tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47145022409231461552012-02-09T14:26:53.719-05:00Join hand drum enthusiasts around the world in conversation about percussion. Get listed in our percussionist directory, become our friend on MySpace, talk back on our blog and enjoy our hand drumming resources.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comBlogger184125DrumCirclehttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-10853840177822566622012-02-08T16:14:00.003-05:002012-02-08T16:15:09.093-05:002012-02-08T16:15:09.093-05:00

This post is part of the Michael Pluznick author residency at X8Drums.com. Enjoy! How to Solo on Djembe, 4/4 Solo for Diansa and other 4/4 Rhythms by Michael PluznickOne of the most frequently asked questions from beginner to intermediate level djembe players is How Do I Solo on My Djembe?Today I'd like to show you a fom I've developed that will help you learn to solo, to have more fun

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-59272919290052162562012-02-08T08:58:00.000-05:002012-02-08T09:00:53.888-05:002012-02-08T09:00:53.888-05:00

Conga drums may be best known for the sound and image presented in 50’s television, or their appearance in various Latin festivals, concerts and performances around the world. However, the congas are some of the most versatile drums on the market today, and can be seen and heard in a wide range of music around the world. The snap and pop of the congas can accentuate even the

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-20330542582280195862012-02-04T23:25:00.001-05:002012-02-04T23:42:34.154-05:002012-02-04T23:42:34.154-05:00

This post is part of the Michael Pluznick author residency at X8Drums.com. Enjoy! Many times when we are playing djembe with our friends or by ourselves, there is no dundun available. There are three dunduns in the dundun family; Kenkeni which is the smallest, Sangban and the Dundunba. The drum is traditionally played with a stick on one side and often a dundun bell on top or in Mali

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-12328115864965196812012-02-03T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-03T11:00:06.509-05:002012-02-03T11:00:06.509-05:00

Learning music and rhythm is a process that requires time, dedication and the talent to pull it all together. Whether playing piano, saxophone, guitar or Djembe, most people are unable to pick up an instrument and begin playing it with a virtuoso touch. Instruments typically require a gradual pathway toward their mastery, beginning with basic rhythms, notes or a combination thereof. With any

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-19204780573636788052012-02-01T10:31:00.005-05:002012-02-01T10:31:55.955-05:002012-02-01T10:31:55.955-05:00

When it comes to drumming, even the most talented rhythmist can hit a wall, reach a breaking point, and slump over a Djembe or fall off a Cajon because of fatigue. Most drummers know that drumming at length requires the dedication to remain focused throughout the drum circle, performance, recording, or practice session. Building up the physical stamina to maintain a steady beat can be a

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-91232959980221576652012-01-28T09:57:00.000-05:002012-01-28T09:57:00.075-05:002012-01-28T09:57:00.075-05:00

The Cajon is a versatile drum that continues to grow in popularity throughout the world. Its versatility and sound are especially alluring to percussionists looking to add to a drumming repertoire, while at the same time, it can be a solution for a drummer constantly on the go. Cajon drums are sturdy, constructed from wood such as pine, birch, teak, or even oak that color the tone of the

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-33738465658572720702012-01-27T10:39:00.002-05:002012-02-04T23:40:45.182-05:002012-02-04T23:40:45.182-05:00

This post is part of the Michael Pluznick author residency at X8Drums.com. Enjoy! How do I learn how to play djembe? At first, the djembe seems easy to play. The first time you hit it, it feels good! It is so exciting to make your first sounds! But for 99% of us, it gets boring pretty fast playing the same one sound and rhythm. And many djembes end up becoming furniture. So how do we really

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-80712135767317549752012-01-25T09:02:00.000-05:002012-01-25T09:03:19.057-05:002012-01-25T09:03:19.057-05:00

The history of Djembe drums holds a deep significance in the lives of many hand drummers today. As a centuries-old instrument, Djembe drums have been used throughout West Africa in various ceremonies, festivals and as a means of communication over long distances. While modern day Djembe drummers come from all walks of life, traditionally, a group of artists that included a Djembe drummer,

