Drum circles are so much more. Research continues to demonstrate that drumming circles are an effective tool marking statistically significant changes in physical, emotional, mental health and wellness! When we drum together, it feels like a breath of fresh air in this fragmented-stressed-out-world! Research is pouring out pointing to Therapeutic Drum Circles as a powerful option to help reduce stress and build a sense of community. News flash: This is good news! Research suggests that both stress and a lack of social connection are the primary determining factors for mental, and physical illness.
We use a diverse collection of drums from around the world in a new and powerful therapeutic drum circle protocol that is rapidly growing nation-wide known as: the ICDC – (Integrated Community Drum Circle), informed by Judy Atkinson’s Drum Codes, Founder and President of Circles of Rhythm (1997-2017) .
The ICDC‘s offer the following benefits and applications:
“Good luck staying grouchy in a Drum Circle! The only guaranteed side effect of a Drum Circle is JOY!”
Our drum circles create a fun, supportive, and a safe environment and are facilitated by professional trained ICDC facilitators who are passionate about bringing this unique tool to you.
No Experience is Required
Drums are Provided
Our approach is based in research by Dr Barry Bittman, Dr Bruce Perry and Music Therapist Christine Stevens. We are also proud to have the only comprehensive community and therapeutic training program in Canada.
People all over the world are waking up to the powerfully positive therapeutic effects of participating regularly in an Integrated Community Drum Circle.
“Drum circles don’t have the power to change the world… but the world can change in the pursuit of living our lives as we do in the Integrated Community Drum Circle. I learn to watch, listen, and feel – shifting from the me – to the – we! I continue to stretch and learn more about myself and the human-condition, every time I step out to facilitate an ICDC” – Julien Lepage, MSW, Leadership, RSW, Master ICDC Facilitator.
For more information about how to introduce the ICDC into your life, contact Circles of Rhythm’s owner and visionary:
Julien Lepage, MSW Leadership, RSW – Master ICDC Facilitator & Lead Instructor.
Phone: 403-479-6968; Email: julien@circlesofrhythm.com
The Integrated Community Drum Circle – Origins and Objectives
The Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC) utilizes rhythms, drums, and teachings from cultures across the globe. The pursuit of balance is the guiding principle of both the ICDC Facilitator, and (hopefully) its participant!
Drum circles are the perfect environment to learn and practice important life and emotional intelligence skills – its goal: “the pursuit of balance”.
The role of the Participant is to experiment and learn using the drum as a tool.
The role of the ICDC Facilitator is to guide ICDC participants to explore collaborative rhythm-making experiences using the drum.
The ICDC promotes mindfulness, curiosity, and play amongst the group cohort – following the pursuit of balance equations below:
(+)= Intention – Energy & Power
(-) = Awareness & Discipline – Ego
(M ) = Movement – Transformation & Boundaries
(V) = Values – Authenticity & Service
(o) = Environmental – Sustainability & Indigenous Land Wisdom
(x) = Life-Force Energy & Authentic Curiosity
JULIEN LEPAGE, JANUARY 31, 2023 – WHAT IS AN ICDC?
In the ICDC, both the facilitator and the participant have the opportunity to learn using the drum as a transformational tool for exponential growth on a personal, professional, and spiritual level.
“the ICDC is a real-time, choose-your-own-adventure workshop!” – Julien Lepage, Owner of Circles of Rhythm – MSW Leadership, RSW
The ICDC methodology was originally synthesized by Judy Atkinson, Founder of Circles of Rhythm & Author of “The Drum Code: Living Well Between the Beats” to develop this unique, evidence-based wholistic approach to drumming. Circles of Rhythm’s ICDC maximizes the transformational benefits of community drumming by incorporating simple, yet powerful teachings (the Drum Codes), combined with a balanced approach of High Energy Drumming & Gentle Drumming, Healing techniques.
Circles of Rhythm is happy to associate with and recommend the following individuals and organizations. Our values and missions are very congruent, and we are proud to be their partners
Mallets & Drum Hats:
Mallet Man, Pete Oxland provides excellent designed, hard wood mallets. Highly reccomended! Mallet Man Pricing
Drums, Flutes and Percussion:
We Sell Drums! New and Used – Contact us if you’re able to pick up in Calgary, AB.
Other options: Empire Music in Vancouver www.empiremusic.ca is a great company to order drums from online, delivery included and come right to your door! Based out of Vancouver BC.
We choose to carry and promote the use of REMO DRUMS, Here is an article that will help the community drum circle enthusiast understand why.
