Percussion programming.

"The activities of a camp experience seem to culminate around the campfire, where the quiet atmosphere is a natural setting for reflection, friendship and song. Where there are friends singing, a guitar seems to be a natural accompanying instrument. The guitar, being the social instrument that it is, enriches a camp experience. Moreover, it can enhance the effectiveness of a camp counselor" (Ticknor, 1992).

The guitar can have a positive effect on camp experiences. However, camp staff may want to ask - is there room at camp for other musical forms, particularly percussion, amidst the choruses of Kumbayah?

The self-contained camp life may be an ideal environment for musical exploration. Occasions in which music can enhance camp life include, "beginning and ending the day, mealtimes, campfire time, outdoor hikes, spiritual occasions, rest periods, talent shows, and special concerts" (Batcheller and Monsour, 1972). Obviously, the guitar is suited for many of these occasions, and rightfully so. You wouldn't want the campers dancing and laying down rhythms after meals. However, I strongly believe the world of camp can open its arms to the world of music. And percussion, the oldest of musical forms, can be made easy and fun for the campers and staff alike. Whether it's a nighttime activity, a break from an afternoon hike, or a special concert, here are a few principles to what I call percussion programming:

Clap! Sing! Dance!

Drumming and dancing belong together. In most cultures people drum in celebration of the dance, knowing their music will induce movement. Young people, in fact, start moving to and mimicking the dance before even thinking about the drum. On a very basic level, everyone can move to music and have it uplift their spirits.

Before grabbing an instrument, it's crucial to have campers clapping, singing, and dancing together. As a summer camp program, this is important for two reasons.

First, the clapping and singing involves everyone in the group. No one camper feels left out or defeated by not being able to keep up with peers.

Second, the dancing helps adolescents feel comfortable moving in front of their peers. Sounds optimistic as I recall my own terrifying experiences stepping out in front of others, whether in dance, sport, or speech. The idea of displaying one's movement becomes a little easier when people are clapping you on.

The Pulse

We can all feel the pulse, especially those of us who grew up on rock and roll. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 1, 2, 3, 4. Tap your foot to the beat of any song on the radio. That's the pulse. This simple, straight-forward feeling of time is the basic building block of percussion. An understanding of the pulse is a perfect segue into initial clapping, singing, and dancing exercises. Here are nine basic steps:

1. Form a circle and clap to the pulse, keeping it steady.

2. Move your feet to the pulse.

3. Vary the clapping along the basic 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 1...(the numbers are the pulses, the "ands" are the up beats)

4. Have a call and response game go around the circle. For example, half the circle claps on 1 and 2 while the other half claps on 3 and 4. The leader can clap the "ands." Keep moving! Keep it steady!

5. Now have campers sing simple rhythms. Create a proverb and have it go around the circle. Mimic nature sounds.

6. Scatter different sounds around the circle in relation to the different claps.

7. Now move!

8. Everyone can do similar steps or create different dances. Campers can dance around the perimeter or in the center of the circle.

9. Use your imagination!

Instruments

Now that campers are clapping, singing, and dancing, percussive instruments can be incorporated into the program. Some campers will gravitate toward playing drums, some will prefer to dance, and others may simply want to clap. No matter which, everyone's involved in creating a musical experience.

Besides being a wonderful program unto itself, letting the campers design their own instruments will instill a sense of pride, wonder, and respect for the materials used and music to come. Nature is a great provider, but be careful not to harm the habitat (no branches broken off trees!). Here are a few suggestions:

* Clave: beat two sticks together

* Log Drum: beat two sticks on various sawed logs (different logs, different sounds)

* Gourd Rattle: shake pebbles inside seashells or inside a plastic container

* Bell: beat a stick on an old plate or coffee cup

* Drum: beat a stick on an old bucket or hands on old horse saddle.

Activities

With these percussive principles, the sky's the limit. In addition to dances and jam sessions, specific activities involving the drum can be molded around the age and personality of a group.

Ken Robinson, Director of Camp of the Turtle in Bozeman, Mont., has used the drum in a variety of settings, creating dynamic situations. Here are a few examples:

Storytelling 

A meditative, guided-fantasy, storytelling session is usually a very relaxing, sure-fire activity. The drum adds security, comfort, and intrigue to this setting. While one counselor plays the drum, another counselor leads the story. The drummer can create a variety of sounds, getting closer to the campers as the story progresses or calling campers up to participate.

Listening

Actively listening to the drum, without the use of other senses, can also serve as an activity. In an outdoor setting, preferably a large meadow, blindfold campers and place two or three different drummers around the group at different points. Have the campers slowly walk, crawl, or dance toward one of the rhythms. This activity places the drum's power in perspective, especially in terms of connecting with our heartbeat.

Wake up calls

Instead of awaking campers with a bell or trumpet, try beating a steady drum while walking through the campsite. It may take a little while longer for campers to rise, but the beat is a natural, soothing alarm clock.

We all have rhythm. We all have hearts that provide a pulse; a backdrop, a beginning. Still, self-consciousness and fear of the unknown tend to cloud our perceptions and hinder experiences that promote joy. What better place than the loving, caring atmosphere of camp to let one's guard down? That's the big picture, isn't it? Helping campers let their guard down, feeding them the idea that's it's okay to be themselves. Camp has helped shy campers understand this concept. Singing by the campfire helps. A midnight hike helps. A tennis match helps. Dancing and drumming can help too.

References

Ticknor, S. (1992, July-August). Leadership Skills in Three Chords: guitars at camp. Camping Magazine. 64(6), 34-37.

Batcheller, J. M. & Monsour, S. (1972). Music In Recreation And Leisure (2nd ed.). Dubuque, Iowa: WM. C. Brown Company Publishers.

Robinson, K. (1995, April). Personal Interview. Camp of the Turtle, Bozeman, Mont.

Jeff Weintraub is a Recreation Administration graduate student at California State University, Chico with a combined emphasis in Leisure Studies and Residential Camp Administration. He has worked at camps in California and Washington and has been studying West African music for the past two years.