The drum is a part of native heritage from tribal cultures all over the world. This single sided shaman drum is a traditional native drum crafted using a wooden hoop or frame and a stretched rawhide head and lacing. Covered on only one side, the back is laced to form the symbol of a medicine wheel with the four cardinal directions that also serve as a hand hold. Great for drumming circles and meditation.

In this workshop you will be supplied everything you need to create your own frame drum and accompanying beater. While you are making your creations Valarie and Ian will teach you the care and feeding of your drum, as well as how to use them in healing and cleansing ceremonies. We will sing songs and tell stories throughout the two days.

On Friday evening we will begin with a Drum Journey to connect to the Heartbeat of the Drum, and soak our individual hides.  Saturday morning we will join together again and start the process of creating our drums and beaters.  After creating the drum, we'll celebrate its birth with a special ceremony. 

Birthing a drum is an intense process, one not easily forgotten.

$145 Registration includes all materials for a 13" diameter drum and beater.  All other materials will be provided and are included in the price of the workshop. If you have some special beads or feathers which you'd like to decorate your drum you may also bring them.

Presented by Valarie and Ian Haag.
Class is limited to 10 students only. $50 deposit and early registration is required for this class so that supplies can be purchased.

Some use Rattles in healing to dispel illness and dis-ease, while others use them in ritual and celebration. Rattles can help us to ground. The sound of the Rattle creates a unique energy. As an extension of the self, the Rattle has much to teach us.

In this workshop, we will talk of the significance of the Rattle, as well as respect for the Rattle and its uses. You will then create and birth your own Sacred Rattle, charged with your energy. Your personal prayers and intent will give it life. You will select the elements of your Rattle honoring all the kingdoms and directions. The body of the rattle is made of a gourd, fur and feathers, bringing us together with the four-leggeds and the winged people. The handle is made of wood, touching us to the Tree People. The contents include sacred plants (corn, sweetgrass & tobacco).

Unlike western culture, where instruments carry historical or personal value, within traditional Native American cultures, the concept of percussion performance and spirituality are intertwined. An instrument can be deemed to possess a life and persona of its own, which is awakened when played and may assist the performer in centering themselves and in communicating with higher forms of wisdom within the spiritual realm.

Each rattle will be made the old way and blessed with sage and sweetgrass. You will assemble and decorate your own rattle. We will offer your rattle to Spirit through ceremony, giving thanks to the gifts of Mother Earth and all our Spirit Relations. Perhaps this will be a new beginning for you.

Presented by Ian Haag.

The total cost of the workshop, which includes all materials and tools to make your own rattle, fill it, and decorate it is $85. Other materials for decoration will  also be available for purchase.