tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81082649610686771092010-04-29T06:08:03.065-07:00Join hand drum enthusiasts around the world in conversation about percussion. Get listed in our percussionist directory, become our friend on MySpace, talk back on our blog and enjoy our hand drumming resources.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comBlogger142125 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-9085085145072269052010-06-22T06:08:00.000-07:002010-06-22T06:08:03.072-07:00

Learn how to play the traditional African rhythm Mediani on Djembe with drum instructor and drum circle facilitator, Dion Rivers. [Free Online Video Djembe Lesson]

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-9085085145072269052010-06-21T06:08:00.000-07:002010-06-21T06:08:03.072-07:00

The way the claves are played is just by striking them together. The resonation of the wood in each hand will create the sound. Your technique can optimize the clave sound. Often we see participants at drum circles playing the instrument with a full grip on each clave. This is poor technique and will kill your sound. The proper technique is to cup the clave with your hand to open up some space so the clave can breathe and you get some resonance. The striker should also be held with a relaxed grip allowing it to resonate as well.

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-9085085145072269052010-05-19T06:08:00.000-07:002010-05-19T06:08:03.072-07:00

Producing hand-carved, hand-decorated djembe drums is not only a tradition, it's an art form that is over a thousand years old! Yet maybe you have wondered precisely how a djembe drum is made? How it goes from a individual piece of plantation grown mahogany hardwood to the beautiful hand drum shown here? The job can demand the collective skills of 4 to 6 different artisans, each one providing their very own unique talents and skills at the crafting process. And because excellence can't be in haste, finishing just one djembe drum may take somewhere from several hours to a few weeks to complete.

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-9085085145072269052010-05-09T06:08:00.000-07:002010-05-09T06:08:03.072-07:00

See how traditional wooden djembe drums are made. This video discusses the history of the djembe, how wood is sourced and how the wood goes from log to professional djembe drum. Learn about the wood plantation and how it is eco friendly.

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-9085085145072269052010-04-29T06:08:00.000-07:002010-04-29T06:08:03.072-07:00

The following review was submitted by an X8 Drums customer. While we feel the information is helpful, it does not solely represent the views and opinions of all staff members. Hi X8 Drums, I thought I'd give you some unsolicited Cajon feedback. You guys are certainly the experts, so I likely will not be telling you anything you don't already know, but here's a novice's view in case it is of

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0 tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-56812482520838986772010-04-19T16:45:00.000-07:002010-04-19T17:07:53.457-07:00

"Rhythm is everywhere and in everything." These are the words that Nina Rodriguez lives by, and her goal of "Unlocking the Rhythm" in life has put her at the center stage of performances designed to assist people with connection to the musical being within. How exactly does she unlock your inner rhythm? Nina has made a career of facilitating "Rhythm Power" events, as well as leading "Unlock the

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-35456738357573451272010-04-03T10:26:00.000-07:002010-04-03T10:26:36.619-07:00

Check out great deals on musical gear from X8 Drums, Latin Percussion and Toca. All sale prices are good until 5/31/10 or while supplies last. ******************************************* LP Aspire Conga Set, Antique Fade with Free Matching Bongos Sale Price: $358.99 ******************************************* Jammer African Djembe w/ Learn to Play Djembe DVD Sale Price: $117.99 ********

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-29762255861130493992010-04-02T06:45:00.000-07:002010-04-02T06:45:10.399-07:00

Great bougarabou drumming performance. Watch and pick up some new techniques. In modern drum circle situations, the Bougarabou is often used to back up djembes in the percussion group. The Bougarabou can be played as a single drum or in a set of up to four and are normally played with only the hands in a standing position. Percussionists seeking a rich bass melody will choose this drum over a

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-13117845776797052532010-03-29T18:42:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:42:17.352-07:00

Blemished Drums Inventory Update! Spring cleaning is underway at the X8 Drums warehouse and we're updating the Blemished section regularly. Get a great deal on a blemished djembe drum. "Blemished drums" are djembe drums that sound absolutely fantastic however, for one reason or another, have slight aesthetic imperfections like scratches, nicks, split heads, small cracks (natural) and other

