|
|
|
| |
| |
Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
July 12, 2005
|
|
| site design imagesparkle.com |
| December 4, 2004 |
Rhythm and drums to heal the soul – Christine Stevens and Francis Silva |
|
| |
 |
| A drum brings a smile |
Beating to the rhythms of South Africa and Brazil, two professional drum therapists came onboard between these two musical nations, to show Peace Boat participants that drumming is not only about enjoyment but is also conducive to a healthy lifestyle. |
|
|
 |
| Francis Silva making music and amazement on a tambourine |
Francis Silva is an internationally acclaimed percussionist and president of the largest overseas Brazilian Samba carnival, held every year in Asakusa, Japan. He has lived there for over 25 years and is respected as the “father” of Brazilian music in Japan. “Nobody knew what Samba was when I first arrived in Japan and I felt that Japanese beats and Brazilian rhythms, at the core, were not so different. I wanted, therefore, to bring Brazil to the East”. |
| |
 |
| Samba on the high seas |
An enthusiastic Peace Boat audience gaped at the multitude of sounds coming from his drum, tambourine, hands and voice. He modestly stated that he conducted percussion workshops with the performers of the musical Stomp in the United Kingdom some nine years ago, and that he recently helped form the Drum Circle Facilitators Association in Japan, earlier in 2004. Francis’ expertly facilitated onboard drumming workshops, Samba dance classes as well as Portuguese lessons. However it was his Samba carnival fever, choreography and drumming that shone through at the magnificent outdoor Latin festival on the eve of Peace Boat’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro. |
| |
 |
| Many of the senior participants had never experience self-created rhythm like this in their lives |
Christine Stevens is a music therapist and drum circle facilitator based in the United States. Her work, known as ‘recreational drumming for health’ is the tool she uses to help people deal with stress related disorders and resolve conflict. Trained by Arthur Hole, father of the drum circle, Christine spends her time travelling all over the United States and Japan giving various workshops under the “Health Rhythms” and “Drum Circle” programmes. Health Rhythms is based on research which clearly shows that drumming boosts the amount of white blood cells and is therefore an effective preventative medicine. Christine uses Health Rhythms as a way of reaching senior citizens, even moved some of the elderly Peace Boat participants to tears as they said they were able to feel young again. One wheelchair bound woman was assisted to her feet and began to dance. It was a very emotional moment for all present. |
| |
 |
| Facilitating a rhythm workshop for Peace Boat staff |
Without a doubt her workshops bring light relief and personal empowerment to all those involved. Her Drum Circle workshops usually take place in schools, community centers and corporate companies in order to facilitate team building and reduce emotional exhaustion. Her piano, flute, guitar and drumming skills assisted participants in creating a communal rhythm, helping them to feel integrated, empowered and free. She is currently working towards the completion of a “Healing Drum Kit”, experimenting with different beats and rhythms and the physical and emotional effects that they have. |
| |
 |
| Francis and Christine onboard |
Both Francis and Christine were able to bring their drum facilitation skills not only to the onboard Peace Boat participants, but also to the people on exchange programmes in South Africa and Namibia. They are both living testimony that music breaks down barriers and enables people of different backgrounds and cultures to find a common language of communication. “We all have hearts that are the same shape but they all beat at a different speed. That is music,” expressed Francis. Even though the pair are no longer onboard, their drumming continues and new facilitators are born. Such is the cycle and intention of the Drum Circle. |
| |
For more information on Christine’s workshops see her website: www.healthrhythms.net
For more information on Francis' samba team see his website: www.ismusic.ne.jp/cruzeiro |
| |
|
|
|
