Incredible article and podcast regarding the history and health benefits of rhythm. Check it out!
Audio: Ideas – The Rhythm Section: How Beats and Grooves Define Us
Here’s a couple of excerpts:
“Kraus has found that children who struggle to produce, or hear, rhythms also tend to have difficulty with language processing and reading. Through a pair of longitudinal studies in Chicago and Los Angeles, she’s also discovered that playing an instrument or singing for two years can fundamentally — and permanently — improve a child’s cognitive abilities. It’s a testament to the profound effect that rhythm has on our cognition — and a compelling argument for music education.”
“When I was young, I thought pitch was the most important thing in music. Now, I’m convinced it’s rhythm. Everything is in the timing. Rhythm is really the essence of music,” says Laurel Trainor, the director of the McMaster Institute for Music and The Mind in Hamilton, Ontario
“Whatever its evolutionary basis, it’s clear that rhythm is more than a fundamental feature of music. It’s also a fundamental part of what makes us human.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the above meme was true?
As you all know, I recently went to the States for a series of training and workshops.
I was advised it was still safe to travel at that time to the States, but despite that, I wore a face mask in the airports and on the planes, and was very conscious of hand hygiene throughout the trip. However, given the current Pandemic climate, I decided to err on the side of caution and get tested at the COVID-19 clinic up at JHH on Sunday, as I had woken up with mild cold/flu-like symptoms. I have been directed by them to isolate for 48 hours until I get the results. I do not have a result yet.
Let me assure you all, that your health and wellness is of paramount importance. While the chances of a positive test are low, I have decided to voluntarily isolate this week (as I still haven’t heard back from them), as a matter of precaution. Furthermore, to eliminate any possible risk to people’s health I will postpone this week’s classes (Jim’s and mine). Classes will recommence from the 23rd March (all classes missed will be credited towards another class).
Extra precautions will be put in place:
* Please “sanitise-in and out” of class; or even better, wash hands for 20secs. * If you have your own drum, please bring that one instead. * Hire-drums will be sanitised before and after handling. * Surfaces will be kept sanitised * High-touch areas such as gates and doors will be sanitised frequently. * If you do need to sneeze or cough, please do into the hook of your elbow and not your hand. * Dispose of snotty tissues, or take them with you. * If any of you have any symptoms, even if mild, please stay at home and we will see you at a class after isolation. * Also, if you are Immuno-compromised, or “at risk”, we ask that you also stay at home for the time being. * We will be relaxing our cancellation policy and all missed classes, due to this crisis, will be credited to your account to use at a later date.
This is a worrying time for everyone, both health-wise and economically. I am keeping a close eye on advice from the WHO, Government directives, and also the Department of Education and will keep you all in the loop as soon as I get any results, and as this situation develops.
Of course our community’s health is the most important of all, but please continue to support us small businesses at this time, as the Arts is already taking a big hit here and around the globe. Moving forward, I will be looking into the possibility of some online classes and live stream, over the coming weeks and months, so we can all keep our spirits up and bang out some stress-relieving rhythms!!! Remember: Getting back to nature (by yourself!), sunlight, laughter, drumming and having fun is a great immunity booster!! 🕺🏻🤸♀️ 🌞🎶🥁
Stay safe, wash your hands 🤗 and I hope you all found some toilet paper! 🤙
Cheers, Benjie, Jim and The Earthen Rhythms Team.
LINK – https://mailchi.mp/6175dd394577/new-african-drumming-courses-newcastle-4651261
After Benjie’s recent trip to the USA for Drum Circle Facilitation Training he is super excited to be back and share his learning. He is now one of 30 Global Trainers for Village Music Circles certified to Train Trainers in Drum Circle Facilitation .
This Sunday we’ll celebrate March’s full moon with special intention. Together we will meditate on the transition to the cooler months and go deep into the rhythm that will be created in the moment. Please bring your own drums and percussion. This will be a divine community building experience where we share our spirit and the joy of rhythm.
Earthen Rhythms first Podcast!! link https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/015-earthen-rhythms/id1464089621?i=1000464507414
(If you can’t find it try searching your podcast provider with ‘brhythmic’ and episode 15.)
