Our new tars
Our most recent gathering took place on Sept. 20. While small, we were certainly mighty! As drummers arrived, we worked on our tar, its proper hold and the 4 basic strokes. Shifting from the frame drum with jingles to a first tar in the standing position is a little tricky and takes patience and practice, just as Layne says! But even in this first half hour, it was becoming easier.
Our opening meditation was based on a Thomas Troeger hymn and an Annie Dillard poem, "At a certain point" followed by prayer and our chant "Sacred is the Call."
Warm-up was a focus on tics and shakes as we slowly build up wrist strength and a lively game of "I play. You play."
We worked on our Sufi meditation pattern, and Rattlesnake 2, adding the 5th line since we can now play through the first 4 patterns successfully. We worked on cross stepping with chopsticks and incorporated the pattern Omalu -which all of us now find very meditative and healing and use in our personal prayer times. The pattern 'Happiness' was our fourth melody. "Drum Clock" was our fun rhythm, and we shared a good conversation about the challenge of Taks on both tar and tambourine.
Frame Drum with jingles
To close we listened again to Troeger's hymn and Dilliard's poem, shared in prayer and casual visiting. Our next gathering is OCTOBER 4, 7-9pm, at Stittsville United Church.
Everyone is warmly welcomed!