I was so glad that we got the information about the Center for Citizenship and Community Drum Circle! I had no idea it was going to happen, and it was a really special thing to go see. The students participating were part of the drum circle that sounds like it’s part of a Butler ICR. Today’s presentation was like their final concert, where they shared the music and dance they’ve been learning about all semester. A lot of cultures and traditions were represented—there were pieces from Uganda, Japan, Guinea, and Puerto Rico. There was drumming, dancing, yoga, a flute solo, poetry, and a lot of participation from the audience, which was my favorite part!
The speakers and students involved talked a little bit about getting out of your comfort zone to learn something new, which I think is relevant to probably every GHS course at Butler. Not every conversation we have is familiar or easy, but I think that makes them even more valuable. Since there are so many different cultures, backgrounds, ideas, and beliefs in the world, one of the most valuable things we can learn is to be comfortable being uncomfortable! The drum circle was a really welcoming space that celebrated diversity and creativity, and on top of that, was just really fun. Butler’s drum circle meets every Wednesday at 5:30pm at North Liberty Christian Church, and every Sunday at 3pm in the South Campus basement. They welcome anyone any time, so if it sounds interesting to you, feel free to check it out!