Student brings beat from abroad

Author: Afsana Liza

The Drum Circle was established in the fall of 2006, when Jamie Fuchs '07 was inspired to bring the activity to the Middlebury campus.

Fuchs had just spent a semester studying abroad in South Africa, where she had picked up some drumming skills. Upon returning to campus, she bought her own djembe drum and set out to share the magic of drumming with the rest of the Middlebury community.

The Drum Circle attracted a great number of students at the beginning, though it eventually dwindled down to a smaller number of students, which formed a more intimate core of drummers. Since Fuchs' graduation last May, Elizabeth Goffe '10 has stepped up to the plate, keeping the music going by uniting the group's members every weekend.

Currently, the Drum Circle uses mostly djembe and a few congas. Although these are the only types of drums played, the Circle encourages experimentation and improvisation, which often leads to members employing the piano, cymbals, cowbells and various other instruments in addition to the rhythms of the drums.

The musical influences of the group are eclectic, ranging from Guinean and West African rhythms to Jamaican and Caribbean beats. Members of the Drum Circle often incorporate beats from their own backgrounds and cultures as well, which results in an amazing diversity of sound.

For many members, the magical element of the Drum Circle is this embrace of such varied compositions and musical inspirations. Casey Donahue '10 grew up around drums and drum circles. To her, the activity represents a unique opportunity to express herself in a language that not only allows for musical and spiritual release, but also serves as a great community builder.

George Haack Osei-Mensah '10 agreed.

"It's something to do outside of one's comfort zone and just a great way to groove," said Haack. "It also provides an amazing release and is not only an amazing way to end your weekend, but begin your week as well."

Although the Drum Circle is still fairly new, it has already started to make a lasting footprint on Middlebury's campus and only seems to be gaining in popularity. The ensemble performed at last year's Relay for Life and the African American Alliance Fashion Show. They have also showed their skills outside on Battell Beach - once during last year's Spring Carnival and, most recently, at the International Students Organization show in the fall.

Members of the Drum Circle are currently working to gain official club status and are also beginning to prepare for their upcoming performances. They will be taking the stage at Relay for Life again in April and are also planning to play at the Gamut Room in the near future.

Goffe encourages interested students to stop by one of the Circle's practices, which are held on Sundays at 4 p.m. in the Freeman International Center Studio.

"It's an amazing way to get energized, participate in Middlebury's community, meet new people, unite as part of a musical community and establish meaningful connections with new Middlebury students who love music," Goffe said.