ROOTS OF RHYTHM

These drummers will share hand drumming with their sweet rhythms and songs directly from West Africa. The group members are both intergenerational and multiracial and have been performing together since 2001. They have performed at festivals, churches, universities, and k-12 schools.

My name is Richard Camara Pitts; I am the facilitator for the drum circle and the leader of the “Roots of Rhythm” drumming group. I have been involved in community drum circles since my childhood when I lived in the hood back in New Jersey. My main role within the drum circle is to provide instruction on how to play the instruments properly, provide instruments, but not to teach songs. This is known as “in the moment music” coined by the father of the American drum circle Arthur Hull.

It is my belief that the drum is the one instrument that any one (young or old) can play the first time up at bat. The reason I know this to be true is because we all have rhythm. Many people do not think they have rhythm and I prove them wrong all the time if they're willing to try. I see their rhythm in their speech, their walk, breath, and how they generally move during daily life.

Check out this video of a Roots of Rhythm performance:

Our drum circles are fun if I'm allowed to say this myself. This circle allows people to share their rhythms, brings people together from various ages, religions, cultures, and economic backgrounds! Together we stand, divided we fall, this is an enriching experience that also empowers – no two communities are exactly the same and each drum circle is unique.

Why a circle?
Because sitting in a circle suggest that there is no beginning and there's no end; all participants are able to see each other as they create music within this setting; circles also subliminally suggest that all things and all people are equal!