MacVoices #1328: The Road to Macworld: The Drum Circle Event with John Fitzgerald and Arthur Hull

The Road to  Macworld/iWorld 2013  continues with a discussion with John Fitzgerald  the Manager of Recreational Music Activities for Remo Inc. and Arthur Hull  of Village Music Circles, the two individuals responsible for the closing event to last year’s show, the Drum Circle. They are going to do it again, bigger and better, this year, and explain some of the logistics in getting over 500 percussion instruments in place and facilitating the activity. Once started, the Drum Circle takes on a life of its own; John and Arthur explain why this isn’t just an interesting experiment, but something much deeper and more involved.

The Road to Macworld/iWorld 2013  is a special MacVoices series produced in  partnership with Macworld to preview some of the exhibitors and presentations at  Macworld/iWorld 2013  at the Moscone Convention Center  in San Francisco from January 31 – Feb 2.

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Chuck Joiner is the producer and host of MacVoices, MacVoicesTV, MacNotables and The MacJury, a group of shows and web sites that make up The MacVoices Group. You can catch up with what he’s doing by following him on Twitter, friending him on Facebook, or circling him on Google+.

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John Fitzgerald is the Manager of Recreational Music Activities for Remo Inc., a freelance percussionist, and trained drum circle facilitator. Creating valuable partnerships with individuals and organization who share the common vision of music as a tool for wellness, education, and a better life is central Remo Inc.’s mission and a primary aspect of all of John’s work.

John received a BFA in performance from California Institute of the Arts in 1978 and has studied and performed Classical European, Nigerian, Indonesian, South Indian, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Pop and Jazz music. He has also developed and taught programs for the Mark Taper Forum, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and the Los Angeles Opera in-school programs and composed and performed for numerous theatrical productions.

He has trained with Village Music Circles/Arthur Hull (2 ½ day Playshops, Hawaii Mentor Program, Hawaii six day trainings), and is a graduate of the HealthRHYTHMS protocol training. Since 1998 he has facilitated drum circles in the US and abroad including four Asian tours to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and Korea.

Facilitation with a wide range of populations for the purpose of celebration, empowerment, wellness and community building are central to John’s interests and passion.

A talented musician and performer, Arthur Hull is recognized as the father of the modern day community drum circle movement. He is a facilitation trainer, motivational speaker, experiential keynote presenter and an internationally acclaimed master at facilitating groups of people through a common experience using music and rhythm.

A gifted rhythmatist and charismatic facilitator, Arthur leads diverse groups through a joyful and inspiring experience using music and rhythm. From small groups to groups of thousands, English speaking to Mandarin, youngsters to elders, ‘rhythmically challenged’ to experienced musicians; Arthur’s wit and humor motivates people beyond cultural and personal barriers inspiring full, enthusiastic participation and community building.

An ethnomusicologist and accomplished world-beat percussionist, Arthur brings audiences both insight and knowledge of our world musical heritage and how this history affects modern people of all cultures. Arthur has instructed over 7000 students at the University of California, Santa Cruz. As founder of Village Music Circlesâ„¢, he brings experiential team building and leadership events to organizations internationally. Apple Computer, Silicon Graphics, Patagonia, Kinko’s, Motorola, McDonalds, Microsoft, The Wall Street Journal, ExonMobile, World Bank, Sony, and Toyota are among the thousands of corporations who have found the spirit of community through Village Music Circlesâ„¢ events.

 

Video of Macworld | iWorld 2012 Drum Circle