Together in Rhythm: Percussion Ensemble Book & DVD

Kalani's Drum Circle-Music™ methodology transforms ensemble work from performance-focused instruction into a flexible framework that serves educational games, team building, and therapeutic contexts. The accompanying DVD makes the pedagogical approach visible and immediately applicable, whether you're facilitating a school ensemble or a community group. This book stands out because it doesn't assume a traditional percussion ensemble setup; instead, it equips you to work with any configuration and population.

Energizing and inclusive. Kalani's approach centers on rhythm as a shared language that draws participants together regardless of prior experience. The activities build from simple, accessible patterns into more sophisticated ensemble textures, creating a sense of accomplishment and collective musicmaking.

Directors leading world percussion ensembles at the advanced level, educators facilitating drum circles in schools or community settings, and team facilitators seeking structured yet flexible rhythmic activities. This resource works equally well for music educators and non-music professionals looking to use ensemble drumming as a tool for connection and skill-building.

• Study the DVD demonstrations before introducing the activities to your group; seeing Kalani's facilitation style and participant responses will clarify how to adapt the rhythmic structures for your specific ensemble.
• Begin with the simpler rhythmic patterns and allow the group to establish ensemble cohesion before adding layers or increasing complexity.
• Pay attention to the non-musical goals alongside rhythmic accuracy; Drum Circle-Music™ is designed to build community and engagement, not just precision.
• Rotate instrumental roles frequently so all participants experience leading and supporting within the ensemble texture.

Integrate this material as a bridge between traditional percussion ensemble performance and community engagement programming. The structured activities work well as warm-ups, icebreakers for new ensembles, or as the foundation for a dedicated drum circle performance or demonstration. Schools can also use sections of this book to develop leadership skills within the percussion section.

• Ensemble listening and responding to rhythmic cues in real time
• Leading and supporting within a group percussion texture
• Adapting to rhythm changes and building complex polyrhythmic layers
• Facilitation and communication skills for group-based music-making
• Cross-cultural percussion vocabulary and world drumming patterns