Rhythm and Harmony Cacao Immersion

This workshop is a collaboration between Djulz Chambers (founder of Melbourne-based Soul Circles Drumming) and Peter Hunt (composer, musician and lead lyricist of Kooii). It is an invitation to participate in the creation of a collectively generated musical experience inspired by the energy of all who attend and by the vibration of a pure cacao elixir that is to be offered. The workshop will apply the powerful language of the West-African Djembe and percussion ensemble, as well as the strength of breath and song, to amplify our intentions for healing and communion.

We will open by drinking intentionally prepared 100% Guatamalan cacao, imbued with the prayers we offer both individually and collectively. You will then be guided in the production of a complete drum arrangement that resonates with the vibration of this ancient and sacred plant, as well as given opportunities to expand into your own rhythmic expression with basic tools of improvisation. Further, you will be guided in the development of your vocal expression to expound the beauty and wisdom of what lies within, and to relate to the drumming experience in a different way. This will be initiated by uniting our breath, movement and natural tones and culminate in a harmonic arrangement that lends itself to each individual’s unique sound. Our afternoon will also include integrated discussion of universal wisdom relevant to our experience together.

About the Facilitators:

DJULZ CHAMBERS

For more than a decade since her initiation into the art-forms of drumming and storytelling in Burkina Faso (West Africa), Djulz Chambers has been in dedicated service to communities around the world via her application of both modalities. Soul Circles Drumming offers sessions based on the wisdom of the natural world, that are immensely successful in orientating individuals to their chosen path of healing and expression of their own unique creativity. They integrate universal wisdom referring us to our elemental bodies and to our relationships through a myriad of meditative exercises, and offer fully facilitated West-African inspired drumming arrangements that serve to activate each person’s intentions. These sessions provide a valuable complement to other modalities promoting personal growth and healing, as well as standing on their own in the interests of cultivating self-sovereignty and embodying ancestral wisdom.

PETER HUNT

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Peter Hunt integrates the influence of jazz and reggae music, as well as traditional African and folk music, in his prolific repertoire. Though best known as Kooii’s singer, songwriter and trumpet player, Peter is a serial collaborator due to his gift for holding a space with his music for belonging and connection. This allows musicians to breathe their creativity through his compositions, and for the listener to be in the music. Outside of his immediate family of musicians, he makes this space available to the wider community in intimate song gatherings. Within these gatherings, individuals are invited to release their voices and activate their rhythm with the support of their community – lending to a group expression that transcends the sum of its parts and becomes a ‘medicine’ for all.

We suggest bringing your own drum, though we do have a few if you are without. Please be in touch around this. A contribution of $35-$40 is asked of all. Any further enquiries may be made by contacting Djulz via djulz@soulcirclesdrumming.com.

Book in!