Scholarship Essay, remembering DCFG Conference 2024, Cultivating Connections
by Kim Lea
“About Cultivating Connections:
While your expressed goal was to “create an opportunity to…cultivate and deepen our connections to this work (of facilitating drumming experiences)and each other,” I can say with certainty that many other connections happened for me! Thank you for providing a medium where exponential growth could happen. And I saw it all around me! Honestly, the most notable connection I made at the conference was to myself. There were endless opportunities to learn from so many other like-minded individuals-a virtual smorgasbord of delicious bites of interactive rhythm play, that I feel like I am finally beginning to get an idea of what types of experiences excite me most/fit best with my offerings/might benefit my community most. This is thrilling!
New things I learned were first put into practice just five days after I left, and often since. I’ve connected with presenters for mentoring. I’m in touch with several new friends who I’m sure will one day be old friends. And in few days I’ll (very, very loosely) lead my first large urban circle as co-facilitator. I turned sixty this year and have the enthusiasm I felt when I first entered the classroom so many years ago. Thank you for rekindling that fire. I’m forever grateful for your support of my participation in this year’s conference.
Kim Lea”
The Beginning of DCFG
by Jaqui MacMillan
“The Drum Circle Facilitators Guild was founded in September of 2001 by Jonathan Murray, Ken Crampton and myself, Jaqui MacMillan. As one of the founding members, I was recently invited to share some of the guild’s history. During the first five years, I served as Secretary and Treasurer, and for seven years, I was the newsletter editor. Due to these roles, I have a treasure trove of notes and paper newsletters.
I came across the notes from our first official in-person meeting on November 27th, 2001. With just the three of us at the time, we rotated our meeting locations between our homes and Ken’s studio. On December 10th, 2001, we officially registered the guild in Washington, DC, using my personal address as our headquarters—a setup we maintained for several years until we secured a PO box. Around the same time, we also registered the website, DCFG.net.
On February 19th, 2002, Arthur Hull joined us as the first member of our Advisory Board. He affectionately dubbed us “The Three Faciliteers.” Later, on October 22nd, 2002, Robert Friedman became the second member of our Advisory Board. Since that time, we’ve had many incredible Advisory Board members, including Jim Greiner and Christine Stevens.
In April 2003, we published the very first Rhythm Makers newsletter! (Below is the front page of that inaugural paper newsletter.) While the original plan was to release it in April 2002, other pressing tasks took priority….
Over the first four years, Jonathan, Ken, and I dedicated our time, money, and energy to building the organization from the ground up. Together, we developed key foundational elements, including the Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation (filed with the Washington, DC, Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs on December 10, 2001). We also created the Organizational Profile, formulated Membership Profiles and Services, established Ethical Standards, and implemented Professional Accreditation.
Additionally, we launched the DCFG.net website, created marketing brochures, designed the logo and membership pins (courtesy of Ken Crampton), and produced professional membership cards. We opened a bank account, initiated the Rhythm Makers newsletter, secured advertising, established protocols for Board Member nominations, and applied for non-profit 501(c)(3) status, which, in the end, was not approved. (That’s a crazy story in itself!) No matter what, we three always had fun!
On July 24, 2005, we had the pleasure of welcoming Nellie Hill to the Board of Directors. I first met Nellie when she was an elementary school music teacher and I was part of a world music assembly at her school. I immediately loved her vibrant energy! Soon after, she began taking drum lessons with me, and our friendship grew from there. I knew right away that she would be a fantastic addition to DCFG, and she has proven that time and time again. Nellie continues to contribute her passion and dedication to this day. Thank you Nellie – we love you!
Also in 2005, the first DCFG Conference was held at the Remo World Music Center in Los Angeles, CA – twenty years ago! (Below is the newsletter article about that event.)
That conference marked a turning point. Membership expanded, attracting participants from across the country. The Board of Directors welcomed new members, and in-person meetings transitioned to conference calls, allowing us to stay connected and continue growing.
In January 2008, the final paper edition of the newsletter was published, making way for e-newsletters to better serve our evolving community. Over time, the original “Three Faciliteers” passed the torch, stepping into roles as Advisory Board members.
It has been truly incredible to watch ‘our baby’ grow over the years and to witness the wonderful people and remarkable accomplishments that have shaped DCFG. Every time I receive a newsletter, I’m filled with excitement and deep honor, knowing I was one of the ‘seed planters’ for this amazing organization.
I want to acknowledge my ‘brothers’, Jonathan Murray and Ken Crampton, for their significant early contributions, and all of the great adventures we shared in creating this together. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and energy over the years!
Although I am no longer in the forefront, I am still watching and enjoying every moment as you all continue to make magic happen!
With Love ~ Jaqui
Drum For Joy!™
Jaqui MacMillan”
