As a part of Long Beach City College’s Healthy Viking Initiative, a “Viking Drumming Circle” has been launched mid-semester, as an inclusive and meditative method for students to alleviate their stress.
On behalf of LBCC Student Health Services, students have the opportunity to interact with authentic West African percussion instruments, such as shakers, Djembe drums, shekeres, bells, and more.
Hanif Riley and his son Kosi Williams were selected to host all upcoming drum circle events for their knowledge and passion for West African drumming.
Although students are encouraged to “B.Y.O.D.,” or “Bring your own drum,” Riley provides a splendor of instruments for students to choose from at each event.
The communal aspect of individuals coming together to experience the sensations of rhythmic drumming, physical movement, sound, and the evocation of emotions, is healing to the senses.
Ancient Native Americans amongst other cultures traditionally practiced drumming in circles to cultivate energy and balance mind, body, and spirit through movement and music.
Thousands of years later, the practice still resonates with us for its healing properties.
Hector Beitel, social director for The Order of Tong International, explained the healing benefits of collaborative drumming.
“People need something that helps them relax,” Beitel said. “Drum circles create a vibration, certain vibrations destress the body, and certain people need to come out here and vibe with everyone else that are trying to destress.”
Going to college and taking several classes while balancing work and family life can create a strain of anxiety, stress, depression, or a feeling of overall tension in the body for college students.
Justin Nop explained his personal experience with tension.
“I get anxious during the semester, it’s a common thing … I find ways to cope, but maybe they’re not the most effective ways,” Nop said.
In regards to the Viking Drumming Circle helping students cope with stress, Nop said, “I think it is a good way to help students with any anxiety that they may be coping with … It will allow them to get their frustrations out in a fun manner.”
Kosi Williams took part in the first drum circle on Oct. 24 at LAC with his father and spoke about what meditative drumming is capable of bringing to people.
“I think the drum circle helps find clarity in yourself, just enjoying rhythm and music,” Williams said.
“It could honestly be for whatever the person needs at the moment … You need a little happiness at the moment, you need a little therapy, or releasing stuff out from a long week.”
The first set of drum circles took place on Oct. 24 at LAC and Oct. 30 at PCC.
Upcoming drum circles will take place at LAC in front of the A-building on Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Dec. 5. Drum circles at PCC take place in front of the EE-building on Nov. 13, Nov. 27, and Dec. 11.
The events will start at 12 p.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. and all students are welcome to participate, even if they do not have their own drum.