| Fall 2008 Established 1996 | Volume 3, Issue 4 | ||||||||||||||
Excerpts from our interview with Clint Tipton originator of Paralounge. Read the full interview at our website DD&S: What is the Paralounge? Clint Tipton: The Paralounge has become a community of drum circle enthusiasts and educators. Its an event that creates an experience of self expression through rhythm. DD&S: How did it start? Clint Tipton: It was apparent that the drum circle community needed a place to gather. So we created the Paralounge Drum Gathering. An event that caters to the drum circle community at a cost the entire family can afford the experience. In July of 2002 we started the drum gathering. One hundred and twenty people showed up.
DD&S: Who attends? Clint Tipton: Thirteen drum gatherings later and we’ve seen an evolution in the community. The format of the event is educational. The workshops are cultural and educational with fun interaction. We attract a lot of educators that see the potential of the drum circle and the benefits it can give to Senior citizens, teens, and other community programs. (We’ve seen lots of people who like to drum there too) DD&S: How successful is it? Clint Tipton: Considering we only promote the event with the website and flyers, we do well. Our intent is a quality experience with 500 persons or less. We believe we would lose a bit of the family atmosphere if it grew beyond where we are.
DD&S: How has Paralounge changed? Clint Tipton: We have become more organized. The event has evolved with the community needs and ideas. More workshops are offered and more performance ensembles have become available. DD&S: How has it changed or affected you over the years? Clint Tipton: I’ve learned about human behavior and the impact that rhythm has on the body and mind. I’ve learned the drum is an open diary. When you play it, people have to listen. When you play it, people know how you feel. DD&S: Would you like to discuss the stereotype of drummers? Clint Tipton: Drums have been used for many different reasons throughout history. War, peace, healing and celebration are brought together by the heartbeat of the drum. As a new culture of drummers and drum circle developing communities emerge, it is our responsibility to keep ourselves in check. When you mention drum circle, the most common reference will be to hippies and Grateful Dead concerts. There is nothing wrong with that image, until you are trying to promote drumming as music therapy. When you carry a drum, you are carrying an instrument of mass attention! So when you play it, say something worth saying. Use it to build a community that will gain respect, and your community will grow. There are all kinds of benefits from drumming that can bring the drum circle into schools and community centers, but to get that far we have to brandish the image that will keep respect and bring honor to those who are doing honorable things. When I played the drums with a 94 year old women and she laughed and smiled, I knew we had to keep this work alive. To do that you can not have people getting an image of noise and drug use. That image has to be left at the concert.
Q. How is a drum solo like a sneeze? A. You can tell that its coming but you can't do anything about it. Life is Great! 
Shorty and Sandy |
Wholesale, Bulk Rates, Teacher Discounts
DD&S has reduced prices for some bulk and wholesale orders. You can purchase a
Cowry Shell & Native Jewelry Two Handed Rope Puller $23.00
$150.00—$225.00
“Green Drums” These beautiful and good sounding drums are available as full drums or shells. Clint Bach made these out of yellow pine, a renewable resource. Q. How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb? A. Only one, but he'll break 10 bulbs before figuring out that they can't just be pushed in.
Specials and Sales
$10.00 each 3 for $25.00 Shakares made of gourds and either plastic or grass beads. Priced below cost, limited quantity. Sales are final! (not on website).
Small 10 X 18” Ivory CoastDjembe $80.00 (reduced) Good sound Lightweight Easy to carry Great for small people. We Always Have Seconds Goatskin Seconds
with and without hair
Coming Soon Tank Drum
I met and fell in love with a Dear Shorty "The drum is awesome! Thank-you so much for your generosity. I'll do my best to send more folks your way. I'm inspired." PW
“The djembe you made for my friend is awesome. At the birthday party last night the friends from our drum circle here in Jacksonville were all drooling over it.” NBF Mark Your Calendar! Drum Circle Facilitators Conference March 20-22, 2009 Prescott, Arizona
Djembe Drums
Shorty & Sandy Palmer Visit us at home or on the web! |
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What’s New with Shorty ?
Grandbaby:Sandy and I became grandparents when Leo Giuseppe was born to Arwen and Derek in Tampa , FL. We went for a visit and it was love at first sight. I plan to give him his own little drum as soon as he can sit up.
day try freezing it. If a skin is left soaking too long it will deteriorate. You can soak the skin and put it in a plastic bag (freezer zipper bag) and then in the freezer until you are ready to use it. When ready to use it just re-soak it until it is defrosted. Voila soft skin ready for heading
pressure tank (16" diameter) from a well in half, made the mechanical hardware (many visits to various stores), and put a hairless cow hide head on it. I play it with timpani sticks. It sounds great!
back with some incredible clothes to sell. DD&S is helping with this business. Check it out !
Sandy finished her yoga teacher certification and has also started a website.
1,000’ spool of rope for $100 and 10 or more Ivory Coast goatskins at a discount. If you are a retailer or drum teacher please let us know and/or contact us about discount pricing.
hang drum. Hang drums are expensive and hard to get. My talented friend, Clint Bach, found instructions on the internet for a propane tank drum and came up with his own design. The sound is amazing. He even used it to make a short recording for Sandy's yoga class. We are developing these drums for sale on the website. Please 
"It was a lot of fun to build this drum. Thank-you again for your swift delivery of a perfect djembe!" SR (How to Head a Djembe DVD)