FLUTES, Didgerdoos, Percussion:
Native flutes and music, Las Angeles CA Stven DeRuby, www.deruby.com
One World Drum in Calgary, 403-217-6790
Sound Healing:
Sound Therapy Training and Seminars, Calgary AB
http://soundwellness.com/
A Non-Profit organization offering programs for people living with cancer and their loved ones, Calgary AB
www.wellspringcalgary.com
Business Consultants and Coaches:
Connie Phenix http://www.CONNIEPHENIX.com
Great Facilities for Drumming Workshops:
Inglewood Lawn Bolwing Club, 1245 8 ave se Calgary AB
Club Website
Fort Calgary, in the Core of the city
Rigt in the centre of town, free parking, catering available, for groups up to 100.
www.fortcalgary.com
Heritage Park, SW Calgary
Many facilities to rent for groups up to 100, great catering, lovley location, free parking, Contact Jennifer Wakeford, jwakeford@heritagepark.ab.ca 403-268-8500
Country Wood in Bragg Creek
www.countrywood.ca
Capacity 40 people, homey place, great food and service, Contact Heather at jobray@herizoncoaching.ca, 403-949-8466
Calgary Zoo, SE Calgary
Super place for drumming! Many spaces to choose from up to 200 people, call 403-232-7770 for details
Latasha Estabrooks2024-01-05I have been attending drum circles here since about 2013. It’s one of my favourite ways to spend my time. For me, it doesn’t matter how low I feel. Coming here always lifts me up! It’s the best spirit medicine. The facilitators are Genuine heart led leaders. I feel safe and welcome. I have also noticed a personal shift in the way I show up when I go. Nothing beats drumming and the space that’s provided here.Columbia Valley Drumming2024-01-05I've travelled the world and had MANY eye opening musical experiences but what Circles of Rhythm offers is on its island! It's almost impossible to describe so my recommendation is to place any preconceived notions to the side and try it once. Its simplicity is powerful and ability to unity is needed...Rod MacCormack2024-01-04The Circles of Rhythm drum circle in Inglewood is more than an opportunity to drum along to others and learn percussion skills and get better at musical timing. It is a powerful motivational experience. It can be deeply spiritual. Skill level, race, gender and age do not matter here - every participant is an equal human being who is given a rare chance each week to feel part of a community of friends, family and strangers. A chance to close your eyes and let the weight of the world drift away while you feel one with the pulse of the drumming of all those around you. The hugely skilled and charismatic leader - Julien Lepage - leads the group into basic and more advanced rhythms while inspiring the soul and heart to feel filled with love and acceptance and joy. This drum circle would not be what it is without Julien. Everyone needs to experience a Circles of Rhythm drum circle at least once in their life, regardless of musical skills or talent, or where they are on their mental or spiritual journey. I highly recommend this to all. They provide drums, so no need to bring or buy your own. Just come with an open heart and mind and ride the wave of beats and love. You won’t regret it.Mellisa Nichol2023-12-26For the past 8 years Ive looked forward to attending COR drum circles every Friday night. Every week there's a magic time about half way through when you can look around and see pure joy on every single persons face. Its a place of community, radical acceptance, rhythm, healing and so much joy that comes from the experience. I highly recommend trying it out.Dominika Barefoot2023-12-23Great time for the whole family. We had a good time, got to try out all kinds of cool music instruments and my kids loved it all. A great way to get all your wiggles out. We had a good experience and we loved the big 🥁Leslie Grover2023-12-23Circles of Rhythm is a beautiful community of people who gather to share their own songlines. It is a place where people get to play music, drum, sing and move our bodies in a safe and welcoming space. The facilitators make this a wonderful and connected experience for all adults and children. I appreciate that I get to shift whatever I’ve been holding for the week and move into my weekends feeling refreshed and revitalized!Rhonda Ann Clarke2023-12-23Circles of Rhythm is definitely the most powerful drumming session everrrr! Julian guides us into our hearts’ soul - will be there as many Fridays as I can!! See you there! 💗Sarah Bing2023-12-23Absolutely LOVE Circles of Rhythm “Friday Night Drum circle”. Highly recommend for anyone who is a human being! This Community is open and welcoming to all walks of life. No matter who you are, It is unavoidable, you will leave after an evening of fun feeling rejuvenated, uplifted, and with a new kind of confidence to face the world. Circles of Rhythm leader, Julien Lepage is inspirational in his messaging. He shows up every Friday with an open heart and exudes loving kindness. Highly recommend attending any Circles of Rhythm event!Little Shop of Pleasures2023-12-23Julien LePage is a masterful facilitator and drummer. Great date night.Kent Patel2023-12-22The 2-hour drumming circle with Circle of Rhythms is cathartic! It is a must for anyone who wants to connect with their heart, spirit, and others.
Since 1997, Circles of Rhythm has been leading North America’s #1 Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC), creating a vibrant community that connects people, enhances well-being, and spreads JOY! By empowering entrepreneurs and rhythm enthusiasts, we offer the training and tools to help you build your own thriving drum circle business.
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