SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Some say it’s the heartbeat of Mother Earth itself that resounds when Ocean County Drum Circle members gather together at Mathis Plaza.
Waretown resident Roseann DePasquale said she became interested in drum circles and decided to organize one closer to home. Three years ago, DePasquale and others casually met in Lacey Township’s Murray Grove and initiated the first Ocean County Drum Circle.
The move to Mathis Plaza this June provides participants with more exposure and allows them to share their experiences. Visitors to the waterfront park on the Toms River, stop to enjoy the sounds, with many becoming engaged in the concert of rhythms.
“Drums gives you this sense of belonging and can put people in a meditative state,” shared DePasquale. “They’re basically for the mind, body and soul.”
People of all ages drop in when the Ocean County Drum Circle announces plans for get togethers. White haired seniors connect with millennials and young children as they all fall into a reflective trance to the beat of various percussion instruments.
The feeling of acceptance and non-judgment appears to be a primary goal of the participants. Some of the instruments are decorated with stickers calling for world peace.
Many share stories of how they acquired their musical devices, which include shakers from as far away as African nations.
Miguel Ojedo came to play with the Ocean County Drum Circle for the first time last month. He brought along his young daughter who clung to her father as he played an instrument known as a shekere. Ojedo said he’s played with African drum circles in the past.
Ojedo’s shiny red instrument is actually made from a gourd and contains beads. It emits a pleasant sound that adds to the others. On the opposite side of the circle, a woman adds to the rhythm with a rainstick. Cymbals, triangles, and a tambourine accentuate different tones than those made by the snares and bass drums.
Sharon Fox comes to the Drum Circle to take advantage of their sounds. Her body makes subtle moves in synch with the music. A self-taught bellydancer, Fox’s arms gracefully invite watchers to join her.
Three young women appeared at last month’s Drum Circle and followed Fox’s lead. They swayed their hips slightly as big smiles overtook their faces.
While each of the individuals plays a tone of their own, the conversion of rhythms almost sounds therapeutic. Some of the drummers appear more experienced than others and initiate the beginning beats. However, no one has sheet music or seems to follow any particular order.
“Earth my Body, Water my Blood, Air my Breath and Fire my Spirit,” chanted drum circle participants as they set the mood to one of their sessions.
Whether people come to play, to dance, or to listen, the experience seems to create a calming effect. A connection of strangers through soothing tones brings a few moments of peace in a world filled with angst.
The Ocean County Drum Circle returns to Mathis Plaza on September 11 at 2 p.m. All are invited to attend and seek more information about the group on their Facebook page.
