Rhythm Circle Testimonials

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Dave and the Common Pulse facilitators were absolutely amazing. We hired Common Pulse to kick off our Tanzania cultural weekend which turned out to be the perfect team building activity for our event. Dave has a natural way of connecting with the audience and is very passionate, inspirational and a joy to be around. What better way to celebrate International education week. Community, Connection and Creativity is always at the center of a Common Pulse drum circle event. Way to go and thanks again for being a part of this event as well. -Doug Wilcox, Resident Director, Oregon State Univ.

"	You were so easy to work with despite our distance and me being out of town, etc. You provided exactly the ending we wanted. You rock! -Kathy Carnes, Portland YWCA Training Coordinator

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'Dave and his drums brought a level of infectious enthusiasm that invited even the most reserved members of our women's choir to get up and move to the beat! His way of guiding a novice group of drummers into competence in such a short time is evident of his gifts as a teacher. He made it light, fun, and playful. What a treat for us!' -Lauren Ohlgren, member of Jubilate! The Women's Choir of Corvallis

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Working with Common Pulse has been a unique and positive experience wherever I have found them. At Graduate School orientation, I was heartily impressed at how Common Pulse was able to pull in the entire crowd of about 400 grad students and get them to have an inclusive and positive musical experience. The second time I worked with Common Pulse was with the OSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble during the annual retreat. The ensemble had been having rhythm issues for the entire performing season up until the day of the retreat. Common Pulse came in and set up an environment where all the musicians felt safe expressing themselves and getting in touch with the inner rhythm that resides in us all. I believe that this is what sets Common Pulse aside from other team building groups and speakers; they provide a safe environment to create a genuine musical experience that the group will share in. There is no bond in the world like an artistic one, and this group provides quick, easy, and fun access to that. Besides that, our rhythm locked up that day in the rehearsal later that day like I've never heard before. Rhythmically, it was like listening to a different band. I decided to call Common Pulse to come in and work with my kids on the last day of student teaching unit. Not only did the kids have fun and similar experiences to what is described above, we were able to get a hands on learning experience to elaborate on what we had worked on for the two previous weeks. it was an opportunity not to pass up. Thanks Common Pulse. -Ed Propst, music educator

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Beyond all expectation the drumming circle and workshop inspired the young parents, children, volunteers, and staff to play, laugh, take risks, and be moved though the beat of the drum. Your passion for music and creativity provided a safe space for interactive play, instrument making, and learning. Your combined knowledge for interpersonal communication was a spiritual experience for all who participated." - Benton County Parent Enhancement Program

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Your rhythm circles are inclusive and wonderfully spontaneous. When you perform along with your instruments, you bring a vitality that's contagious. While we regularly host a variety of musical entertainment , there is not a lot out there that encourages audience participation at the level of your program. During the rhythm circles, the residents are not only enjoying the music, they're actively engaged with it on a personal level. Given their age and physical limitations, this is a very valuable experience." - Retirement community Activity Director

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I have worked in the field of chemical dependency for over four years, and for the last two years the Common Pulse facilitators have been bringing their wonderful drum circles into our outpatient group therapy sessions. They share their love of the music and the instruments in a readily accessible group activity, and the benefits to the clients are immediate. We observe smiles, laughter, playfulness, and a deeper group bond after the rhythm circles. The response is almost always "when will they be coming back again??". I'd recommend Common Pulse to any treatment center." - Treatment Center Counselor