Drumming and Singing

Drumming and singing are the two most ancient ways of making music on earth. Cultures throughout history have used drum and voice for celebration, invocations, initiations, weddings, hunting, harvesting, healing, Shamanic journeys, and just plain fun. Hand drumming and singing connect us to ourselves, to each other, and to the rhythms of the earth and cosmos.

This retreat, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Rowe Camp and Conference Center, offers an opportunity to celebrate the bursting forth of spring and to reconnect to our inner and outer nature through rhythm and song. Call forth your soul’s expression as you join your hands, heart, and voice in traditional songs and rhythms from cultures throughout the world. Whether you’re an accomplished musician or someone who wants to make noise and holler, come prepared to experience the pure joy of drumming and singing in community.

Based on their strong friendship and belief in the universality and healing power of music, Vikki and John, have been teaching together for eight years. Their shared passion for music and the community it fosters is infectious, and together they create a safe, fun, non-competitive environment in which you will quickly tap into your own power through rhythm and voice. For drumming, you’ll learn West African rhythms, hand-drum techniques on various frame drums, vocal rhythm techniques, and community drumming skills. For singing, you’ll learn West African songs, gospel songs, and other songs from around the world. You’ll also learn vocal practices that help you warm up and release the power of your own sounds. Bring your voice, your hands, a drum if you have one, and a tape recorder if you like.

John de Kadt is a percussionist, poet, and a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. He has studied and played ethnic hand percussive instruments for 25 years and plays frame drums from India, Ireland, Brazil, and Egypt, as well as African and Cuban drums. He’s studied with percussion masters around the world, taught drumming on PBS and live nationally on NBC. He’s performed with Steve Gorn, Krishna Das, Robert Bly, Baba Olatunji, and others. John has also played on many recordings and recently released his own CD This Rhythm Is Not Mine, which has met with rave reviews and been described as “an absolutely stellar-imaginative-soulful body-gyrating poetry-jam CD,” by Shiva Rea. John loves to teach both privately and in groups.
Vikki True’s musical influences include southern hymns, folk music, West African, Cuban, and jazz. Musician Simon Wainraub has called Vikki True “a force of nature, a one woman jazz explosion.” She is a spirit singer, jazz stylist, and educator who’s been performing professionally since she was 15, singing folk, gospel, R&B, funk, and jazz, which is her great love. Vikki has shared stages with Ani deFranco and Pete Seeger, and she has opened for Spyro Gyra and Taj Mahal. As a jazz vocalist, she’s appeared with Tommy Newsom, Eddie Harris, and Cuba’s premier jazz pianist Fran Amilio. She has two CDs with her gospel group, The Sweet Sisters of Mercy, and her solo CD is ’Bout Time.