We are excited to announce a special concert “Inner Works for Solo Percussion”. Come and enjoy the amazing talents of percussionist Eric Scott Rousseau. This event will be inside. The cost is a love offering.
Tag: percussion
“Beginning-Intermediate West African Drumming” is an African drum course that explores traditional djembe and dundun arrangements from the Malinke and Soussou people from Guinea, West Africa. Special emphasis will be placed on making the music accessible to all skill levels.
There will be no charge for the first month of classes.
Studying traditional West African drumming is a great way to practice all Five Principles of Unity, can help increase self-confidence, memory skill, improve creativity, build teamwork, and may offer many other benefits (see below):
• Increase self-confidence
• Increase memory skill
• Increase coordination
• Increase listening skills
• Increase creativity
• Improve communication skills
• Build community
• Teach teamwork
• Improve musicality
• Help to keep you in the present
• Contribute to healing
• Be a great way to exercise
• Naturally increase endorphin levels
• Improve relaxation
• Help us to feel more human/connected by connecting us to universal humanity
• Create new healthy neural pathways
• Can assist with recovery from trauma, addiction, depression and anxiety
• As you learn bilateral patterns, you create new neural pathways which are associated with a plethora of other healing attributes. In evidence-based literature, this has been identified as a key element for helping overcome trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety along with many other maladies.
Instructor Bio:
With over 20 years of West African drum experience, Neil brings a truly unique background to Unity of Springfield. He studied under Ibrahima Camera (National Ballet of Senegal), MBemba Bangoura (Ballet Djoliba, Guinea), Michael Markus (Magbana Drum and Dance, New York) Bowrodo & Laurent Camera (Ballet Africains) & other principal members of Ballet Africains, Ballet Djoliba & Ballet Tayeli. He also studied in residence in Conakry, Guinea for 6 months. Neil worked in NY for 12 years as a percussionist performing on Central Park Summer Stage, Times Square (Nokia Theater) and S.O.Bs (Sounds of Brazil) to sold out audiences.
He began teaching theater and music appreciation to children as a teenager at Pinon Canyon Center in Tijeras Canyon, NM and also teaches English and computers!
Known for being particularly nurturing and able to facilitate dynamic classes where advanced and beginner students play together, he is always seeking that right balance between challenge and encouragement!
He knows he will be a lifelong student of the traditions of Guinea! Neil just moved to Springfield, is eager to share & truly loves teaching!
Unity of Springfield is thrilled to announce our Weekend Concert Series, an enchanting outdoor music event held on the last Saturday of each month from May through September 2024. Mark your calendars for an uplifting evening of melodies and camaraderie at the serene grounds of Unity of Springfield, starting with our first event on May 25, 2024.
What to Bring
To make the most of this outdoor experience:
- 🪑 Chairs: Bring your favorite chair to relax and enjoy the music.
- ✨ Good Vibes: Prepare for an evening filled with positivity and community spirit.
About the Concert
Immerse yourself in music from local artists as they showcase their original material in a variety of music genres. From the soul-soothing tunes of New Thought Music to the vibrant beats of contemporary music, there’s something to rejuvenate everyone’s spirit. This series is a community event where for music and fellowship.
Our venue features a large firepit, which creates the perfect ambiance for an evening under the stars. This event is a celebration of community and creativity, supporting local artists in their pursuit of bringing joy and unity through their music.
Why Attend?
- 🎤 Support Local Talent: Discover and support Springfield’s burgeoning music scene as local artists take the stage.
- 🤝 Community Building: Engage with your community through the universal language of music in a welcoming, inclusive setting.
- 🌳 Amazing Outdoor Venue: Enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the natural beauty of Unity of Springfield, enhanced by the warm glow of a bonfire.
We invite you to join us at Unity of Springfield for a series of magical evenings that promise to be more than just concerts—they are a platform for building community, experiencing joy, and creating unforgettable memories.
First & Third Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Drum With Us
Join us for a special drum circle event at Unity of Springfield.
This recurring event, taking place on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM, is an opportunity for community members to come together and play drums and percussion instruments in a non-traditional, improvisational setting.
Why We Drum
The goal is to create a sense of community and connection through the shared experience of music-making. The drum circle also has a spiritual dimension, as the act of drumming and playing music together can create a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.
Event Details
When: First Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM
Where: The event will be held at Unity of Springfield, located at 2214 E Seminole St, Springfield, MO.
Everyone is Welcome
This is an inclusive event and all skill levels are welcome.
Don’t have a drum? Don’t worry, drums will be provided.