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-39615008184297468632012-01-19T20:28:00.000-05:002012-01-19T20:28:00.630-05:002012-01-19T20:28:00.630-05:00

Beating cancer, and watching his son prevail over the same disease, Scott L. Swimmer has experienced, first hand, the highs and lows that come with this epidemic battle. Through courage, determination and especially, a love of music and rhythm, Swimmer, the founder of DrumSTRONG, has witnessed the healing properties of drumming, and has been a strong advocate for introducing the power of drumming

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-53365904140592325152012-01-17T20:18:00.000-05:002012-01-17T20:18:10.569-05:002012-01-17T20:18:10.569-05:00

Djembe drums come in all sizes, can be rope- or key-tuned and made from wood or other materials like fiberglass. Because of the various options available, buying a Djembe can be a difficult process in itself, especially for a beginning drummer. Even the most seasoned drummer can have a difficult experience choosing a Djembe, especially while drumming in a community environment.  Knowing the

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-82583398168517950332012-01-13T12:51:00.002-05:002012-01-15T11:36:11.592-05:002012-01-15T11:36:11.592-05:00

This post is part of the Michael Pluznick author residency at X8Drums.com. Enjoy! First let me say this. To me, drum circles are about creating community and sharing. It is not about being the star or about ego. It is about a group shared experience. Although there are no clearly defined rules of how to act or behave at a drum circle, there is a proper etiquette or working order that I have

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-2360412737227644382012-01-11T20:50:00.000-05:002012-01-13T14:50:34.065-05:002012-01-13T14:50:34.065-05:00

X8 DRUMS & PERCUSSION, TOCA PERCUSSION and VORTEX Repertory Company invite you to the "Austin Community Drum Circle." X8Drums.com, Toca Percussion and VORTEX Repertory Company give you a chance to beat your own drum at the Austin Community Drum Circle on Wednesday, February 29th. There is nothing quite like a drum circle to make you feel as though you are part of the world around you. If

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0Austin, TX, USA30.267153 -97.743060830.047727000000002 -98.05891779999999 30.486579 -97.4272038tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-47822781107720081022012-01-10T21:53:00.000-05:002012-01-10T21:54:11.030-05:002012-01-10T21:54:11.030-05:00

With the New Year in full swing, it’s an opportune time to make changes and focus on healthier living. From better food choices to a new exercise regimen, the sky is the limit when it comes to feeling better, both mentally and physically. Not only can a new focus on wellness create optimistic changes in one’s own mind and body, but it can also inspire others to join on a journey of

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-38395389849881865382012-01-06T11:27:00.000-05:002012-01-06T11:27:00.592-05:002012-01-06T11:27:00.592-05:00

Meditation can be a healthy part of life and is a technique that is encouraged within medical and spiritual circles in order to reduce stress and anxiety and connect to inner thoughts in a relaxing manner. It is the process of eliminating the day to day thoughts that spin through the mind, while allowing the body to rest and rejuvenate, yet remain in the moment, bringing personal

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-12657208050792715652012-01-04T15:35:00.000-05:002012-01-04T15:39:50.610-05:002012-01-04T15:39:50.610-05:00

Combining over three decades of experience as a musician with a love of the cultural essence of drums and drumming, Michael Pluznick has established himself as an artist in the world of hand drums and percussion. Helping to define the world through its drums, Michael has studied, taught and played drums and percussion instruments extensively throughout Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, West Africa,

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-71324115214614695502012-01-03T20:20:00.000-05:002012-01-04T14:47:22.543-05:002012-01-04T14:47:22.543-05:00

The Djembe is one of the best drums on which to begin a lifelong passion for rhythm and drumming. Portable and expressive, these drums allow a level of creativity that can rival the greatest symphonies, especially given the intimate relationship that can develop between drummer and drum. Getting to that point, however, takes time and determination and many times, local instruction can be

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-86613658682334495252011-12-30T12:37:00.000-05:002011-12-30T12:37:02.217-05:002011-12-30T12:37:02.217-05:00

