OUTREACH DRUMMING PROGRAMS
a Wonder Workshop Community Enrichment program

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.

Check our Roots playing at Bosco Plaza on youtube

WONDER WORKSHOP DRUM CIRCLE:
What is a drum circle anyway?
Simply put, a community drum circle is where a group of people come together to play world drums and other percussion instruments in a circle.

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!

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. 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.

“RICHARD CAMARA PITTS” WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME AFRICAN AMERICAN STORIES WITH YOU!
Camara’s stories are derived from the rich West African and African American Folktales, Legends, & Histories of his people. His presentation gets the audience involved by having them participate with him while he shares the story. Each story has historical, educational, and fun aspects and the audience will not soon forget their experience. Camara’s goal is to share and educate his audience about the origins of African American culture and historical events that also allow all to see the commonality among all people of the earth. Mr. Pitts often says “there are far more things that we have in common, sometime we need to be reminded.”

For more information to bring Roots of Rhythm, Drum Circle, and or Camara to your town contact us:
785-776-1234
wonder@kansas.net
Visit him at the Kansas Arts Commission’s Roster