your drum set and finding out what works best for you, your chances of being in a long-term relationship with pain are slim. Just like the “office jockeys” who must adjust computers, keyboards, the mouse and chair to eliminate strain from hours of sitting, the same considerations are just as important as the killer behind the drum set. That’s you… so take the time to care about yourself.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810132008-10-23:54:00.022-05:002008-10-23T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/healing-qualities-of-the-hand-drum/ hand drum, yoga, stress, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, holistic, egypt, primal The hand drum has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. However, acknowledging the healing qualities of the hand drum is a relatively new development.

The hand drum has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. However, acknowledging the healing qualities of the hand drum is a relatively new development. Studies now show that hand drumming helps to relax the tense, energize the tired and heal the emotionally wounded. In addition, hand drumming is now being used in the medical field for releasing post-traumatic stress, with Alzheimer's patients to help improve their short-term memory and for Parkinson's patients and stroke victims to regain the control of movement. As a holistic practitioner and yoga instructor, I've witnessed the profound power of hand drumming in the most interesting places, and seeing the healing qualities first hand. These moments have helped shape my practice, as well as my teachings with others. One of my most memorable experiences with hand drums happened in Israel on the Red Sea. I was on an excursion towards Egypt from Israel, when everyone received news of a bombing in Sinai. The border closed, and people from all countries and walks of life found themselves stranded 100 meters from crossing into Egypt. Within minutes, the only obvious option was to set up make shift camps and simply wait. As everyone sat in silence contemplating, my friend brought out his Djembe. His hands started to create soft beats, which echoed off of the mountains and water between Israel and Jordan. From confusion, worry and despair, I watched individuals, couples and families emerge from their tarp made tents. Slowly, everyone started moving to the sounds of the Djembe as we all stood along the sea. As time passed, the drum beats became stronger, the movements faster, and silence turned to laughter. The night ended as a multi-cultural gathering, as people speaking multiple languages and having different religions, danced in unison until dawn. One Djembe brought hundreds of people together through sound, and at that moment, I realized the healing qualities of the hand drum. Shortly thereafter, I attended a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. I decided to bring in the same concept as my experience in Israel. Rather than start my group on floor warm-ups or standing asanas (or poses), I played a CD of hand drumming. I asked each person to close their eyes and move naturally to the beats. My group consisted of all ages, and again, people from many different countries. After class, the students commented on how they found the drumming to be soothing, grounding, rejuvenating and healing. I've now incorporated drumming music in all my classes, with both individuals and groups. Aside from the healing qualities of hand drumming, the music brings out the primal side to each and every one of us, and helps us to listen to our bodies, our emotions and our heart. The more we can incorporate these sounds into everyday living, the more we help support and heal ourselves, as well as modern day society. -- Natalie Stiefvater is a Holistic Practitioner, Hatha Yoga Instructor, and founder of "HealthFix - Simple Healthy Solutions". She's been teaching people about health and wellness for over 20 years, and incorporates breathing exercises and stress relieving techniques into her practice. More info can be found at http://www.healthfix.org/ or via email at Natalie@healthfix.org.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810122010-09-02:54:00.022-05:002010-09-02T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/10-billion-beats-for-global-healing/ healing, drum circle 10 Billion Beats, an event created in the spirit of healing and fellowship, is encouraging the world, whether they have a drum or not, to participate in a one-night, global drumming session.

The power of a drum circle can be life-changing. The resonating rhythms and accompaniments come together to produce a breathtaking sound that inspires happiness, wellness and healing to the people involved. Drumming can be a powerful manifestation of healing energy, as anyone who has attended a drum circle may attest to. When the intention is there, the healing may be extended to the area in which the drum circle beats away, and even further. 10 Billion Beats 10 Billion Beats, an event created in the spirit of healing and fellowship, is encouraging the world, whether they have a drum or not, to participate in a one-night, global drumming session. It is a night “to circle the earth with a resounding rhythm of unity for all peoples, all faiths, all nations, all hopes and dreams. By joining in celebration with others, we will send a wave of focused intent through every time zone around the globe.” The 10 Billion Beats movement started in September, 2009, with a recorded 200,000 global participants. In order to reach the goal of 10 billion beats, 30,000 people in each of the 24 time zones must commit to drummng at a pace of four beats per second. Each beat sends an intention to the planet and its inhabitants to heal and be well. That is a lot of healing intention, good mojo, prayer and positive energy for the world. On September 19, 2014 at 7pm, in your own time zone, grab your Djembe, Bongos or Congas and start up a rhythm for peace and healing. Be part of the 10 Billion Beats movement and see what a little drumming, and a whole lot of hope, can do to heal our planet.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810112011-04-11:54:00.022-05:002011-04-11T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/hand-percussion-instruments-of-healing/ healing, therapy, wellness, djembe, kalimba, gong, didgeridoo Whether hand percussion and drums or a favorite song or hot rhythm, music reaches into the lives of everyone, touching the heart, mind and soul.

