Woman's Dream For North Fork Drum Circle Comes Alive

NORTH FORK, NY — A North Fork woman with music in her soul is fulfilling a dream to bring together friends new and old for a drum circle.

Erin Prince of Baiting Hollow said the idea for a drum circle was born when she was sharing the experience with friends. "The dream came to me one night at a friend's circle, when I said, 'Why don’t we have something like this on the North Fork?' And it wouldn’t let go after that. During this particular night, something happened. It’s difficult to say, but I felt a pull, an inner voice loudly saying with affirmation, 'Do this.'"

At that moment, Prince said, "Something had struck my heart. I saw it all then and there, like a vision in the greatest detail."

Her dream drum circle, she said, will include "driftwood poles with prayer flags softly flying in the warm winds, strung up with dim fairy lights, colorful tapestry blankets on the ground, the magic of a dusky summer eve. The drums and rattles laid out in preparation for the gathering."

Drum circles have been taking root on the South Fork and across Long Island, joyful gatherings of friends and the community, coming together to play various percussion instruments, to make music in harmony.

"The beautiful thing is everyone plays their own individual song — and everyone’s songs meld onto one. It’s all about listening to one another, Prince said.

Prince, touched by the experience, said she attends a biweekly drum circle at a friend's in Port Jefferson Station. “That’s where my beginnings came from — where my roots will be forever — a wonderful gathering of people and friendly faces," she said.

At the drum circles, people play African hand drums including djembe, dundun, darbuka or goblet drums, maracas, tambourines and even rattling shells.

The first planned North Fork drum circle is slated to take place on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. either at the 5th Street beach in Greenport, either on the sand or grass; the hope is that the gatherings will continue biweekly. Greenport, Prince said, is the "in" place to be, with a thriving artistic community and vibe. A Facebook page, North Fork Drum Circle, has been created to keep those interested up to date.

Since sharing her fledgling dream for a drum circle on social media, Prince said the response has been tremendous. "To be honest, I am quite flustered, in a good way. I really didn’t think that it would catch on the way it did. People from the South Fork and from points west and up-island have messaged me about it. Like all dreams, it starts small. You just need to put it out there and let the universe take care of it."

Although she hopes to start with about 25 participants, if the group grows, Prince said she may need a permit.

Her vision inspires, Prince said. "It means a lot to me. This is my way of bringing something beautiful and healing to my community and friends, the gift of music and rhythm. I also view it as a personal achievement. Although it’s not so much about me as it is everyone whom becomes involved by attending. This circle cannot exist without others — I would just be some crazy artsy hippie banging on a drum solo on the beach. What fun is that?"

The drum circle, Prince said, is "literally a form of magic. The circle is a special place for everyone, regardless of age or religion or beliefs to come together as one. Everyone can take it a different way, that’s the beautiful thing. Some play to let go, some play to raise some energy. Others play for sheer enjoyment of music. It’s quite literally an invisible bridge that connects everyone whom participates."

Creating the drum circle resonates with Prince, who said she has a deep desire to be part of the community and give something back.

"Although I am an illustrator and graphic designer by trade sometimes those skills get lost in the sea of faces. If by the grace of music I can bring people together I have truly made a difference," she said.

Being part of the drum circle, Prince said infuses her soul with a deep sense of belonging. "That is my goal to bring to everyone whom comes. You are an individual — but become part of something so much larger. One beautiful voice that makes the larger chorus."

To those who may be hesitant, with no musical experience, Prince said not to worry.

"That’s the beautiful thing. You go in 'green.' You do not need experience to have an experience. You learn as you go along. Just like a circle there is no 'head,' per se. We are all learning from one another as we go."

The drum circle is the perfect fit for the North Fork, Prince said.

"We have so many unique and vibrant souls out here on our East End. Visual artists, yogis, musicians, crafters. Healers. People here are down to earth. I feel the drum circle fits that vibe the same way a piece fits into a puzzle, and that brings me such joy. I feel this is a unique and amazing niche to be able fill, and look forward to seeing what this amazing community can help transform this into."

Patch photo courtesy Erin Prince.