The sun is as regular as anything we know. Each day it is here, on time. The sun is never late (within certain parameters). The sun feeds the earth with solar energy that is transformed into the myriad life forms. The sun is relied upon each day to hold together a fine balance.

The sun itself is also in relationship with other planets orbiting around it at astonishing speeds: all in time. Our whole solar system is also in relationship with other solar systems and so it goes on.

The point I wish to convey is that everything is in perfect time & motion, nothing is ever late or missed. Imagine the ramifications of the earth deciding not to orbit the sun for a day, or to be a little late? It wouldn’t happen, as all relationships need to be timed perfectly to maintain equilibrium. This is the rhythmic universe we live in.

In this rhythmic universe the whole outweighs the sum of the parts. In fact the parts are useless without the whole. It is the relationships that allow the whole to be.

This is also the case in music. Equilibrium is reached when the relationships between sounds are harmonious. In drumming this means everyone is ‘in time’ with all parts contributing harmoniously. Parts orbit smoothly around each other and are held together with a pulse.

The pulse keeps a group together. When we are not playing together we are only the sum of our parts, at worst this is pure mayhem. When playing together an ensemble becomes a powerful unified force that can evoke inspiration, peace and change in humanity.