Circles of Rhythm Foundation

We are pleased to announce the incorporation of the Circles of Rhythm Foundation, CORF, a registered society headed for non- profit/charitable status based in Calgary Alberta.

Our Vision

Helping humanity live fully through rhythm.

Our Mission

To inspire human connection, health and wellbeing through community drumming.

Our Values

Connection, Love, Growth, Unity, Joy

Learn More about our Values & what they mean to us.

Connection

Service:

Serving others, society, and humanity is among the highest privileges and responsibilities we can undertake. Engaging with the Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC) offers a unique opportunity to fulfill this service, whether as participants, volunteers, board members, or facilitators.

Safety:

The ICDC community drum circle is akin to a “safe house on the hill,” a space where one feels included, empowered, and free to express themselves, all while being unconditionally loved and accepted. Such environments are a rarity, providing a sanctuary for all.

Inclusivity:

In our quest, we’ve yet to encounter a community as inclusive as the ICDC, where everyone—regardless of their physical or mental condition—feels empowered and successful. Witnessing an elderly woman, confined to her hospital bed yet participating with a simple egg-shaker, epitomizes our commitment to inclusivity. Here, everyone is welcomed, engaged, and celebrated.

Diversity:

The ICDC recaptures the essence of communal gatherings like barn dances or potlucks, where diversity is not just present but celebrated. In our modern world, where genuine community experiences are scarce, the ICDC stands as a beacon for unity, joy, and celebration.

Love

Love of Self and Others:

The distant sound of a drumbeat naturally calls to us, symbolizing the heartbeat of our community. When drums are played, love vibrates through both the player and those around, encapsulating love in its most pure, vibrational form. It’s a universal language where words are unnecessary, and the rhythm speaks to the heart, fostering a shared experience of connection, love, growth, unity, and joy.

Growth

Transformation:

Change is fleeting, but transformation endures. The experience of an ICDC drum circle can alter one’s life profoundly. Attendees might enter feeling weary or burdened, but leave ignited with a passion that persists. Regular participation in ICDCs holds the power for deep, lasting transformation.

Evolution:

Life is a journey of continuous evolution, where change is constant, often subtle, and sometimes unnoticed. Choosing to engage with communities like the ICDC, where peace, joy, and connection are intentional, encourages personal growth and evolution towards greater joy, inspiration, health, and wellbeing.

Hope, Courage, Bravery:

Witnessing a group of strangers unite through the rhythm of drums in an ICDC instills hope. It’s a testament to humanity’s potential for unity and understanding, despite differences. This environment nurtures bravery, providing solace in a world that often feels divided, and fostering courage to embrace new experiences and perspectives.

Courage to Try Something New:

The concept of an ICDC might seem unconventional at first, yet it represents a fresh approach to fostering health, wellbeing, and community. It’s an invitation to discover joy and playfulness through rhythm, offering a new hope for individuals and for society at large.

Unity

Synergy:

In an era marked by disconnection and fragmentation, the ICDC stands out as a beacon of unity. Here, synergy thrives, fostering a space where creativity blossoms. It teaches us the balance of listening as we speak, of pausing as we move, and of finding stillness amidst life’s rush. This synergy emerges when we slow down, deeply connecting with ourselves, each other, and something greater.

Vitality:

In today’s world, where a sense of numbness or disengagement often dims our spirit, finding environments that rekindle our vitality is rare. The ICDC is such a place, where life force energy flows freely, reigniting our spirits with energy, awareness, and a much-needed sense of being awake in these challenging times.

Acceptance:

Embracing life in all its facets—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—is no small feat. Too often, we get caught up in life’s struggles, overlooking our innate capacity for creativity and improvement. The ICDC offers a powerful counterforce, a space where focus shifts from the mundane to the miraculous. While science might not fully validate it, decades of experience in the ICDC community demonstrate its efficacy. Participants aren’t shielded from life’s challenges, but they gain the resilience to navigate them with grace, a testament to the transformative power of acceptance and community.

Joy!

Playfulness:

In a world where adulthood often equates to seriousness and self-consciousness, stepping into an ICDC drum circle is like stepping back into childhood. Here, playfulness is not just encouraged; it’s the norm. Smiles broaden, shoulders drop, and the joy of simple play becomes the best medicine for the soul.