From ancient times through today, music has been used to help with mental, physical and emotional conditions. By simply playing a favorite song, a mood can be lifted and improved, and research indicates that the positive effects of music on the brain can help with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Autism or Alzheimer’s. As music therapists continue to research and prove the benefits of music on the overall health and wellness of people, the instruments used have begun to show individual benefits that can be used tailored to each person’s unique health and wellness needs. Didgeridoo: With its low vibration that can be heard and felt, the Didgeridoo is thought to increase relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety and provide an overall feeling of wellness for those listening to its song. Additionally, those who play the Didgeridoo can also reap the benefits of circular breathing, a technique that increases oxygen within the body, helping an unlimited number of body systems heal and remain healthy. Djembe: As one of the best-known hand drums in world music, the healing qualities of the Djembe run the spectrum from reducing anxiety and stress to helping process trauma and encouraging fine and gross motor activity. Djembe and other hand drums also serve as methods to encourage communication for those with language disabilities. Gong and singing bowl meditation Gong: Drawing from its rich tapestry of tones, the gong is well known for its healing properties and connection to kundalini energy. The Gong not only relieves stress, but can stimulate the immune nervous systems and is especially noted for its ability to help people feel more balanced and centered overall. Kalimba: The Kalimba has been noted for its ability to calm and soothe, as well as help those with arthritis or other physical injuries in the hands. A simple instrument that evolved from gourds that produces light vibrations with its whimsical tones, the Kalimba has been used with pregnant mothers and those with hearing impairments. No matter the instrument, the mood-enhancing benefits of music have far-reaching benefits for health and wellness. From its roots in ancient Egypt, Greece and India through modern times, sound, rhythm and music have been established as a way to ease tension and anxiety, as well as provide other mental and physical benefits. Whether hand percussion and drums or a favorite song or hot rhythm, music reaches into the lives of everyone, touching the heart, mind and soul.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810102012-05-16:54:00.022-05:002012-05-16T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/reiki-healing-and-drums/ healing, reiki, therapy, wellness, djembe While a typical Reiki session may involve stones, crystals, pendulums, herbs, oils, and a scanning of the client’s body, drumming can have added benefits.

Reiki is a healing technique that was brought to the United States from Japan in the 1970s. It is thought to have roots in Tibetan culture, but has been practiced in many forms all over the Eastern world. The purpose of Reiki is to provide a form of “hands-on healing” to the client. The energy from the sessions opens up the chakras to promote wellness, relaxation, balance, and a release of negativity. Reiki is a natural way to increase a patient’s ability to be healed. Reiki is a growing practice in the field of alternative medicine. Reiki’s ability to promote wellness has attracted the attention of medical facilities all over the world. More and more institutions are encouraging their staff to learn Reiki as a method of helping those with chronic illnesses. While a typical Reiki session may involve stones, crystals, pendulums, herbs, oils, and a “scanning” of the client’s body, drumming can have added benefits. It can be not only a tool for scanning, but the sound and energy from the drum can increase the healing intent through accessing the mind's own power to heal. It can also bring in extra elements of healing and focusing energy, making the session much more valuable to client and healer alike. Reiki healing drumming circle When using a drum during Reiki, it is recommended that the drum be hand-held. Such drums include the Djembe, frame drum, and other small drums. The drum will be held over the client’s head, so it is important that the drum is light enough to hold comfortably without fear of slipping. Drums can be played with either a mallet or the hand. The sound, rhythm, and volume of the drum are of little concern as it is the energy produced by the drum that is important. The energy flow between the client and the practitioner is a kind of rhythm in its own. In a sense, both the practitioner and the client may be able to experience the sounds of healing by the inclusion of a drum in Reiki. There are many different factors that go into the tools practitioners will incorporate into their Reiki sessions. These can include tradition, lineage, and knowledge. Many Reiki practitioners are constantly on the lookout for new ways to further their own healing abilities. These techniques improve both the healer’s quality of work, and the client’s experience. Drumming can be a way to take natural forms of healing and join them into a powerful wellness experience.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810092013-11-21:54:00.022-05:002013-11-21T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/interviews-on-drumming-and-healing/ healing, drum circle, therapy, wellness, djembe A recent interview of drum circle participants discusses the powerful experiences created through drumming and rhythm.

