The current largest hand drum circle ever assembled consisted of 1,331 participants playing dolu drums at an event in India on May 6, 2012. Seems an impossible number to top, but the Maryland Center for Health Equity and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland are up for the challenge of setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest hand drum circle.

During the university’s annual  Maryland Day event, the Maryland Center for Health Equity will recruit at least 1,400 people to participate in the Health Equity Drum Circle and help break the record for largest hand drum ensemble. The Maryland Center for Health Equity will also use the drum circle to raise awareness of and promote health equity.

For anyone interested in participating in the drum circle, the event will take place on April 26, 2014 at the Byrd Stadium at the University of Maryland from 12:00-3:30 p.m. You’re welcome to bring your own hand drum or several hand drums if you don’t mind sharing. Hand drums may include but are not limited to djembe, doumbek, bongo, conga, ashiko, frame drum, tambourine, and cajon. If you don’t have a drum, choose the ticket option “Group of 10+” or “Individual” when you register so that the organizations running the event know how many participants will need a drum.

To learn more about the Health Equity Drum Circle and to find information about planning your day at the university, visit  www.healthequity.umd.edu.