D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
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For Matthew Marsolek, drum circle facilitator and member of the Drum Brothers percussion
ensemble in Arlee, Montana, this is the kind of moment he lives for.
"When everyone finds the pulse, feels the pulse, and is in the moment—it nearly brings me
to tears because of how powerful it is," said Marsolek.
Since the dawn of human civilization, group drumming has been a part of nearly
every global culture as a means of expression, communication, and celebration.
Today, community drum circles are a continuation of this ancient tradition and a
movement growing in popularity across the United States. And from Missoula
and Butte to Hamilton and Kalispell, people are joining the drumbeat right
here in Montana.
Marsolek first encountered the power of rhythm as a child.
He recalled that there was a baby grand piano in his house growing
up. One day he went and laid his head down on top of the piano while
simultaneously playing a single note on the keys.
"I felt that note in my body," explained Marsolek. "That sound
made me feel that powerful feeling of music."
W
RAPPING AROUND THE ROOM, A LARGE CIRCLE OF PEOPLE SITS HUSHED AND
WAITING. Their hands hover over tall drums hugged between their legs. From one corner
of the circle, a simple rhythm echoes out from hands thumping on a drum head. In intuitive
succession, everyone's hands shift to thump out the exact same rhythm, and the room erupts into a
pulsating rhythm of unity.
Finding
the
Beat
Finding
the
Beat
Finding the Beat
by LACEY MIDDLESTEAD
Matthew
Marsolek