The power of a drum circle is unique to each person who is participating in the activity, yet, there is a shared understanding of the healing value these events can bring during and even after the final beat is played. This YouTube interview relates the experiences of several drum circle participants in Arizona and how they have found their own healing, wellness and awareness through the power of drumming and music. Interviewees discuss concepts of "release," "euphoria," and a variety of terms that encompass the whole drum circle setting, intention and benefits.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810082010-11-03:54:00.022-05:002014-11-03T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/templates/__custom/images/uploaded/featured-brand-x8drums.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/autistic-drum-therapy/ Autistic, autism, therapy Drumming can help reach autistic children on a fun and familiar level, giving them great music and a way to interpret communications and improve their functioning.

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 to interpret communications and improve their functioning within a cooperative group environment. One of the traits of autism may include the child’s desire for structure. This may be in their daily schedule or routine, in their preferred clothing, foods or even music. Because of this need for structure, some occupational therapists and other autism specialists have begun to incorporate drumming into their therapy sessions with autistic children. The rhythms that are established while drumming are structured and can be easily imitated, encouraging the autistic child or adult to replicate a “normal” activity, but within a language that could perhaps be better understood due to the repetitious rhythms. Drumming may be a way for those affected by autism to access the right side of their brain, helping not only with socialization, but also with anxiety and behavioral problems and opening up the typically logical and pragmatic mind to more creative stimulus. Drumming also incorporates teamwork and collaboration, and as such, can help teach autistic children (and non-autistic children) how to work together. Since drumming can give autistic children a voice and a means to express emotions through rhythm, tone, speed and volume of drumming, it can help them process their days and even assist in their ability to communicate verbally. By modeling a rhythm played by a teacher or therapist, or even having a “call and response” session, it is possible that the sounds played mimic that of ordinary conversation. This can help with conversational modeling, a hurdle for many children affected by autism. In drumming, the subtleties and nuances of emotion are expressed in a less-subjective manner – fast drumming is exciting, while slower rhythms naturally induce feelings of rest and relaxation. Anger can be a loud beat and happiness becomes a joyful, less structured rhythm played on multiple drums like congas or bongos. Drumming is also “cause and effect” and tactile, helping to integrate sensory aspects into the therapeutic environment while it imitates conversation. The benefits of drumming for autistic children are still being studied, and like most therapies, may not work for every child. Providing new options and therapies to parents, caregivers and case managers of autistic children are important since there is still so much to learn about autism and what can help these children.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810062014-10-29:54:00.022-05:002014-10-29T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laGdqOs-nEY/UtavTwrdOHI/AAAAAAAAAck/e6iDDx3PQeA/s1600/bigstock-Drums-1427509.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/west-african-djembe-drum-origins/ african drum, west africa, africa, senegal, guines, mali, ghana Are you drumming or are you... drumming? Your drum face reveals all, and should never be mistaken for anything but a love of rhythm