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-62891381150237315522010-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:002010-03-09T19:01:52.903-08:00

Those who play and enjoy the didgeridoo know that creating the low, keening sounds on the instrument can relax and inspire you. The instrument, made from hollowed out wood or PVC pipe, is played using breathing techniques that improve as the user gets better through practice. What an avid player of the didgeridoo might not expect is that the instrument and the breathing techniques could help you

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-57436794159399186342010-03-08T07:16:00.000-08:002010-03-08T07:47:04.615-08:00

Like any hand drum, playing the Doumbek can be an uplifting experience. This beautiful goblet shaped drum has a sound that differs from other hand drums. The sound comes across as crisp and the slaps yield an openness that carries across the room. When you are listening to the Doumbek being played, you are immediately drawn into a feeling of being surrounded by Middle Eastern culture, and it's

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-40595772529485790622010-02-25T08:40:00.000-08:002010-02-25T09:05:29.534-08:00

Check out this great groove to try at your next drum circle. This video is lead by our friend Bill Matthews. His full instructional "How to Play the Djembe DVD" is available now. The Bembe rhythm is from the Afro-Cuban genre that is now commonly heard in modern Latin, Jazz and Rock music. Bembe Shango honors Shango, the Yoruban Orisha of Lightning, Thunder, Drums, Dancing and Yams. Musically,

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-4886105876388260862010-02-25T07:55:00.000-08:002010-02-25T07:55:31.532-08:00

The What's Your Issue Song Competition is designed to give youth around the world a positive outlet to express themselves using music. Many of the community members here are active songwriters and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to get your music and your message in front of an engaged audience. Please pass this along to your percussion/drummer/songwriter friends that meet

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-87789577499843770752010-02-21T09:13:00.000-08:002010-02-21T09:13:36.531-08:00

The Doumbek drum comes with as many variations in names as it does in style. Shaped like a Chalice or a Goblet, these drums provide crisp, clear, resonating sound and a beautiful appearance. Whether you play standing up or sitting down, it's hard not to be caught up in the infections beat of a Doumbek drum. The Doumbek is often the lead percussion instrument in Middle Eastern music, featuring

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-77018489195826012592010-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:002010-02-17T19:27:38.825-08:00

Meinl cymbals just introduced a 10" Candela series percussion hihat along with an applicable Low Hat designed specifically for cajon players. This extremely thin pair can be played with hands or lighter sticks and responds instantly. Perfect for cajon players who need a warm and soft sounding hihat which mounts comfortably within reach of the player. Listen to this hihat: The Meinl Drum Gear

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-81714875980220463832010-02-10T12:52:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:56:06.803-08:00

Drums transcend normal logic; the inherent healing and positive qualities have enhanced something very personal to me, my own recovery." photo from wsbproductions.com.Playing his first paid gig at age 12 in 1959, Eddie Tuduri has lived every aspect of a drummer's life. His professional drumming career has spanned over 40 years working with artists such as Delaney Bramlett, Bobby Whitlock, The

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-88333819964348224482010-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:002010-02-10T10:57:37.159-08:00

For our friends in Canada: This Saturday join artists and musicians in a large drum circle event to raise funds for Haiti earthquake victims. "We just hope everyone can come and have a party and send a lot of good vibes to Haiti. They don't need pity. They need love and compassion," said event planner Stephanie Cerins. DATE: Saturday, Feb. 13 (all-day entertainment fest) LOCATION: Comeakin

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-52864320404452205322010-02-06T07:29:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:51:39.651-08:00

During a time when music and arts classes are threatened nationwide, the NAMM Foundation continues its effort to recognize schools across the United States with the strongest music education programs The NAMM Foundation invites schools and communities that support music education to participate in the 2010 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME). Established in 1998, BCME recognizes and

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-8702951699339556152010-01-28T07:45:00.000-08:002010-01-28T07:45:06.271-08:00

X8 Drums is proud to announce that they have joined MENC as a corporate member, thereby continuing their commitment to the promotion of music as a daily part of every student's education. From the time our children are babies, they respond to the sounds of music. We play sing-a-long games with our infants, and music plays a big part in the makeup of their playthings. As children grow and