Creative Expression:

Creativity isn’t confined to traditional arts. Within the circle, each participant is encouraged to explore their own rhythm, contributing to the collective beat while expressing themselves. This form of creative expression is vital for a fulfilling life, offering a unique avenue to meet this intrinsic human need.

Mindfulness:

The ICDC offers a straightforward path to mindfulness. In our fast-paced world, focusing on the present can be challenging, but here, mindfulness is as simple as keeping in time with the drum. The practice allows for a mental reset, reaping all the benefits that come with being fully present.

Experiential Learning:

The journey from thought to feeling is often long, but in an ICDC, this distance is bridged effortlessly. Engaging the whole brain and body, the rhythm becomes a conduit for connecting heart and mind. It’s not just about discussing or pondering; it’s about doing. This hands-on approach is key to achieving true health, wellbeing, and connection, embodying our values of Connection, Love, Growth, Unity, and Joy.

Therapeutic Drum Circles

Therapeutic Drum Circles are an effective tool for Mental Health Treatment are and becoming widely accepted in the health care community locally and internationally. We gather in a circle, play drums from around the world together while being facilitated by a professional leader. Repeatedly participants report that this unique therapeutic approach is making a big difference in people’s recovery from mental, emotional and physical health issues. The joyful, uplifting effect of the drum is infectious and lifts people out of negativity gracefully and naturally. Our unique integrative approach incorporates activities which activate the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Everyone is included and seen as a significant contributor to the sound healing that we create together. Self worth is lifted, hearts are nudged open and minds are able to rest. No experience is required; everyone has rhythm. Our facilitation techniques create an accessible and empowering experience in which everyone leaves feeling successful and significant.

Making a difference, one beat at a time!

RECOVERY, RESILIENCY, & RECONCILIATIONthrough RHYTHM

The Circles of Rhythm Foundation’s (CORF) aim is to bring the benefits of the Integrated Community Drum Circles (ICDC) to those affected by “The Three R’s”: Recovery, Resiliency, & Reconciliation. The UNITY annual fundraiser along with government grants will help fund the important mission of the CORF & other commUNITY agencies who are supporting affected marginalized populations in Calgary and the surrounding area.

THE THREE-R’s

RESILIENCY- servicing people who

RECOVERY- servicing people who

RECONCILIATION – honouring & supporting our

PROGRAMMING & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE

Offering, affordable Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC) programming to Non-Profit Organizations who otherwise could not afford to fund “one off” -or- ongoing community offerings.
“One off” bookings
10-week programs
Year long, monthly drumming programs.

SUSTAINABILTY & LASTING PROGRAM INTEGRATION

TRAINING PROGRAM, CONSULTATION SERVICE, & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Providing customized training workshops to Non-Profit Organizations looking to offer sustainable programming using the Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC) methodology.
- 2-3 day trainings Level I & Level II programing
- Learning materials & facilitator training manual
- Subsidized “Drum Kit”
Funding mentorship, coaching, and supervision hours offered by Circles of Rhythm Master ICDC Facilitators to optimize learning & integration into agency.
- 1 on 1 coaching/consulting
- Group facilitation & integration seminars
- Facilitator skill evaluation & mentorship program

COMMUNITY AWARENESS & PUBLIC SERVICE

FUNDRAISERS & PUBLIC EVENTS – Aligned with “The 3-R’s”

Using the Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC) to raise awareness of a social cause, bringing people together through rhythm. Social causes must be consistent with “The 3-R’s”.
- Larger events
- Festivals
- Community Gathering

WHO QUALIFIES FOR FUNDING? HOW DO I APPLY?

Examples of Clients we have Served

Offering therapeutic drum circles across the province for over 20 years, we have a proven track record for successful healing and recovery.

Women’s Shelters
Boys and Girls Clubs
Youth Addictions Services
Private events for ill friends and family
Kids Camps
Funerals and Memorial Services
Eating Disorder Groups
Hospices
AA and AL-ANON meetings
Addictions Recovery Centers
Penitentiaries
Seniors Centers

This is creative financing! We are a Not-for-Profit Organization registered through the Alberta Societies Act. However, you will be given the satisfaction of knowing that many individuals will benefit from the healing vibrations of our unique therapeutic modality. Any donation you decide to make will be a gift given freely, enabling us to enhance mental and emotional health to those in need.