Very excited to bring you my first ever podcast covering drumming and wellness, rhythm wellbeing, community connection, celebrating joy, helping people lead passionate lives, drumming for special needs and much more.
Huge shout out to Bron Harrison at BRhythmic, Sydney for inviting me on. It was an honour to be on your show.
We’re offering a $10 Discount for Students of Earthen Rhythms
We’ve just celebrated FOUR sell out drum workshops in a row! Earthen
Rhythms this weekend of Drum Awesomeness is at The Movement Collective
Waratah. IF your keen and have been in an Earthen Rhythms Class in the
last 12 months we can offer you a $10 discount. Please text 0407177564 for your discount code.
GET IN FAST!
IF you missed out on the last Drumming Workshops check this out >>>
9 FEB 2020 – Waratah NEWCASTLE
African Drumming Workshops @ The Movement Collective (TMC)
HEALTH AND WELLBEING Drumming is good for you! Drumming is good for your BODY, MIND and SOUL.
Whether you’re young or young at heart. If you’re able or less able
we’ve seen the results. It’s like Mindfulness in action.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS Positive psychological effects include elevated brain and social functioning such as:
Boosted confidence,
Participant connection,
Enhance social skills,
Social inclusion
Improved motor skills & coordination (eg for stroke rehab)
Improved self-esteem
Enhanced cognitive function
Endorphin and dopamine elevation
Stress relief
Improvisation skills
Group unity
It’s just plain fun!
DRUM SUPPLIED We supply the drums so you don’t have to. Just rock up and get into the rhythm.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
ADULT CLASSES
“5 stars! Couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the entire time
we were drumming at the Embrace Life Festival yesterday. Thank you!” –
Cassie Giblin
KIDS CLASSES
“The
kids LOVED the African Drumming! Benji was a fabulous presenter/tutor
and the children really enjoyed the “hands-on” aspect. They all joined
in and had a fabulous time” – Merena Mclaren – Bolwarra Public School
Special One-Off Drumming Workshop of Awesomeness! We’ve just celebrated four SELL OUT drum workshops in a row! Earthen Rhythms next weekend of Drum Awesomeness is at The Movement Collective Waratah.
GET IN FAST!
IF you missed out on the last Drumming Workshops check this out >>>
9 FEB 2020 – Waratah NEWCASTLE
African Drumming Workshops @ The Movement Collective (TMC)
HEALTH AND WELLBEING Drumming is good for you! Drumming is good for your BODY, MIND and SOUL. Whether you’re young or young at heart. If you’re able or less able we’ve seen the results. It’s like Mindfulness in action.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS Positive psychological effects include elevated brain and social functioning such as: Boosted confidence, Participant connection, Enhance social skills, Social inclusion Improved motor skills & coordination (eg for stroke rehab) Improved self-esteem Enhanced cognitive function Endorphin and dopamine elevation Stress relief Improvisation skills Group unity It’s just plain fun! DRUM SUPPLIED We supply the drums so you don’t have to. Just rock up and get into the rhythm.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
ADULT CLASSES
“5 stars! Couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the entire time we were drumming at the Embrace Life Festival yesterday. Thank you!” – Cassie Giblin
Adult Drumming Classes 2020 (Registration Still Open)
Maitland – Monday Nights – 9 Wk Drumming Course of Awesomeness! – East Maitland – Started 20th Jan (Rego still open) Newcastle – Wed & Thurs Nights – 9 Wk Drumming Course of Awesomeness! – Waratah and Hamilton – 22 Jan (Sold Out) & 30 Jan (Rego still open) Port Stephens – Thurs Nights – 9 Wk Drumming Course of Awesomeness! – Anna Bay – 23 Jan (Rego still open)
TONIGHT IS INDOORS – Free Full Moon Meditation and Drum Circle – The Open Mind Space 31 Belford st, Broadmeadow.
Here’s the update in case you missed it:
Due to forecast southerly winds and patchy rain we have made the call to bring the full moon meditation indoors.
We have just checked out the beach and it is already windy and yuck on
the beach, plus Benjie has let us know in this kind of weather he
wouldn’t be able to bring his drums to the beach.
We look forward to seeing you at the space, still bring your drums (drum circle is still on after meditation) give yourself some time to find a park and we will still be on InstaLive @theopenmindspace. ✌🏼