As 2011 comes to a close, we begin to look forward to another cycle of prosperity, change and newness that only a New Year can bring. X8 Drums & Percussion would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt message of gratitude to our customers for all of the support and love we’ve experienced this year. The team at X8 Drums & Percussion is committed to providing the best Djembe,

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-87530631377788588952011-12-29T10:14:00.002-05:002011-12-29T11:23:55.770-05:002011-12-29T11:23:55.770-05:00

A drum circle can be a synchronistic event where people somehow merge together, bearing drums and hand percussion instruments, to create a community and express a love of music and rhythm. Usually, however, it takes a little bit of planning to make the magic happen, especially where drumming is concerned. Drum circles are not easy when it comes to the logistical planning, but by keeping a

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-22250406321354932882011-12-27T09:30:00.001-05:002011-12-29T11:57:09.369-05:002011-12-29T11:57:09.369-05:00

The journey that comes with discovering an instrument and learning how it is played can be one of self-discovery that affects many areas in life. From an early age, music can help with physical, mental and emotional development, including school and academics. As the musician grows older, the importance of finding an inspirational teacher or mentor can have just as much of an effect as the

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-33487385171877760372011-12-21T08:53:00.002-05:002011-12-29T12:28:36.319-05:002011-12-29T12:28:36.319-05:00

Most drummers are protective of their instruments, providing cases, bags and delicate handling while traveling or while the drum is in storage. But, no matter how gently a Djembe, Bongos or other hand drums are handled, the harsh reality is that no drum is indestructible. Because of the delicate nature of drums, from the shells to the drum heads and the hardware that keep the drums together

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-23479136644659663112011-12-15T20:28:00.000-05:002011-12-15T20:28:58.750-05:002011-12-15T20:28:58.750-05:00

Bongos make the world go ‘round, in more ways than one. These drums are some of the most versatile hand percussion instruments available. Bongos are great for the young and old, can be worked into just about any music genre and are easy to transport for both professional and personal use. Because of the simple complexity of these drums, their importance can easily be overlooked, but it is

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-65217703647545807552011-12-13T15:12:00.001-05:002011-12-13T15:12:02.434-05:002011-12-13T15:12:02.434-05:00

There is never a bad time to start drumming, but as the year winds down and people begin to think of the “fresh start” of the next year, a window of opportunity opens, just waiting to be filled with rhythm and music. New Year’s is traditionally a time where people vow to end bad habits, start new habits, or try to establish new goals for the year, and there’s really no better activity to

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-62371348427952108662011-12-09T09:55:00.000-05:002011-12-09T09:55:00.251-05:002011-12-09T09:55:00.251-05:00

As a staple of Latin percussion, the Conga drum is one of the more recognizable sounds and instruments in music today. The uncompromising value of a Conga rhythm brings depth and nuance to all styles of music, and playing the Congas is a treat for both the percussionist and the audience, alike. Bringing together a rich history and a playful beat, the Congas remain one of our favorite types

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-69330426590028386632011-12-07T08:52:00.001-05:002011-12-07T08:53:05.480-05:002011-12-07T08:53:05.480-05:00

When December finally arrives, a certain hush moves through people as they reflect and remember the events that marked the turning of the seasons throughout the year.  For many, the end of the year gives plenty of time to relax and reminisce, to share stories with family and friends, and to begin looking toward the New Year. With the mellow nature of this month, more people feel a spiritual

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714502240923146155.post-53518242781033352482011-12-01T09:19:00.000-05:002011-12-04T22:50:26.938-05:002011-12-04T22:50:26.938-05:00

Picking a favorite Djembe is like choosing a favorite star in the sky; each has its own unique beauty and soul. There is a lot to consider while selecting a Djembe, including the size of the drum, whether it is key-tuned or rope-tuned, the materials used in its construction, its overall style, tone and so much more. For those considering a new Djembe or as a gift for someone special this

Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16527668511407802907noreply@blogger.com0