One Spirit Workshops in Essential Spirituality

08-812 Way of the Drum
With Rev Bob Demetrician

Tuesday evenings, April 7, 14, 21 & 28
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
$125 Public, $95 OSIS Students
OSIS Credit Value: 1
Distance Learning Not Available

One of humanity’s most ancient and primal instruments, the drum has had ubiquitous global significance not merely as an instrument for entertainment but a tool for transcendence. Cultures the world over have utilized percussion and rhythm in myriad ways from communication to synchronicity to prayer.

On an individual psycho-spiritual level, drumming synchronizes the frequencies in the left and right brain hemispheres, prompting the relaxation response, a state of meditation that brings a healing balance to the body. Communal drumming has been consistently proven to reduce stress, create a strong sense of community (even among strangers), and produce a profound relaxation of both the mind and body. Those who drum (or simply listen to the drumming around them) relax deeply and the environment creates an atmosphere where prayer, meditation, and self-healing can take place.

The course is open to students from any level of musical accomplishment or none at all; there is no right or wrong way to drum . Each evening will begin with a short ceremony, guided meditation, or story followed by an initial drumming session including instruction of some basic techniques. The class lecture or discussion will center on thematic topics including:
• Drumming and spirituality
• Drumming as a form of prayer
• Drumming meditation
• Therapeutic effects of drumming

Rev. Bob Demetrician is a first-year dean at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and has been the chief audio recording engineer at One Spirit since it's inception in 2002. Bob holds a BA in Music from Rutgers University and has been a professional musician for most of his life.