CEREMONIAL DRUMS
I have been privileged to build large ceremonial drums for both large organizations, communities, and individuals some of which are pictured and described on this page. I am experienced in building and skinning large drums and I look forward to working with you and/or your organiation to bring your dreams of a community drum into this world. I have come to understand that an essential part of the process of birthing one of these drums is the contribution you make to bring spirit into the drum.
The simple fact is that drums are powerful. They can help us rebuild our connection to the land and the deep places in our hearts. They can strengthen our connection to each other, the natural world and the great mystery. Talking about it doesn't seem to help much. Just have them around, play them and honor them when you can. Ceremonial drums work for groups and communities the same way personal drums work for individuals - pulses of sound, knitting back together the fabric of our souls.
ThunderHeart is the name of my
largest ceremonial drum.
At 63"
in diameter, this is one of the largest
natural-skin drums ever built. Since its construction in 1988, ThunderHeart
has developed a following of its own, resulting in frequent requests
for it to be present at men's council gatherings, conferences, and drumming
groups in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the 1990 Earth Day observances
in Washington D.C. Struck by two people continually throughout the day,
ThunderHeart began to sound like the heartbeat of the earth. Thunderheart
has also played in a special concert with the Peabody Conservatory Percussion
Ensemble and with The United States Marine Band in Historic Sousa Hall.
The
Gong Drum was a commission from The Orenda Institute
here in Baltimore for use in their shamanic initiation work. The design
emerged from conversations with Drs. Richard Yensen and Donna Dryer,
founders of Orenda. They had a photo of a similar drum they had seen
in Europe.
The hardwood stand is held together with tapered pegs and can be disassembled in less than a minute. The two heads are of different thickness (one is cow and the other, kip) and each has its distinctive tonality and timbre. Suspending the drum from cords allows for maximum resonance. In fact, when the drum is struck in a quiet room the sound seems to go on and on and on. Heated discussions have ensued among the listeners present as to just when the drum stopped sounding.
The Aidan Montessori School Ceremonial Drum
This ceremonial drum was commissioned by the Aidan Montessori School in Washington DC for their fortieth anniversary celebration.
30" diameter, 15" depth with kip hides
The Barclay School Ceremonial Drum
TWO DRUMS FOR DANIEL
These drums were commissioned by The Sight and Sound Theatre for a production of the bible story, Daniel.
The carriages were made by the production company. The show will run for about three years
