Educator and artist, Lawrence Clark III, has been drumming for over 50 years. He’s traveled across the U.S. constantly perfecting his craft, but according to him, we’re all drummers.
“If you think about it, the first thing we learn is rhythms. We feel our mother’s heart beat. Then you’re out walking around as a toddler banging on things,” said Clark.
He backs up his belief as he facilitates a drum circle. Using a drum to control the rhythm, he skillfully, and without verbal instruction, guides participants whose talents vary. But to Clark, skill level doesn’t matter because in a drum circle, everyone is equal.
“When you’re in a circle, you can look across and play with another person. In order for me to play with you, I have to see, hear and feel what you’re doing. That means I forget about who I am to connect with you. Ego is no longer a part of the equation,” added Clark.
This spirit and more is celebrated at Rhythm! Discovery Center located in downtown Indianapolis. The Rhythm! Discovery Center is one of the world’s most significant percussion museum providing innovative programs and interactive and artist performances.
The African drum is well known, however at Rhythm!, they draw upon cultures from around the world. The center also offers a unique, engaging experience to explore the universality of rhythm and percussion and its role in shaping society. Walking through the exhibit rooms, guests are invited to fulfill their dreams of being a percussionist.
“What better way to learn about percussion than being able to use the instruments. Also, touching and feeling something is very important when learning about the instruments,” said Matthew Altizer, marketing and communications director of Rhythm! Discovery Center. The museum is an extension of the Percussive Arts Society, headquartered in Indianapolis, whose mission is to advance the awareness of percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world.
Participants are able to play the instruments, but Rhythm ensures that their guests have a deeper understanding of what they’re playing by providing standards-based educational exhibits.
One exhibit, “Instrument Origins: Wood, Skin, Metal” teaches museum-goers about the science of sound and the evolution of percussion instruments. Another explores the early history of radio shows and sound effects used through radio, stage and screen.
In the “Stage to Screen” exhibit, people can also take a look at unique instruments used in popular movies and cartoons like the Exorcist, Indiana Jones and Pluto. And one can’t leave without becoming a session percussionist by performing “The Simpsons” theme song.
Rhythm! Discovery Center’s most recent exhibit is called “Drums From the Circle City.”
People will learn how the Leedy Drum Company, which was located in Indianapolis from 1895-1930, became the “World’s Largest Drum Company” and how Ulysses Leedy, the founder of the company, created many innovations that still drive the percussion industry today.
“The Leedy company was actually the first company to build a vibraphone and we have one of the earliest versions on display,” said Altizer. “Some of Mr. Leedy’s grandchildren still live in Indianapolis and were very helpful in creating this exhibit.”
Altizer and his team are gearing up for a new exhibit about drum sets and what it represents in American music that will debut in November. At Rhythm!, attendees can also attend workshops, see the museum’s drum archive or record themselves on a professional drum set.
The Percussive Arts Society is also preparing for their convention that will be held in the Circle City in November as well. Some of the biggest names in the percussion world will be in attendance such as Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ndugu Chancler who was the drummer on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album.
Clark, who at one time played with the Hampton Sisters, enjoys drumming but for him, it’s deeper. It’s about the history of the instrument, how the drum feels under his palm, how music connects people of all cultures and more.
He hopes people take advantage of what Rhythm! Discovery Center has to offer and that they find the significance and power in percussion music.
“This museum is telling people we all have a history. We have taken an instrument and created something to express what’s inside of us,” said Clark.
For more information, call (317) 275-9030 or visit RhythmDiscoveryCenter.org.
