In our little corner of Harlem, West African-style drummers have formed a circle and played for decades in the park every Saturday. Others provide accompaniment on trumpets, flutes, spoons, cowbells, gourd rattles and tambourines. This Drummer’s Circle is a ritual that began in 1969.
Whenever we take Chase to the park and he hears the drums from a distance, he asks to walk over. Ever since he’s been a baby, when he feels a rhythm he moves. He has a connection to music that is deep and inherent. So naturally, at the Drummer’s Circle, he begins to dance and sway, which elicits approving nods and claps from the elders.
This past weekend he was invited to join the musicians in the Drummer’s Circle. My heart swelled with pride as he played his first congo drums. What an honor!
Chase @ 2 Years, 4 Months
What Derek and I were most impressed with was the fearless way he walked into that circle. And when they invited him in, it wasn’t to just dance and be a “cute little toddler.” They recognized something in him. We strongly believe that. It was a connection that like souls have. And according to Derek, just before Chase walked into the Drummer’s Circle to accept their invitation, he looked back at him… not with shyness, uncertainty, or even to ask permission. But rather, with a look that said, “Well I don’t know what ya’all are about to do, but I’m going to join them in this circle.”
When he played, it was with confidence and joyful abandon. It was like he had come “home.”
While the community we live in may indeed be “regentrified” in ways, we are happy this wonderful tradition lives on. And I am so glad our boy is experiencing first-hand such a rich and important part of his cultural history.
Okay… so that is pure awesomeness! You must have been so proud. I’ve only met Chase a couple times and I am so so proud of him. Such an honor indeed. So much culture all around us. It’s so easy to overlook it because we’re surrounded by it all the time, but it is quite amazing.
I agree, Alicia!!!! It’s right in our backyard, yet we don’t often take advantage of it. Sometimes (lol) I really love being a New Yorker!!!
“I don’t know about ya’ll…” haha. I love this! He looks like he truly recognizes the seriousness of the moment. Boy, did this post make me homesick!
lol, that was classic!
awww, i know it does! i hope you can get out to nyc soon – i’m dying to meet you!
great blog, as usual! i echo everyone’s amazement about such rich culture right outside your home! since 1969? that’s wonderful! and of course the best line:
But rather, with a look that said, “Well I don’t know what ya’all are about to do, but I’m going to join them in this circle.”
hahaha…your writing is so on point. i bet he did give that look! he was wondering why mommy and daddy were acting brand new and didn’t get down on those drums like he did!
I know! I had no idea just how historic and special the Drummer’s Circle was until I actually googled it myself. What a treasure we stumbled upon!
lol @ the look he gave Chase. I know, he is something else!
So cool! When I saw the first picture of him sitting at the drum I literally laughed out loud – he looks so confident! Adorable
And as an aside…your neighborhood looks so “Huxtable-esque” LOVE IT!
LOL, Jasmine, I chuckle when I look at it as well! He looks so small behind that drum but, yes, with so much confidence. Way too cute!
And it is such a Huxtable-esque neighborhood! Super culturally diverse, which I love. Maya Angelous is our neighbor… People would be so surprised…. Harlem isn’t what it used to be, that’s for sure!
That’s awesome!
What a sweetheart! And such an NYC moment. Glad you caught it on camera.
Totally a NYC moment, Jill!!!! It’s times like these that I love the city.
He is so handsome. Your little man is growing up. And it’s great to see him getting exposed to music and instruments at such an early age. Moo wants to play guitar and the drums. Thinking about getting her some lessons when she turns 3 and her concentration level is better.
I think lessons is a great idea for Moo, and yes, definitely 3. I wouldnt give Chase lessons any earlier than that, as I’m afraid they’d be wasted due to toddler short-attention span and fleeing interest.
Wow! So amazing that they welcomed him to play with them. He looks so cute playing them!
I know, Lauren!!! He was so adorable up there, and I was just so tickled/honored that they would invite him and welcome him with such open arms.
Oh wow what a great honor to get to do something like this at such a young age! I think teaching our kids culture is so important and NY certainly has a lot to offer. I love the photos, how awesome! So does this mean Chase is getting drums soon?
I agree Shelly! NYC is so rich with culture – and its during such fleeting moments as these when I actually don’t mind living here so much.
That’s a wonderful experience for Chase! He is a born musician for sure.
Thank you!!!! He truly is!!!
WOW! What a great experience for Chase..you know what’s next…his very own drum. I’m sure your dad can send you all are FOR REAL one from Ghana…that would be amazing.
That would be awesome!!! He actually has a small congo drum here at the house, but a larger one would be so good for him! I think he’s about ready.
This warmed my heart! The Congo drum is the heartbeat of African people world-wide, so I can see how Chase was drawn to it’s beat!
“The Congo drum is the heartbeat of African people world-wide, so I can see how Chase was drawn to it’s beat!”
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
I’m so proud of Chase and I don’t even know the little boy! He looks soooo much at home here, I can feel it. I remember that video you posted of him as a baby rocking to the beat of his musical toys. He is a born musician for sure. I’m just tickled to death!
Oh Kim, I was sooo proud of him! He did his thing up there. I couldn’t believe the confidence and self-assuredness he displayed. I hope he never loses those qualities.
Love, love, love, love it!!! I know you’re 100% right on his inherent love of music. So lovely to see/hear. I had to giggle at the face he turned around to your husband with. hahahaha. I’m so glad he boldy joined in the circle and drummed away. Just precious. What a treat. Thanks for sharing this one!!!
xo
Dani
Yes, Dani!!! The look on his face was priceless! He is too much!