Just a brief note to express my appreciation for your contributions to the smooth operation and outstanding programming of the 2008 UNC-CH High School Summer Music Camp.... I was overwhelmed by high praise from the students who attended, their teachers and their parents.
Daniel Huff
Clinical Associate Professor, Music Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
You were terrific, and let's just say that I hope you will be available for next year's group.... The Fu Hsing children just loved the opportunity for all of them to participate together. Very special for them.
Daniel J. Green
Associate Vice President for Enrollment
Meredith College
Regarding March's Attunement Circle....
The drum circle was incredible & healing! I feel yummy today! Thank you so much for organizing & facilitating & I hope you'll do it again soon! -Meghan
Expect the unexpected, and often you will find that it is something "more." It truly was a beautiful evening. Very relaxing, feeling like an individual in something "bigger"... a sense of community, peaceful and very enjoyable. Thanks Greg for putting this together and would love to do it again sometime...knowing well that it will be unique in it's own way. -Nancy
The drums were an excellent accompaniment to the opening of the Speak Truth to Power exhibit. They set a mood that is at once festive and serious. One of the attendees said they thought we should make a tape of the drums and then have it play whenever someone comes into the gallery. The instruments had a way of beckoning to people, and it was a treat to see the children spontaneously pick up the drums and start playing and dancing with them.
Marcia Gumpertz
Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty & Staff Diversity
North Carolina State University
We thoroughly enjoyed our morning with you today! The students kept buzzing about wanting to meet again and what we can do to move forward with drumming. The other classes kept remarking on how "cool" it was and that it did not disrupt their classes at all- in fact, they enjoyed watching the students "grooving" to the beat as they worked. One of my students even incorporated the information you shared about the history of the conga drum in a music journal assignment exploring the question: is anyone ever prohibited from making music? (They were listening after all! :))
I truly enjoyed watching the class go from shy, unsure and a bit "too cool," to drumming without inhibition as a cohesive group. I appreciate how you casually worked through your plan, adapting to the group as you went, and in the end accomplishing your objectives. Mae, my co teacher, was commenting on how impressed she was as well. It is obvious your gift for teaching comes from you passion for drumming.
Jen McMurray
Middle School Teacher
Southern Wake Montessori
Thank you for coming out to my school and helping to facilitate my drum circle with at risk students. It was a challenging group but this did not deter you. You kept the kids on task, kept their attention with interesting rhythm activities and kept them interested in drumming. You have a gift! Your enthusiasm and patience really shines through. I could tell you really believe in what you do and it shows in how confident you are as a facilitator. I hope you can make it out to our school for another event!
Chris McDonald
Wildwood Forest Elementary School
I wanted to take a minute and discuss the positive experience that Greg Whitt and the Raleigh Drum circles have brought to Lake Johnson Park and the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. The Raleigh Drum Circle at Lake Johnson started a few years ago and has become one of the main weekly attractions that pull visitors from all over the Triangle to Lake Johnson Park. Local residents have spoken with great pleasure at the fact that they can hear the drumbeats from their back porch and even enjoy standing on the Boardwalk to hear the rhythms in the beat of the drums. This drum circle has brought families, children, and adults together regardless of musical background and created a companionship and self-confidence as can be seen on the faces of the participants. This is an excellent opportunity for reconnecting with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors. I hope the circle stays a part of the Lake Johnson program offerings, as this type of event improves the quality of life for the citizens of Raleigh.
Richard A. Costello
Recreation Program Director
Raleigh Parks and Recreation
The drum circle at the Durham VAMC was a dynamic musical experience. Greg was able to adapt quickly to the needs of the participants and find a happy balance of structure and creative expression. There was a palpable energy and enthusiasm as well as a feeling of community not only in the sound that was created by the group, but also in the silences. As a facilitator, Greg was able to establish this sense of togetherness in music through his patience, sensitivity, musicality, direction, and dynamic nature. We would welcome him back anytime!
Veronica Andreassen
Music Therapist
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Durham
The drum circle was a great addition to our event. Greg Whitt is an outstanding facilitator, encouraging audience participation. The great thing about the drum circle is that it promotes community involvement. It was so fantastic to watch 3 generations all playing music together.
Carrie LeChevallier
Marketing Specialist
Raleigh Whole Foods Market
The Aversboro Elementary PTA in Garner was looking for groups to represent different cultures and types of music. We had the fortune of finding Greg Whitt and The Raleigh Drum Circle. We found that the drum circle brought so much more than just a chance for our students to bang on a drum. It brought knowledge, instruction, patience and soul, all of which were given copiously to our children and families. The sessions were formal enough to facilitate true learning and expression, yet relaxed enough to allow participants to genuinely enjoy themselves.
Jeffrey Hammerstein
PTA President
Aversboro Elementary School
Thanks Greg for a great drum circle evening. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot too - what fun! It was a great kick off event for our group educators meeting.
Julia Cobley
Kindermusik Maestro
Kindermusik Kids of Cary
Your group was a real crowd pleaser. Audience feedback was very positive. I think that your group proved at our venue that a drum circle could happen almost anywhere and be very entertaining!
Terri Dollar
Artsplosure Program Director
Coordinator, First Night Raleigh
The drum circle was a huge hit at our International Fair at Fox Road Elementary. The children are still talking about how much they loved those drums! The active participation that was part of your presentation was wonderful because it gave many of our children a chance to play an instrument that otherwise they might not have. No only was the performance fun, it was informative! The children had a chance to learn about drums and drumming from around the world. We saw many smiles, not only on the children's faces, but on the faces of their parents as well. Your enthusiasm for rhythmic performance is contagious and we look forward to having you come again and again to Fox Road Elementary! We extend our warmest thanks for helping to make our International Fair a huge success!
Jenni Wilkinson
Teacher/International Fair Committee
Fox Road Elementary