San Quentin’s Chapel C hosts a monthly Drum Circle session in an effort to energize the incarcerated people.
The energy produced by the drumming must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The deep bass vibration of the larger drums, accentuated with the elevated snap of the smaller drums weaving throughout, is hypnotic.
“The idea of sitting with others and grooving on a rhythmic pattern is not a new one,” said John Zeretzke, SQ resident and co-creator of the program.
He maintains that the idea of a drum circle in America has evolved into its own unique cultural tradition, derived from the ancient art of drumming embedded in multiple world cultures.
Using the vision of its co-founder Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Paul Shleffar, the Drum Circle was initiated in November of 2023.
“Its a great way for people to connect in a way they don’t often get and be creative as a group,” said Shleffar.
A musician and composer for more than 35 years, Zeretzke’s passion is world cultural music, which encompasses many different traditions, most of which have their own unique instruments and percussion rhythms.
He talked about what music meant to him. “It’s what I do,” said Zeretzke. “Music has the power to make change. It’s healing and spiritual food.”
Drums provided for the sessions include congas, bongos, Eastern frame drums, North African bendirs, dholaks from India, and a variety of other percussion instruments.
The Drum Circle is normally held in Chapel C at 8:00 a.m. on the first Friday of each month. If it shifts to later in the morning due to limited space allocation, a schedule will be posted in the housing units.
“To join in a drum circle, even if you are a beginner, is fun. It brings people closer together in unity without words or needed instruction,” said Zeretzke, “People leave here with a sense of joy and fulfillment, with a big smile on their faces. Its like getting your batteries charged.”
Whether you have experience drumming or are a complete novice, all are welcome. The first 15 minutes of a session are instructional, covering various techniques, and then the session begins.
A single drummer will begin a beat, setting the rhythm. The others, as they get the feel of the rhythm, will add their own pattern to fill it out. In no time, the whole circle is in unified communication.
Eventually, someone else will initiate another rhythmic beat and the circle is off again. Its truly something to be experienced.
The drumming participants, both old hands and first timers, all shared similar thoughts and feelings about the experience.
Arent Bradt said, “It helps develop community, connects us to our roots, and gives those looking for a connection to music, that connection.”
Musician and first-timer to the circle Robert Gomez said, “Music is a key to your soul. It can bring peace and help you to relax.”
Longtime participant Carlos Gale said, “I love it and really get a great feeling. The opening up of emotions and connecting with the other drummers is spiritual.”
Gordon (Flash) Kimbrough, who has been with the circle since it began, said, “It’s organic and creative, from the heart and the core of the soul. We communicate and fuel off each other. The effect is therapeutic, stress reducing, and fun.”