The djembe drum has made a substantial impact on the world of music, from professional to hobby to the drumming of a community drum jam. These drums are as varied as the people who first played them, as well as modern djembefolas who continue to find new ways to include the unique sound and style of the djembe into the music we hear each day. Djembe drums are West African, hailing from places like Senegal, Guinea, Mali and Ghana, and each “style” of djembe has its own unique style and flair. Senegal djembes have elongated bowls that are sized larger than the flared trumpet of the drum, making these very recognizable to hand percussion aficionados. Djembes from Senegal are constructed with goat skin heads and typically utilize Dimbe, Khadi or Lenke wood, giving a powerful and deep tone to the rhythm. Guinea djembes are considered to have a wider bowl than other djembes and in terms of length, is about half the side of the drum. The other half of the drum is the trumpet that has relatively small flare at the bottom, allowing for a deeper, resonant tone. The carvings on a djembe from Guinea make this drum a visual delight, as well as a great example of typical djembe sound. Mali djembe drums use the beauty of Bala or Iroko wood and color variances for the aesthetic appeal, standing out from other djembes due to the artful eye of the craftsman. With a wider trumpet top, and rounded bowl, the sound of the Mali djembe is warm and welcoming, easily blending with any other drums or instruments that are played. Ghana djembe drums may have less decoration than other djembes, but, they are still beautiful to see and to hear. The wood of the Ghana drum is local to the area, and much softer than other wood used in the construction of djembes, giving djembe rhythms a softer, resonating tone. The different tones and styles of African djembe drums can be contributed to the land and origins of the instruments. No matter the favorite style of drum, most djembe players will admit that there is a great deal of excitement that comes from discovering the similarities and differences each provides. Since modern djembe drums are based upon these original designs, even the sound of a key-tuned or fiberglass djembe still echos the original rhythms that can only be found in African djembes.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810052014-11-03:54:00.022-05:002014-11-03T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/product_images/uploaded_images/drum-face-3.jpg?t=1417625748 http://www.x8drums.com/blog/yep-we-went-there-whats-your-drum-face/ drummer, style, personality Are you drumming or are you... drumming? Your drum face reveals all, and should never be mistaken for anything but a love of rhythm

There’s a certain allure to drumming that is best captured in the audio or video of a song, but is somehow lost in many of the photos of a drummer completely engaged in his or her passion for rhythm. Much like any other physical activity, the still shots of a drummer can reveal some unique expressions and faces, all of which can be taken out of context and shown as the next great Internet meme (or worse). Very few of us are stock photography models sitting behind a drum set or with a djembe in hand, and it is hard to keep our faces from showing the true voracity of drumming when we’re in the moment. Such attention to detail is rarely even a consideration when we’re in the groove… until we happen to notice our “drum face” has taken on the characteristics of a sweaty demon wailing in agony. (Or, worse!) Fear not the photos, friends. We are here to tell you that your drum face is just one of the things that makes you a great drummer. The Internet can be cruel, even to the most adored person, as snarky comments and Photoshoppers with too much time on their hands lead us down the path of dreaded “drum face” comments and comparisons. What nobody seems to understand is that when a drummer makes a “drum face,” it’s all about the music, the beat, the groove and the vibe. The photos that capture that moment are illustrations of just how much devotion we have to our art, the love we pledge to rhythm and our instruments. We are drummers; of COURSE we have a “drum face.” We just get to show it off more, since we’re physically pounding away while the rest of the world is just taking pictures of our awesomeness. For other performers, such as dancers or vocalists, there’s a lot of training surrounding facial expressions. Much of that is to express the emotion of the songs, or to enunciate words for proper audience comprehension. A drummer, however, is rarely told to smile, look poised or soften the face. Why? Because, drummers are too busy drumming to care. If a drummer wanted to have great photos, he or she would be a stock photography model… sitting behind a drum set or holding a djembe and smiling. Rhythm isn’t always about smiling. Rhythm can be devastating, or angry… it can be sultry or full of delight. The drummer’s face translates the emotion of the rhythm and gives us all a glimpse into the true meaning of the song – from a soft intro to a drum solo filled with passion. You try to keep that all buttoned up when there’s a camera in your face, Internet. Plus, it’s a natural face… the antithesis of “resting happy face,” or whatever is all the buzz is about this week in Internet Snark Land. So, drummers and percussionists, there is no need to fear the inevitable: your “drum face” will come out when you aren’t expecting it, captured forever in a photo that you may not fall in love with, despite your love of rhythm. Just remember that every drummer will have the same experience, because we all get so involved in our beat, the last thing we think about is the faces we make. The rest of the world may not understand, and we’re all used to being misunderstood, anyway. We think differently, we act differently, and we can’t help but look differently from other musicians… and that’s okay. Being a drummer has never been an easy path to take, and the “drum face” we show the world is just more proof that when we rock, we rock hard.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810042014-11-05:54:00.022-05:002014-11-05T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/product_images/uploaded_images/kid-drum-1.jpg?t=1417711255 http://www.x8drums.com/blog/so-you-want-to-buy-your-kid-a-drum/ kids The drum you buy for your kid will define their success for the rest of eternity. Luckily, we have some great choices for you!

