Inside the Garden’s First Drum Circle

The sun was shining, birds were singing, and children running by the English Oak Meadow stopped to listen and dance a little. Who knew that classes offered by the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden included drum circles? Ten drums were arranged in a large circle, ranging from African djembe drums to those inspired by Brazilian and Cuban instruments. Each had a chair set up behind it, and in each chair sat someone who was looking for a new experience at the Garden.

Garden members and nonmembers alike, ranging in age from their 30s to 80s, discovered this inaugural class and spent an hour grooving together. Instructor Noah Plotkin has led drum circles in many settings, but none as beautiful as the Garden, he said. He began with a rhythmic call and response on his drum, and this group of strangers followed his lead and began to feel the rhythms that evolved into bossa nova and samba-inspired beats. We all leaned into this method of communication, experimenting with our own self-expression and spirit.

Participant Marty said he loves walking the grounds, and he was curious about a class that would situate him in the beauty of the Garden while practicing drumming. Quito brought his friends John and Barbara, who had no idea a living museum also offered such interesting classes. Sue learned about this class from a Garden brochure and was inspired to sign up.

Their experiences are just a glimpse of what the Regenstein School offers. Instructors are experts in their fields, and their classes draw on a remarkable range of knowledge and experience. Interested in learning to draw a flower? Or in learning to cook Indian food? How about trying a photography class that teaches everything from camera settings to photo editing?

This inaugural drum circle class added another way for people to experience the Garden. Each participant had a chance to lead the circle. When the class ended, new rhythms echoed in our minds as we meandered off to see what else the Garden had in store.

Our adult education offerings are designed to meet you where you are. Come to classes at the Garden or sign up for an online session. Visit chicagobotanic.org/learning to see a full list.