Anyone can get into drumming

The drum circle held every week at the 17th Street Farmers Market, 840 E. 17th St., is a free activity for anyone looking to learn more about drums and play them with fellow novices.

"It is very healing, and anyone can do it," said Bonnie Brooks, media director for the market.

The market started the drum circles four months ago, with only a few people showing up at first. Now the circle attracts a crowd of more than 30.

The adult drum circles are led by Cliff Berrien, a Batucaxé drummer. Batucaxé is a drum and dance ensemble and school in Tucson.

The children's drum circles were started a month ago after the adult class became popular and people started bringing their children to the classes. They are led by musician Solange Monette.

The children's circle is very basic, and it's a good place for kids to hit things together, said Marty Kool, CD buyer for the market.

Both classes start with Berrien or Monette sitting at the head of the circle and the drummers making a circle around the leader, Brooks said. A beat is started, and people follow along.

In the children's classes, games are played with various instruments, including vegetable-shaped shakers, drums, colored sticks and sound shapes.

"We want the kids to explore different songs and sounds," Monette said. "Anything can be used — even your body — to create music."

Monette said that in the adult classes, after a rhythm is started, people join in whenever they want. Some people play didgeridoos or washboards, or they use the drums that are provided.

"My job is to play the master drum and keep the beat going," she said. Otherwise, it can get out of control and sound like noise, she added.

The leaders create a comfortable atmosphere in which anyone, even people who never have played an instrument before, can take part and not be embarrassed, Kool said.

"Everyone can create music," Kool said. "You don't need to be a drummer; you don't even need to have rhythm."

It's empowering, Monette said, to be able to play music in a group.

"People think they have no rhythm, and they discover they can participate in a group and they are empowered."

The drum circles provide a way for people to get their aggression out, and that can be therapeutic.

"People come in tight, and they leave loose with a big smile on their face," Monette said. "There are some magical moments created here."

Even Berrien has a smile, Kool said.

Pam Austin, who brought her four grandchildren to the circle on Friday, said she is new to Tucson and was looking for something fun for the children to do.

"We don't have any musical experience," Austin said. "But we really enjoy music."

Getting children involved in music early is essential, she said.

"Exposing kids to everything is really important," Austin said.

Midtown

If you go: Drum Circle

Where: 17th Street Farmers Market, 840 E. 17th St.

Time: Adult classes are Mondays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m. Children's class (ages 6 through 12) is Fridays, 4 to 4:30 p.m. Bring your own drum or borrow one.

Cost: Free