As adults, we want to be sure that our children are given the best tools for success in life. We watch, eagerly (and, maybe cringe a little) as those little minds and bodies develop their own interests, opinions and voices that are such important parts of the personalities we have pledged to love, no matter what. Then, one day, those little hands start slapping or tapping on a bucket, a pot or even on our own drums. In that moment, we realize, life has come full circle. My kid is a drumming genius! I must go forth and purchase all things drums and percussion so that my virtuoso is able to fully express the inner rhythm that is clearly intuitive, natural and must be shared with the world! Or, maybe your kid just asked you for a drum or drum set. Either way, buying a drum for a child isn’t quite as easy as you think. Mostly, because there are so many different drums to choose from and kids aren’t a lot of help. They’re not the ones who have to wonder about the quality of a drum, the cost, how durable it is and whether it will really bring out those natural drumming abilities that are suddenly so obvious. Heck, depending on the age of the kid, a bucket and a stick might just be perfect, but, let’s just talk about fancier drums instead. Drum sets or drum kits for kids: If your kid is ready to rock out, or get all smooth with the jazz, you’re looking at a beginner drum set or just a snare drum. Keep in mind your own space considerations, as the “junior” sets typically come in 3-piece (snare, tom, bass drum) or 5-piece configurations (snare, rack toms, floor tom, bass drum). Our pick: PDP Player 5-Piece Junior Drum Set with Cymbals and Throne Snare drum only: Percussion Plus Deluxe Backpack Snare Drum Kit Hand drums for kids: One of the greatest things about a drum is that you can hit it with just your hands. Kids and hand drums go together like peas and carrots, and the benefits of a hand drum for creative expression, motor control and overall kid awesomeness cannot be underestimated. Hand drums are also easier to transport and can be used by anyone in the family who is ready to get their own groove on. Bongos: X8 Drums Two-Tone Tunable Bongo Set Djembe: Remo Festival Djembe Cajon: Schlagwerk Hip Box Junior Cajon Hand percussion for kids: Just in case you are eager to start your own kid-size drum circle, or if your kid really just wants more than a drum, you’ve got plenty of options for other hand percussion instruments to add into the mix. Since kids and percussion instruments come in all different shapes and sizes, you’re bound to find a perfect fit between the two, and discovering which instruments are right is a huge part of the fun of percussion instruments. Glockenspiel: 13-Key Glockenspiel with Mallets Boomwhackers: C Major Diatonic Scale Shakers: Nino Shake 'N Play There can be some odd reactions when you reveal your plan to buy your kid a drum, but, we understand exactly where you’re coming from. Not everyone understands the difference between (and importance of) drums and “noise” like the rest of us do, and we want kids to experience the benefits of music and rhythm as soon as possible. The outcome of playing an instrument, especially a drum or percussion instrument, outweighs the looks of disapproval and jokes about ear plugs, and we fully support your support of your kids desire to rock out. We stand behind you in your quest for instilling strong rhythmic values in the youth of this world. We know that you’re just looking out for the rest of the planet by handing a child a drum or percussion instrument…

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810032014-11-04:54:00.022-05:002014-11-04T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/product_images/uploaded_images/hearing-protection.jpg?t=1415407715 http://www.x8drums.com/blog/drummers-hearing-protection/ christmas All drummers need hearing protection no matter where they drum or what they're drumming on.

