Archive | August, 2011

All the Languages We Speak

By on August 31, 2011 in Kat's Musings

I get tickled when people say “I’m switching hats for this project” or “I’m putting on my business hat for this one!” Right away I envision a hat rack in motion, turning on a lazy Susan, displaying a derby, beret, turban, top hat, baseball cap, and fez. Each hat would be assigned to a role that we fulfill in life.

The hat analogy works, and here’s my second favorite analogy: Language.

During the course of a day, at any point, I may jump around these different communication modes:

Therapist-speak– This sounds like understanding or moving in the direction of understanding. It’s  gentle, grounded, stable, and calm. It’s expression is that of connection, problem-solving, and serving.

Rhythm-speak– Sometimes this sounds like organized patterns in a defined space. Sometimes syncopated, sometimes straight. And other times, totally ambient with absolutely no structure. My rhythm-speak brings up old memories or introduces something totally new.

Significant-Other-speak– This sounds like helping and being helped, supporting and being supported. It’s an even exchange and full of caring. It’s witnessing and being witnessed. It can be fun and playful or deep and serious.

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8 Undoubtable Ways To Know That You Are Rhythm

By on August 23, 2011 in Music & Wellness

**Special Note: Class starts on Monday! We’re down to the wire with enrollment at Online ZEN. Come on over– I’m guaranteeing tons of fun while learning valuable info. (http://onlinezencmte.com)

A couple of weekends ago, I drummed with Christine Stevens for a showing of Discover the Gift. One line in the movie struck me. One of the co-creators Demian Lichtenstein mentioned that we can go weeks without food, we can go days without water. But we can only survive moments without breath… a very rhythmic process.

We also can’t go very long without a heartbeat.

Even if we’re paralyzed, something in us is moving when we’re alive.

Then I started thinking about all the simplest life processes that are naturally rhythmic. I know there’s more, and I’m certainly not the first to bring up the topic. But here are some starters:

Body rhythm

1. You breathe.
2. You move.
3. Your thoughts enter and exit the mind.
4. You extend and contract.
5. You have an ebb and flow of emotions.
6. You have a heartbeat.
7. You blink your eyes.
8. You walk.

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Come slap yourself silly!

By on August 16, 2011 in Rhythm Renegades

I had the pleasure of interviewing Danny “SlapJazz” Barber in San Diego. He’s a phenomenal body percussionist and jaw harpist. He’s played with dozens of recordings artists… including Ziggy Marley! He’s a genuine, nice guy, who feels like a close friend after only a couple of meetings.

Danny will be at the International Body Music Festival in November

Here’s what’s in store for you:
1:14 How Danny got started with hambone
2:25 Mini-workshop for simple hambone
4:00 SlapJazz improvises a hambone piece
4:50 Jaw harp technique
6:38 SlapJazz introduces a one-of-a-kind Italian-made jaw harp
8:25 SlapJazz improvises a jaw harp piece

What kind of bridges can you create between the musicianship of SlapJazz and your own practice or work?

I’ve got a couple to start:
You don’t even need instruments to make music.
The jaw harp is an inexpensive, easy instrument that you could take around with you in your pocket. (I might have one in my car, in fact. It’s great entertainment for red lights.)

Got any more?

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What does a corporate drumming event look like?

By on August 8, 2011 in Drumming

First, make sure to check out my newest project: Online ZEN. You’ll dig it. Now for the team builder:

Here’s how it all went down.

Logistics. Drums and small percussions for 60 engineers are ready to go, already in the seats. Instruments included 13 larger drums (djembes, doumbeks, tubanos), 13 frame drums, tons of metals, shakers, woods. 2 concentric circles on the lawn outside, right next to the beach. Extra mallets and shape drums in the middle. Shure digital wireless mic setup with Bose L1 Compact System and Yamaha Stagepas 300. My assistant JJ plays the gathering drum.

First rumble. Everyone enters the circle, awaiting the manager’s talk. We rumble in the manager to speak.

Team Building San Diego

Introduction. I introduce myself, request rings/watches to be removed, give results and expectations for the event (tied into the corporation’s 3 values).

Groove. Call and response. Team responds well, I call to groove. Each word used in the call to groove is based upon a specific corporate value. Rumble volume up and down to cut.

More groove. Clarify there is no wrong way to play. Groove. Sculpt out individual team members. Shaky at first, then participants get the hang of it. Sculpt out groups of 5-8 once shakiness was assessed. Cut for 4 beats, groove more. Cut, high-five neighbor.

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This Boomwhacker Video Is Brought To You By The Key Of C.

By on August 3, 2011 in Boomwhackers®, Kids

You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to share this video and complimentary arrangement with you. Seems like for-EVER.

Here’s a link to the brand new website, never seen before: http://OnlineZENCmte.com It has arrived. The video. The announcement. The kick-off. Thank you for checking it out. I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into what you’ll be seeing for the next 2 months.

And now, ladies and gentlemen… Introducing What I Am by Will.I.Am on the Boomwhackers!

 Suggested use: middle school or older. Have FUN! This song is great for teaching self-respect. Keep me posted~ I’d love to hear how it goes with your groups!

Click here to download the complimentary arrangement so that YOU can play this with YOUR groups, too! I transposed the song to C because unless you have chromatics, the key of C is easiest to play on boomwhackers.

And don’t forget… Visit Online ZEN to get CMTE credits from the comfort of your own home.

Wanna see the real Will.I.Am do this song? Check it—–

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