Spring 2008

A Whole New World

The industrial revolution started over a century ago and the information age has been upon us for quite a while, but society continues to change with technology. Wait a minute, what does technology have to do with what Sinclair Sound sells? We sell drums, a very old technology. Even some of the newer designs are still meant to emulate ancient creations. After all, music is inherent in us. We may have not emerged from caves naturally inclined to make our thumbs sore by texting a long message to the grandparents, but tapping out a tune is a skill, a need, and a desire that was with humankind back at the beginning. Isn't it silly, though, that we haven't acknowledged it? Strangely, technology is allowing us to do just that.

The tabla is a perfect example of an instrument benefiting indirectly from technology. It was once a very elitist instrument. To even attempt to play it, you had to be someone or know someone—perhaps even marry someone. The skill was taught verbally. You would be an apprentice for years. Now that's not to say that the skill in modern times is acquired quickly or without effort. In fact, in our impatient times, you are probably less likely to find someone willing to dedicate themselves to the demanding study and practice required to master of the instrument. The good news is that you don't have to know anyone. Tabla ownership and instruction are available to everyone.

Okay, but now I have to stick up for the instrument. If an instructor placed his cherished instrument in front of you and you knew of no other way to even observe an instrument close up, you would naturally have a certain respect for it. As the teacher looked on, you would no doubt play with care and with an intent to play with proper style and poise. If you suddenly played the instrument like you were drumming your fingers on any old tin can, your instructor would berate you or advise you to leave the room. You could not help show some reverence for the drum and for the way you played it.

With the freedom of choice comes greater personal responsibility. If you want to buy a bodhran and play it with your hand, nobody will stop you. If you want to play the tabla with drum sticks, it won't last long, but that's your business. Will you be pleased with the result? Of course not. Instruments with a long history deserve your curious study and dedication to proper learning. So, bottom line, satisfy your curiosity to discover instruments of your own and other cultures. Don't let their history intimidate you. BUT follow through with the commitment you've made and seek to observe and continue their tradition.

The Drummer is In

REMO has a new division devoted to drumming for healing. No, there aren't special drums or shakers that do unusual things to the a person's body. This isn't witch doctor stuff. It's actually a focus of research and instruction. Okay, so they are developing a a line of djembes, frame drums, tambourines, and other instruments that have serene blue graphics, but the intstruments are essentially items that have been used for centuries. It's just that the academics out there are formally recognizing that we all have a rhythm anyway (hint: it's called a heartbeat) and getting in tune with it or responding to it, either in a group or individual situations can have measurable results.

Lest you think this all psycho-babble confusion of cause-and-effect, I'll report to you that Neurologist Barry Bittman, M.D. has led the discovery of a specific group drumming apporach that has "significantly increased the disease fighting activity of circulating white blood cells (Natural Killer cells) that seek out and destroy cancer cells and virally-infected cells."

Read more about REMO's HealthRHYTHMS.

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