Drumming is loud. It doesn’t matter if you have a whole suite of drums on a rack, or just a djembe strapped around your neck. Drumming is loud, and there isn’t a whole lot you can do to reduce the volume of your drums and still play like the maniac you are. But, there is a good reason you should be concerned about how loud your drums are: your hearing. Hearing loss is a documented problem for many drummers and musicians, from Lars Ulrich to Rod Morgenstein, and an estimated 60 percent of Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees. Hearing loss doesn’t affect just the hard-hitting rockers in the world; any musician and drummer runs the risk of hearing impairment or damage, including orchestra and marching band members and drum circle participants. Hearing loss for musicians is usually the result of either being exposed to loud sounds for extended periods of time or from short, but very loud exposures. Both of those can happen at any time on a stage, in a studio or while practicing, and for drummers, the risk may be higher than for the other musicians. Cymbals and snare drums are inherently loud, especially since their purpose is to cut through the sound of the other instruments for rhythmic and emotional effect. That means that a drummer is at ground zero for hearing loss due to the sheer volume needed to play those instruments effectively. Basically, you have to play loud, because you’re the drummer. You sit, surrounded by instruments (and, sometimes speakers and amps) that must be played loudly, which means you’re exposed to loud sounds constantly, from your own hands. You are doing this to yourself, you crazy drummer, so you need to think about how to protect yourself from… yourself. Hearing protection has come a long way since the days of cotton wads and cigarette butts (not kidding) as ear plugs. Today, drummers and musicians have an unending supply of options for the ears, including basic ear plugs, molded ear plugs, ear muffs and headphones. Depending on where you drum, what you drum on and the kind of drummer you are, you’ll probably use all of them at some point because… Basic ear plugs are cheap, portable and work well when you’re not playing at full volume, practicing or don’t otherwise need to have your ears fully tuned to what’s going on around you. The spongy material won’t cancel out “noise” and it has a very limited range of protection from sound, plus, everything will sound muffled. Molded ear plugs can be specifically designed to cancel/filter noise while still providing you a full range of sound at a lower volume. These are usually preferred over the basic plugs for comfort and sound reasons. Ear muffs keep your ears warm and filter out some of the sound around you, and if you use the kind you can find at a hardware store, you can eliminate a lot of the damaging sound from your drums. Headphones can filter out all of the sound in a room, studio or on a stage, allowing you to hear only what you need to hear to get the job done. Headphones are sometimes frowned upon for taking away the stylish good looks of a drummer, however. Since hearing loss is irreversible, it’s really important that you always keep your ears in mind when you’re drumming (or even too close to someone who is drumming). An orchestra can reach sounds at 120 decibels and a rock concert may rise above 150 decibels, but, hearing loss starts when we’re exposed to sounds around 85 decibels. Some hand drummers can easily reach that threshold of 85 decibels on a djembe or doumbek, and since none of us play drums for short periods of time, all that volume adds up to the potential for damage. Drummers may be crazy, but, we’re not nutty enough to risk hearing loss.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810022014-11-03:54:00.022-05:002014-11-03T11:54:00.022-05:00 http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-63unu/6mh3g0at/product_images/uploaded_images/bigstock-christmas-carol-255948.jpg?t=1414774560 http://www.x8drums.com/blog/dear-santa-i-want-a-djembe-the-hand-percussion-shopping-countdown-begins-/ christmas Even if you’re not a Christmas person, this is a really good time to get your priorities straight and demand what you want out of life – especially the drums and hand percussion instruments you’ve been dreaming of.

The second week of November has been designated, “Dear Santa Letter Week,” by the people who plan our calendars and remind us that the holiday season is happening right now… as if the holiday decorations in stores after Labor Day weren’t enough of a clue. There is a bright side to this week of gluttony, though; even if you’re not a Christmas person, this is a really good time to get your priorities straight and demand what you want out of life – especially the drums and hand percussion instruments you’ve been dreaming of. Maybe you’ve seen your friend’s new djembe and think that you’d like to sit around and jam. Perhaps you’re obsessed with learning the many different ways to play a tambourine. Of course, you could always have enjoyed the different methods for tuning and playing a mbira. Really, your wish list could be endless, and we can’t blame you. In that sense, we thought we’d make it easy for you to get started on your wish list, Santa letter or demand for abundant drums and hand percussion instruments for the holidays ahead. There’s no need to thank us! Dear Santa, This is [Insert Name Here] and while we may have not ever met, I am sure that you’re just as aware as I am that drums make people happy. Especially me, and I’d really, really like to be extra-super-happy this year on [Insert Holiday Here]. This is why I’m writing: so that you can fully acknowledge the awesome power of drums to make people happy (scientifically proven, at that!). I would like to continue to spread the holiday cheer through the magic of drums for many years to come. This will require the following: [Insert preferred drums and hand percussion instruments here] I have been good this year, if that is a requirement to get more drums, and I have done my part to get all of my friends and family members involved in drumming, rhythm and music (the universal language!). I feel we all have a need to capture the rhythm together, and as that is an essential part of drumming and the holidays. Santa, dear Santa, you could help me start a global movement that encourages everyone to pick up a djembe and discover rhythm together. I challenge you to find a better gift for the world (and, me!) than rhythm, drums and hand percussion instruments. Sincerely, [Your Name Here] For those who may need a little vindication in asking for a heap of drums or hand percussion instruments, we’ve got you covered, too. Other reasons to ask “Santa” for drums and hand percussion instruments: Company is coming over. They’ll love being such an important part of your day as you hand them a djembe, tambourine or frame drum. The whirlwind holiday family celebration tour. Traveling across your state to hit up all of your extended family holiday celebrations? Your new doumbek and shekere are portable and provide entertainment in the car (passengers only) and at each destination. Need a last minute gift? Everyone loves bongos! True story. There is little harm in asking for the things in life that you want. In fact, there is strength of character that adults tend to lose as the years roll by; the same magical hopes and dreams that drives a child to write a wish list or "Dear Santa" letter. Plus, we like to encourage everyone’s percussion passions as much as possible – drumming makes people happy, and who doesn’t like happy people?

