I am attending a three day playshop on facilitating drum circles with Arthur Hull, Micheal Khei and Lars Pars (?). What a trio... man...
I am going to imitate what I did when I attended Oscar Brenifier's workshop in practical philosophy in Argenteuil and write a short blog on each day of attending the playshop. I have a feeling this will be an experience of a similar, if not greater magnitude. This will be raw and rough, and in English for the benefit of my fellow participants and well I don't know. By no means comprehensive, just some thoughts and you know.
1 Notes on the faciltiators of the facilitation process. Michael is the main dude, Arthur jumps in like the grand old man (a bit of a Yoda) and also at times as devil's advocate. Lars has the role of observer and I guess inspirer if you like. This seems to me to be a very effective way of teaching, and I think the constant reliance on one teacher in most circumstances is wrong. More on the lads later. o those in the know: a VERY different approach to the one of Oscar and Isabelle ;-)
2 The group. The group is mixed, and some are very experienced. To me and my fellow beginning beginners I think this is both excellent since we can learn from these "experienceballs" like we say in Iceland, but also a tad intimidating. A varied and interesting bunch of people, and in our playing we made beautiful music.
3 Concepts. I think the conceptual scheme introduced, instructor/ dictator - director - facilitator - conductor is a very clever one.... with implications beyond the drum circle.
4 Personal learning. The biggest challenge in any such situation is the demand of total and complete presence. I want to get that in my students and thus have to be able to achieve it myself. This means staying in the moment and swinging with the rhythm at all times. Playing with my band is of course also a lesson in this, and I am actually sure I will become a better drummer and band member after this weekend.
I look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
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