Drums not guns

Dallas area residents are lucky to have a group of dedicated musicians who offer classes on traditional African drumming to children and adults.

The goal of Drums Not Guns (DNG) is to create a peaceful community through African drumming. Besides offering free drumming workshops in McKinney, TX, they offer community drum circles and events all over the DFW area.

I've personally been involved with Drums Not Guns for about four months now. The experience of sitting in a free workshop with kids half my age and coming together to create some great danceable music has possibly changed my life. As Randy Harp, DNG Treasurer once told me, "You approach drumming the same way you approach your life."

It is nearly impossible NOT to bond with the other people in the group. Each person, regardless of age, plays a vital role in the finished piece of music. I watch these kids (and myself) overcome fears and insecurities while learning a skill that is just really cool. This activity builds confidence, self-esteem and community. Frankly,the instructor becomes more than a drumming teacher. These workshop facilitators became part of the participants' growth and important people in our lives.

Drums Not Guns is a nonprofit group whose outreach into the local community is easily accessible to people of all ages. Their work is effective and, sadly, under recognized.

Please visit their website at www.drums.org/dng for information about the benefits of drumming, the mission of DNG, and other drumming resources. They deserve the attention and admiration of all of us involved in the Peace Movement.