Shuunka Drumming Circle - The Beats Goes On!
By Patricia Peterson, Facilitator Shuunka Drumming Circle 
Findlay, OH 

My story begins in June of 1996 when the Hancock Park District offered a primitive drum making workshop conducted by Judith Thompson from the state of Oregon. During the workshop twelve enthusiastic participants stretched elk, horse, buffalo or deer hide over a sixteen to twenty inch frame, and then wrapped it with a raw hide thong to give it tightness.

We waited two days for the drums to dry.  On the third day we came together as a group to give voice to what we had created.  Each drum was as unique as the person who had made it. But when we sat in a circle and all played our drums in rhythm, we became one magnificent drum.We all experienced at that time what Judith had taught us: Making a drum is like pulling your heart together and  giving birth to a new part of yourself. Since the drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth, when you play the drum with good intention, you connect with all creation through her heartbeat.

The initial experience with Judith was so profound that those of us in attendance formed the Shuunka Drumming Circle, with continues to meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Discovery Center in Oakwoods Nature Preserve. The acoustics and characteristics of the Discovery Center provide a fantastic environment for the drumming experience creating self-discovery and discovering one's relationship with the natural world.In the past fourteen years, Judith has returned once or twice a year, to facilitate the making of many drums. The result is always the same. Participants benefit from the experience of making their personal drum - and they love their drum.

Research studies show that drumming changes molecular structure in the body, breaks up blockages and allows energy to flow. Drumming has an exponential effect of thirteen. Therefore, twelve drums beating the same beat in unison, equals 166 drums in terms of impact on the body and environment. One has only to sit for a few minutes in a drumming circle to experience this phenomenon. The stress melts away and one opens up in mind, body, and spirit.
 

Since the inception of the Shuunka Drumming Circle, hundreds of people of diverse backgrounds from all over the area have walked through the doors of the Discovery Center to drum with us. There is a nucleus of long-time members who hold the circle and welcome newcomers to the experience. Those who come for the first time are always grateful for such a unique opportunity being available to them.

Thanks to Tim Brugeman, Director and Margie Stateler, Visitor Services Manager, who said "yes" to a request for the park district to host a drum making workshop in 1996. Thanks to them and to other staff who have supported us over the years. It is the longstanding relationship between the park district and the Shuunka Drumming Circle, which continues to offer a diverse population a unique opportunity.  I believe this kind of opportunity is not only in keeping with the philosophy of the Hancock Park District but a hallmark of this administration.The story began in 1996 but it is not over. Like the circular shape of the drum, it continues and encompasses many. The impact that the drum has on individuals is immeasurable and the essence of what we do lives on in the community.

Thank you - to all who drum with us.

Thank you - to all who make it possible.