National Drummer Day is annually celebrated on November 15th in the United States. This day seeks to honor and appreciate the amazing musicians called drummers!
Drumbeats offer a background rhythm that keeps the structure of the tempo for the rest of the band. Though they are typically in the background and are rarely featured, the work that drummers do in the background can make or break a song.
With an estimated 3 million or more drummers in the world right now keeping the music going, this is certainly a day that is worth celebrating and these drummers definitely deserves appreciation for all of their hardwork and skills.
| Event | National Drummer Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 15, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | The day honors and celebrates Drummers and their beats |
| Observed by | United States |
National Drummer Day History:
Drumming is thought to have started as early as 6000 BC as scientists discovered cave drawings of Peru Indians with drums. Nearly everyone can relate to drumming. It's seems almost a primal instinct to beat out rhythms as we feel them internally. If you give someone a couple of sticks and a drum, they're usually able to put together some kind of rhythmic pattern without even knowing anything about music! Drums made with alligator skins have been found in Neolithic cultures located in China, dating to a period of 5500–2350 BC. In literary records, drums manifested shamanistic characteristics and were often used in ritual ceremonies.
Then, around 3000 BC, the Bronze Dong Son Drums were used in Vietnam. The talking drums of Africa are used to imitate the tone patterns of spoken language. Throughout Sri Lankan history drums have been used for communication between the state and the community, and Sri Lankan drums have a history stretching back over 2500 years. Additionally, the drums basic shape and build has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Drums were also used for military purposes as well in many cultures around the world.
During pre-Columbian warfare, Aztec nations were known to have used drums to send signals to the battling warriors. The Nahuatl word for drum is roughly translated as huehuetl. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest religious scriptures in the world, contains several references to the use of the Dundhubi (war drum). Arya tribes charged into battle to the beating of the war drum and chanting of a hymn that appears in Book VI of the Rig Veda and also the Atharva Veda where it is referred to as the "Hymn to the battle drum".
National Drummer Day, sometimes also called Drumming Day, was founded by the proprietors of Drumming.com. The company was motivated to establish the day when they realized that there was no day specifically dedicated to drummers although there were months dedicated to this percussion but there was no specific day. Even though they are often in the background, drummers play a vital role in the world of music, and this is the day to recognize and celebrate them!
National Drummer Day Significance:
We like drumming so much and it makes sense as it seems to be involved with the nature itself. That's why we have thing called Animal Drumming, Macaque monkeys drum objects in a rhythmic way to show social dominance and this has been shown to be processed in a similar way in their brains to vocalizations, suggesting an evolutionary origin to drumming as part of social communication. Other primates make drumming sounds by chest beating or hand clapping, and rodents such as kangaroo rats also make similar sounds using their paws on the ground.
Drumming produces endorphins, creating a "drummer's high" that increases happiness for all of the players. The hypothesis here is that drumming and sharing rhythms were integral to ancient societies and we still respond to them that way. Studies have shown that listening to beats can help increase concentration and cognitive function. Being exposed to rhythmic light and sound therapy helped university students bring up their grades, demonstrated a similar calming effect as medication, and even increased the IQ scores of children with ADD.
For drumming the most important thing is obviously a drummer who is a percussionist who creates music using drums. The drummer's equipment includes a drum kit (or "drum set" or "trap set"), which includes various drums, cymbals and an assortment of accessory hardware such as pedals, standing support mechanisms, and drum sticks. Particularly in the traditional music of many countries, drummers use individual drums of various sizes and designs rather than drum kits. Some use only their hands to strike the drums.
A drummer plays a very important role in any band providing the music and a drummer's role is not just limited to only musical bands but a drummer is also very important in many musical composition around the world outside of bands. In many cultures around the world drumming is very essential as it is included in many cultural events or rituals like on celebration of anything, wedding, rituals, funeral, etc. It is also included in military bands and parades across the world. So overall drummers plays a very important role in delivering this amazing music around the world and for thst they are appreciated on this day.
National Drummer Day Activities:
The occasion of National Drummer Day is a great time to learn how to play the drums, if you don't already know, of course! Some people might want to hire a teacher to help them learn how to play the drums, although some others might be naturally inclined and can simply teach themselves through the use of online lessons. So do try your hands at playing this loving musical instrument.
If you are not already familiar with the world of drumming and this is the best occasion for you to deep dive into the world of drumming and the best way you can do is by listening to some of the most popular drummers out there. If you already familiar with drumking then you can dedicate this day by listening to your favorite musical band or drummer on this day. Overall it will be a exciting experience so do try it.
Use this opportunity to join a drum circle! With the purpose of including people of all ages and with no head or tail, drum circles are a way for people to share in rhythm, enjoying group consciousness between each other and themselves. Drum circles can be run in a variety of different ways, whether it's a freeform jam for anyone to do whatever they feel led to do, or a more structured event where community members are regularly playing together.
Most Searched FAQs on National Drummer Day:
1. When is National Drummer Day celebrated?
National Drummer Day is annually celebrated on November 15th in US.
2. Do drummers use sheet music?
It depends on the drummer. Those in jazz bands or orchestras will typically use sheet music.
3. Should drummers wear ear protection?
To prevent hearing loss and tinnitus, drummers should wear earplugs or ear protection.