Hand drummer coming to Havre

Composer and bandleader of the Drum Brothers ensemble, Montanan Matthew Marsolek, will be giving a  West African hand drumming workshop Saturday at the Pepin Park gazebo from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The hand drumming workshop will cost $16 and everyone who has a folding chair is asked to bring it to the workshop. The news release says extra drums will be available and everyone older than 10 will be welcomed.

"With the guidance of skilled facilitators, participants are taught simple rhythms on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. In a matter of minutes, the group will be playing simple polyrhythms, individual drum patterns that when played together, form a beautiful, complex and cohesive whole. It's an experience of group collaboration, harmony, and active listening, and a metaphor for successful community," Marsolek said in an interview via email.

He added, "On top of all of these profound and important learning experiences, drumming exists as total lighthearted fun."

Marsolek was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was stationed in Colorado during the Korean War and always wanted to live in a mountain state.

"My family moved out to Montana in 1976," he said.

Marsolek grew up in Helena, moved to the Missoula area around 1987 and now lives in Arlee with his wife and their two boys.

Marsolek has studied east Indian and west African music for the past 18 years. He has experience and training in jazz, classical and Hindustani vocal technique and is a jazz and classical guitarist.

In 2004, Marsolek co-conducted a pilot study on hand drumming, consciousness and the brain through St. Patrick's Hospital. The research has been presented at various conferences throughout Montana and out of state as well.

"Right from the very beginning, rhythm and percussion became a great way to foster a sense of connection with groups," he said. "And that early impulse has been true for all these years. ... It's been an amazing ride."

Marsolek has given a TED talk on African hand drumming and rhythm, available online at  Youtube.com/watch?v=icI94blMKIc