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com X810012014-09-23:54:00.022-05:002014-09-23T11:54:00.022-05:00 https://www.x8drums.com/product_images/uploaded_images/bigstock-dashboard-34559387.jpg http://www.x8drums.com/blog/dont-drum-and-drive-your-drumming-habits-behind-the-wheel/ drummer, playing surface, car, practice Drumming and driving (sadly) don't always mix, and this isn't the only car-and-drummer situation we've (ahem) heard about. In fact, it seems that playing drums while in the car is a natural by-product of being a drummer.

There you are, minding your own business, when you notice flashing blue lights in your rear view mirror. You think to yourself, "Was I speeding? Why am I being pulled over?" and then go through the hundreds of possible traffic violations you may have committed while innocently driving down the road. Once you are safely pulled off to the side of the road, the officer approaches and asks if you’ve been drinking. "No, sir, I don’t drink and drive," is a likely response to the officer's question. "Then why were you weaving all over the road?" the officer continues. It dawns on you that your latest steering wheel drum solo has officially made you look like a lunatic, which might be fine, if you weren’t about to be handed a traffic ticket or put though the sobriety testing rounds. Oops. Drumming and driving (sadly) don’t always mix, and this isn’t the only car-and-drummer situation we've (ahem) heard about. In fact, it seems that playing drums while in the car is a natural by-product of being a drummer. Same with a desk, counter, wall... we just like to drum, on everything. The problem with drumming in a car is pretty clear, even though we might want to ignore it. As with anything you do while driving, there are safety issues at hand that should never be neglected. Still, we think it’s a pretty great club to belong to. Some beautifully bizarre drumming while driving habits include: Using your gas pedal, brake or clutch to practice your bass and/or hi-hat foot work. If you do, please be sure you're at a complete stop. Using your turn signal or hazard lights as a metronome. Drumming with others is fun (just ask any drum circle fanatic!), and the rhythmic beat of a turn signal may be too much to deny. (Bonus points if you have memorized the beats per minute of your turn signal.) Using your steering wheel to replicate your drum set. Everyone drums on their steering wheel, but, drummers may actually assign spots for their various drums in order to sneak in a little more practice, or for when that next drum solo takes over. Using hand percussion instruments as dashboard decorations. Cowbells and tambourines can be attached to a drum set pretty easily. Therefore, there are those out there who have their own accent percussion near and dear to the car-drum set they play while operating a vehicle. Of course, there are also those drummers who are safely drumming away at a stoplight and turn to see a gawker in the next car over. It is actually fun to gawk at, and much better than just about anything else you could be doing at a stoplight for the entire world to see. It is true the drummers will drum on anything, and when you’re behind the wheel of a car, it only makes sense that eventually the rhythm will take over and you’ll be tapping along to your favorite song… maybe over and over again. After all, practice makes perfect, right? As long as you're careful and obeying traffic laws, we can’t really complain – and neither should anyone else. If more people drummed at stop lights, or while stuck in traffic, there would probably be less road rage.

X8 Drums support@x8drums.com