The Niles Historical Society is trying to get a monthly drum circle started with the first meeting tentatively set for 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Niles Historical Museum, 8970 N Milwaukee Ave., depending on the turnout.
“I have 25 drums at home and I am looking for 25 people,” Michael Crisci, of the Niles Historical Society, said. “These are drums that I used to use and I purchased all of the drums back when I was a teacher in 2002 and we used them at the school.”
Crisci was previously a teacher at a Catholic school and was approached by the principal of the school and asked if he wanted to do a drumming course with some of the students. Crisci then studied up on the basics of drumming-techniques, theories and types of drums, before acquiring the instruments and taking them to the school.
“It’s a team builder and it works by having people play different rhythms on different drums but it all comes together because we’re in the same count,” he said. “You’re part of the pattern and when the pattern comes together and runs, oh my goodness.”
Along with allowing people to work together to create a beat, Crisci said that the drum circle also allows people to feel their emotions throughout the process.
“It’s almost like mediation,” Crisci said. “Your body becomes part of the rhythm.”
While the classes are free, Crisci said that a $5 donation is suggested to help with the cost of storing the drums at the Niles Historical Museum and Cultural Center.
Those interested in attending the class are asked to call 847-390-0160 prior to the event.
Alicia Ramirez is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
