It Happened in Sebring.

Percussionist Fred Leavitt, a new resident of Sebring from Chicago, gave a brief, informative introduction to the drum. Did you know that the drum is universal to all cultures, all societies? And though each culture has its own rhythms, these rhythms can be played in accompaniment to the rhythms of any or all other cultures. What a great metaphor for world cooperation, understanding, and sharing.

Fred then proceeded to demonstrate the anatomy of the drum; its many forms, tones and techniques of playing. He demonstrated the various tones available in any drum, and the method employed to achieve them.

And then the fun began. Fred demonstrated a basic rhythm called ”the Giraffe “. As each drummer began to feel the rhythm, he began to play along. Soon the entire group was playing the rhythm while Fred “danced with his fingers on the drum"” as he called it, over the basic rhythm to provide an exciting aria.

Then he split the group into two, each part playing a different rhythm. When the two groups, each playing its own beat merged into one embellished rhythm, the frowns of concentration gave way to grins of accomplishment and joy. And during that time, the group. consisting of all ages, interests, and occupations, became one unified body responding to the primal rhythm of nature.

Judging by the reaction of the participants and their written responses to a questionnaire, there is a strong desire in this community for more drum circles and drum instruction. This is a great solution to the young peoples’ complaint, “there’s nothing to do here”. It is a wonderful activity for seniors, whose activities are often merely passive. And for those cooped up in an office or those dealing with the public, what better way to vent your emotions that of pounding on a drum?