2008 Woodie Awards
A circle of drum beats brings joy to the quad
Mike Anderson
Issue date: 6/9/08 Section: Features
A drum circle in the main quad lured students into an hour of improvisational drumming led by a world-renowned percussionist Jim Greiner on May 28.
De Anza College resembled a tribal gathering during the Jews, Israelis and Friends Club's interactive "Drum for Fun!" event with Greiner, who invited anyone and everyone to join the circle.
I'm here to "bring a celebration," Greiner said. "to create a community rhythm."
Greiner started drumming alone at noon. He called and beckoned for students to add to his galvanizing groove. Over 50 tambourines, frame drums, maracas, djembes (traditional African hand drums) and plastic tubes called "boomwhackers" tempted passers-by to pick them up.
Ernest Chavez, 19, said he heard the music from across the quad before going over to play a djembe. "It looked like you could just walk up and pick up a drum," Chavez said. "Why not? It's music."
Others hesitantly observed the circle before eventually joining. Greiner's welcoming invitation to play was hard to ignore.
"Join on in!" he said with a smile. "Just five minutes." As the percussion grew thicker with every new participant, the circle's pull strengthened.
Luis Reyes, 19, said he noticed Greiner's enthusiasm, but the "good vibes" of the circle were what made him join in.
"[I felt] everyone's vibrations and energy from within the circle," Reyes said. "Playing the drums is a very good way to release energy and also bring in a new source of energy."
A few students danced nearby before choosing an instrument from the center of the circle. Others left to bring back more people. Kelly Sze, 18, and Chloe Lu, 19, said their friend brought them to the circle because it was an enjoyable experience for everyone. About 30 people jammed together at the improvisation's peak.
The circle of strangers, united by a common love for music, broke with a long drum roll at 1 p.m.
Drumming together is like having a conversation, according to Greiner. When we listen to each other with open ears, hearts and minds, "anything is possible." See the video at http://www.lavozdeanza.com.
Mike Anderson is a staff reporter for La Voz. Contact him at mikeanderson@lavozdeanza.com.
De Anza College resembled a tribal gathering during the Jews, Israelis and Friends Club's interactive "Drum for Fun!" event with Greiner, who invited anyone and everyone to join the circle.
I'm here to "bring a celebration," Greiner said. "to create a community rhythm."
Greiner started drumming alone at noon. He called and beckoned for students to add to his galvanizing groove. Over 50 tambourines, frame drums, maracas, djembes (traditional African hand drums) and plastic tubes called "boomwhackers" tempted passers-by to pick them up.
Ernest Chavez, 19, said he heard the music from across the quad before going over to play a djembe. "It looked like you could just walk up and pick up a drum," Chavez said. "Why not? It's music."
Others hesitantly observed the circle before eventually joining. Greiner's welcoming invitation to play was hard to ignore.
"Join on in!" he said with a smile. "Just five minutes." As the percussion grew thicker with every new participant, the circle's pull strengthened.
Luis Reyes, 19, said he noticed Greiner's enthusiasm, but the "good vibes" of the circle were what made him join in.
"[I felt] everyone's vibrations and energy from within the circle," Reyes said. "Playing the drums is a very good way to release energy and also bring in a new source of energy."
A few students danced nearby before choosing an instrument from the center of the circle. Others left to bring back more people. Kelly Sze, 18, and Chloe Lu, 19, said their friend brought them to the circle because it was an enjoyable experience for everyone. About 30 people jammed together at the improvisation's peak.
The circle of strangers, united by a common love for music, broke with a long drum roll at 1 p.m.
Drumming together is like having a conversation, according to Greiner. When we listen to each other with open ears, hearts and minds, "anything is possible." See the video at http://www.lavozdeanza.com.
Mike Anderson is a staff reporter for La Voz. Contact him at mikeanderson@lavozdeanza.com.
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