In 1999, I was awarded a grant from The Open Society Institute to bring a drumming program to The Barclay School, a public school for young boys and girls in Baltimore City. The program consisted of drumming classes, extended workshops with visiting teachers from other cultures, World Rhythm Days with workshops and concerts led by exciting performers, the acquisition of a drum collection for the school and the making of a large ceremonial drum for the school
Why have a ceremonial drum??
A Ceremonial drum is a powerful vessel to hold and focus the spirit of the community of the school. When used in this way it can be a source of pride for the entire school and for students who the school wishes to honor by sounding the drum in special ceremonies.
When sounded at school assemblies and programs, the drum can collect the energy of all who are present, signaling the time for quiet and attention.
Boys and girls love to play the drum. Besides the love of making a loud noise, I have seen in their expressions the recognition of a part of their spirit that is grand, strong and deep. This is empowering!
There is a bit of a mystery and wonder attached to those objects that we invest with spirit. We all need this in our lives.
Drums are powerful
Few people can be indifferent to a drum. Their face brightens up and they want to play it (if they can give themselves permission) or they scoff and make a joke about it. In either case, their body has already responded. In my experience, Drums have been teachers to me in ways that I never expected. I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life and I am honored to have been able to make this ceremonial drum for The Barclay School Community.
Barclay's principal, David Clapp, with students at the
grand unveiling assembly for their new ceremonial drum
Barclay students at the Grand Unveiling Assembly
Students hitting their new drum at the Grand unveiling assembly
Barclay Students helping me skin the Drum
Making this drum for Barclay was a wonderful experience for me. After spending many hours making the shell of the drum in my shop, I brought it into the school one day and invited the teachers and staff to sign their names and write their prayers and best wishes for The Barclay School on the inside of the drum. In addition, official Barclay Ceremonial Drum Sign-up sheets were sent to each class so that all the students could sign their names. The sheets were then glued to the inside of the drum. Then I prepared the two kip hides, softened them with water and brought the drum and the hides back to the school. The pictures above show me and some students skinning the drum.
Here's what the teachers and staff wrote on the inside of the drum.
May our community have a thirst for education Julia Winborne -
We wish that all our children and students alike will be blessed with the best influences and education taught by us all as roll models and teachers. God bless us all. Hooray for Barclay! Teresa Morgan Phoebe Richardson -
May the truth of Gods love for all children live forever. Salley Kohlenberg -
Music made by the drum is good for everyone.... Good Luck Barclay -
Peace Dionne Lee May this drum symbolize the growth for Barclay for years to come. Ms. Austin 2000 -
May the heart of Barclay always beat as resoundingly as this drum.- David Horwitz -
Good Luck for the future of Barclay and its students. Tiffany Witman -
May our children grow to the beat of the drum Allison Lovino -
May each of the Barclay students have a Godly Spirit!! Patricia Bennett -
May all of our students be outstanding leaders of tomorrow. Dorathea Rawlings -
May the beat of this drum, like the heartbeat of Barclay, pound loud and hard for our quest of knowledge and a lifetime of learning. J.L. Heinbaugh
My wish for Barclay is that its students use reading as a passport to their success. Dawn Czahor
I wish for Barclay students much success and continued striving for excellence. Mrs. Mary Banks
My wish for Barclay: May our students of today become model citizens and great leaders of tomorrow. Belinda Lane
May the circle of Barclay continue like the circle of the drum. Cheryl Dasch
Deseo mucha swerta y prosporo son muestra futuro, amor, Saludez, alegmia. (I wish much luck and prosperity for our future - love, health and happiness) Christine Cleavest
May our students of today become model citizens and great leaders of tomorrow. Belinda Lane
May Barclay resound with the Spirit of the drum! Jan Protopapas
May the good spirit of this drum live forever in the hearts of all in the Barclay community. Susan Lattimore
Success for all children! Lars P. Weldy
I wish success for all students at Barclay. May they find peace and happiness. Christina Powderly
May the students of Barclay today be the brilliant leaders of tomorrow. Diane Lane
Best wishes for Barclay: D. Bowen, C Baskerville, Teresa Morgan, Kathy Mitchell, Mr. Harris (engineer) "We all love ya."
May Barclay students always appreciate the sound of music Wanda Wells
May this drum symbolize the spirit of Barclay as it communicates our potential greatness to all who hear our rhythm! K. L. McGowan, Barbara Amos
To our future leaders, the best of everything. Cooper & Johnson