"What is possible when arts belong to everybody?"
In an inspiring TED Talk, Lear deBessonet beautifully articulates the transformative power of the arts when they are accessible to all. She envisions a world where arts break down barriers, foster connection, and reveal ‘the divine spark within each individual’. Drawing from her vision, let's explore how this applies to our drumming community. This blog delves into the themes of breaking social barriers, fostering a sense of belonging, participating in a larger purpose, and celebrating the human spirit, envisioning a world where drumming truly belongs to everyone. Let’s explore the power of our community.
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How many high school drumlines exist, where students from different social cliques found common ground and forged long lasting friendships?
Breaking social barriers
Drum corps and drumlines offer a unique environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, breaking free from societal ‘boxes’. Within these groups, social status, race, or background dissolve, allowing members to connect through their shared passion for drumming. How many high school drumlines exist, where students from different social cliques found common ground and forged long lasting friendships? There’re countless. Our community of drummers bridges gaps and fosters genuine connections. Within a marching band or drumline, people see beyond societal labels, recognizing the shared humanity in each other through the beats and the art they create together.
Fostering a sense of belonging
Drumming, as it being a form of expression, has the power to create a profound sense of belonging and unity. It offers an emotional and psychological refuge, helping individuals feel connected and understood. For instance, the participants of our Marching Drummers Festival, regardless of skill level, felt a sense of inclusion and community. Our shared passion connects, makes it easier to have some small talk en just gives a reason to make an effort to come together. In addition, just being part of a local drumming group can make a (big) difference in one’s life. When I started as a 9 year old in the local marching band, I’ve found solace and companionship. Later, this grew to what’s now Rudimental Drummers today.
The question is: how do we get the uninvolved, involved?
Imagine a world where every individual has the opportunity to express themselves through drumming, or any other form of art, finding their place within a supportive and understanding community. The question is: how do we get the uninvolved, involved? How do we reach the unreachable individuals? How do we include everybody?
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It’s the camaraderie and shared triumph during a successful performance that makes drumming together extremely enjoyable.
The importance of a larger purpose
Being part of something larger than oneself, such as a drum corps, fosters personal growth and fulfillment. The collective effort required for performances and competitions instills a sense of purpose and achievement in each member. Consequently, this is definitely an impetus for one to get involved in our community. Just have a look at the top performing corps in DCI. Each member is dedicating hours of practice to perfect their routine, preparing for this major competition. It doesn’t matter who you ask, they’ll all say this was an unforgettable, amazing experience.
It’s the camaraderie and shared triumph during a successful performance that make it extremely enjoyable, and that motivates others to join in. The joy and fulfillment that come from working towards a common goal transcend individual limitations, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that enriches lives.
Celebrating the human spirit
Moreover, drumming can reveal the divine spark within each person, celebrating the creativity and spirit inherent in everyone. This might sound a bit too philosophical or ambiguous, but what I mean is that the transformative power of drumming extends beyond the individual, touching personal and communal contexts alike.
Drumming together brings up the best version of ourselves.
For instance, did you ever experience that you surpassed your own expectations during a little solo spot, because you felt so inspired by the collective energy of your group? Drumming is a way to tap into the deepest parts of our being, connecting us with others on such a profound level, which is not really describable. It brings up the best version of ourselves, of the others around us. This is the divine spark what I’m talking about, and Lear deBessonet mentioned as well.
In short, by breaking social barriers, fostering a sense of belonging, providing a higher purpose, and celebrating the human spirit, drumming can transform individual lives and communities. Thus, Lear deBessonet’s vision of the arts that should belong to everyone, resonates deeply within our very own community. Embracing the inclusive, community-driven spirit of the arts can enrich not just individuals, but also the drummer community as a whole.
So now, knowing this, what do we do? Well, engage more deeply with your local drumming communities, or consider joining one if you haven’t already. Practicing for hours by yourself in your own room is nice, but experience the benefits of community firsthand and contribute to this community. Contribute sharing our passion, because drumming should belong to everyone.
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