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-37875397447387892922010-01-26T05:46:00.000-08:002010-01-26T07:52:00.478-08:00

The only place these djembes are light is on your pocket book. The new Toca line of lightweight hand drums feature authentic Afro-Cuban sound coupled with indisputable value: It's a match made in hand drum heaven. With the Toca Lightweight Hand Drums you receive an excellent combination of value, looks, and sound quality. Toca Hand Drums feature sculpted shells in a variety of hand painted

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-26245492423513803452010-01-22T16:08:00.000-08:002010-01-22T16:08:16.410-08:00

No one could deny the statement that music makes the world go around. We listen to it during exercise; we attend concerts and other events where music is a focal point. It blares behind us during almost every TV show, occasion, or during our workday. Without music, the world would seem completely quiet, despite the noise of our everyday lives. Every three years, the International Music Products

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-61472196311331995152010-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:002010-01-11T12:42:17.007-08:00

The importance of purchasing your drum from reputable sources When participating in a drum circle, you might expect to be carried away by the beat of the drums and feel invigorated after. What you wouldn't expect is to develop a case of anthrax. The drum community was startled after recent reports surfaced that a woman participating in a New Hampshire drum circle developed a case of

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-60383225045321641432010-01-11T06:52:00.000-08:002010-01-11T06:52:21.043-08:00

Check out great deals on musical gear from X8 Drums, Latin Percussion and Toca. All sale prices are good until 3/31/10 or while supplies last.X8 Rhythm Rainstick Sale Price: $21.99  Toca Synergy Pro Africa Style Djembe Sale Price: $154.99  Toca Antique Gold Mechanically Tuned Djembe w/ Bag, 14 Inch Sale Price: $169.99   Ruby Pro African Djembe™, 13-14" Head w/Bag Sale Price: $274.55 Deep Carve

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-73372115149105879552009-12-13T17:38:00.000-08:002009-12-13T17:38:43.037-08:00

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute. Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline,

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-36200524077474140972009-11-30T16:06:00.000-08:002009-11-30T16:06:34.921-08:00

For some companies, the illegal harvesting of wood from protected forests is a big business. Getting a low cost deal on a lot of wood means a huge profit in the pocket of the company, and no one in corporate America is going to argue about profits after the free fall that was and still is resulting from the economic recession. In this light, it's not surprising that instrument manufacturers are

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-44185587263553495502009-11-23T14:04:00.000-08:002009-11-23T14:51:41.050-08:00

Ruby Pro African Djembe™, 13-14" Head The Ruby Pro African djembe drum is a professional level djembe that sounds absolutely fantastic and is built to perfection. Made with the utmost care and attention to detail this Pro African djembe drum is a hand-carved beauty that is not only stunning but a true work of art. It just doesn’t get any better than this!

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-11891094232023979662009-11-19T14:22:00.000-08:002009-11-19T14:22:44.137-08:00

Federal agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local police today seized wood, guitars, computers and boxes of files from Gibson Guitar's Massman Road manufacturing facility. Gibson is being investigated for the illegal importation of Madagascar wood. Importing illegal wood is no joke! With the recent passage of the Lacey Act importers bringing wood into this country that hasn't

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-83738373028275846222009-11-19T14:08:00.000-08:002009-11-19T14:08:17.346-08:00

Very few instruments can make the hair on your arms stand up in the way that a didgeridoo can. Long and low tones escape the base as you blow into it, creating a musical sound that can't be replicated with any other pipe. Although not as popular in modern times, the didgeridoo is the world's oldest wind instrument. A natural wooden trumpet that was traditionally fashioned from eucalyptus trees

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108264961068677109.post-88520120078968533762009-11-15T11:55:00.000-08:002009-11-17T09:47:53.123-08:00

A drum circle is an assembly of individuals gathered into a circle to play percussion instruments like hand drums. Drum circles create beautiful, spontaneous music together that empowers the participants to facilitate society, foster spirit, and encourage well-being. Drum circles offer recreation, emotional relief, and spiritual manifestation through social interaction. Drum circles usually

Kristinnoreply@blogger.com0