Based on Research by Dr. Bruce Perry. Neurosequencial reprogramming is the effect of addressing the whole brain, starting in the lower brain, and then moving up to more complex regions and functions. Simply put, if we calm the lower brain first, the executive functions are more accessible as a result. Research is showing us that regular rhythmical activity returns us to the state of consciousness we were in for some 9 months in our mothers womb. There we were safe, warm, calm and peaceful. There was no pain or drama, just peace, and the sound and vibration of our mothers heart beating. Introducing a regular rhythmical activity, such as drumming, to a mental health therapeutic regime has been shown to have a profound effect on the patient, enabling them to be more receptive to other more cognitive forms of therapy after the drumming has been applied.

Disturbances such as anxiety, depression, self mutilation, low self esteem, fear, anger, guilt and shame can all be reduced, and some even dissolved when an individual or group drumming activity is introduced to a therapeutic treatment plan.

If you wish to make a donation/contribution to this exciting new foundation, please contact the Circles of Rhythm Foundation at:

info@circlesofrhythm.com

Thank you for your unconditional generosity!

Agencies interested in bringing the ICDC to their organization will need to apply to the Circles of Rhythm Foundation (CORF) for approval.

Applications will be reviewed by the CORF based on the following:
- Alignment of CORF vision and mission with the applicant
- The applicant’s client population served falls under “The 3-R’s”
- The applicant agrees to actively participate and contribute towards the development of a sustainable & meaningful community for their clientele (ei: staff support & participation, promotion of service to clients & community, financial commitment to offset for subsidy received by the CORF)

**Funding provided by the CORF is intended to subsidize regular rates based on the Circles of Rhythm booking regular rates.

***The CORF is not yet equipped to accept applications – if you or your agency is interested in applying in the future, please contact us directly to be placed on our waiting list.

If you wish to make a donation/contribution to the foundation, please contact at:

info@circlesofrhythm.com

Thank you to those who attended our First Annual Fundraising events June 15, 2019 & December 13th, 2019!

Stay tuned for next year’s events!

…one of many more collaborations not to be missed!

Thank you for your unconditional generosity!

Making a difference, one beat at a time!

Testimonials

What People Say

“You cant stay grouchy at a drum circle, the joy is contagous!”

“Thank you once again for sharing your gift.”

“This really grounded me and also lightened my heart”

“To be moved to tears while participating in your session was a true surprise to me.”

“Clearly, drumming fills my soul to overflowing. I loved it!”

“This work is ultimately about revitalizing, invigorating and inspiring.”

“The Best drum circle facilitators I have experienced.” Suncor Energy

“We are thrilled to have the World Expert Drum Circle Facilitator right here in Calgary.” Suncor Energy

“Thanks for making the drum experience available to everyone” Telus

“I will never forget this conference because of the drum circle.” Enmax

“It was not only fun, but educational and inspirational.” Husky Energy

“I think we should return to the drum circle as a kick off every year at our annual conference.” Trans Canada

“Rather than just beating our own drums, we became a part of something bigger than ourselves.” Agrium

“This was a very tough and sceptical crowd, but everyone benefited immensely from it” Myers Norris Penny

“I feel refreshed, re-energized, peaceful and serene. I just feel better!” Banff Centre for Managment

“Absolutely fantastic!” Suncor Energy

“This was an experience where everyone contributed equally to the whole” Talisman Energy

“It broke down barriers and got us working really well together as a team.” Royal Bank

“We can play our own beat and still contribute to the whole” Royal Host

“We experienced successful communication and teamwork with virtually no words!” EnCana

“The most effective, accessible and fun team event ever!” City of Calgary

“It really re-energized us after a tough cerebral day”

“The Boom Whackers are magical; they really brought people from our region together.”

“Judy has a profound way of putting into words what is un-talked about at work, love, spirit and joy!”

“The three words that best describe this workshop are joyful, playful and profound.”

Circles of Rhythm Foundation