Rhythm, Hand Drumming & Community
The intention of this community drum experience will be to create a safe container where participants of all levels will be able to engage in Music & Rhythm. Matthew Nord, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, teaching artist, and performer with over 15 years of experience in leading drum circles and workshops across Missoula and Montana, will be guiding these engaging sessions. Community drumming has been scientifically proven too: increase joy and happiness, reduce stress and tension, increase mindfulness, boost immunity and cardiovascular health. These two introductory classes at Sacred Ally are the beginning of various drumming opportunities in the Missoula area led by Matthew Nord. Matthew will be joined by Jenna Nord playing dununs for both of the upcoming Sacred Ally Classes.
If you own a hand drum (djembe, ashiko, conga) please bring it to the drum circle with you. Matthew will provide extra djembes & ashiko drums for the Sacred Ally events for those that do not have a drum.
What you will learn and experience:
Learn the basics of hand drum technique (djembe, ashiko)
Learn 2-3 new rhythms - Rhythms inspired by and from traditions such as West-African, Afro-Cuban & other World Grooves.
Learn to use your voice as a tool for remembering and understanding rhythm
Create beautiful rhythm and music with Missoula community members
Enjoy space to move and dance to live drumming if you are inspired to move your body when dancing is encouraged
Matthew will lead singing integrated with rhythm and share songs and stories from different cultures and communities he has engaged with in the past 15 years.
Come relax and enjoy meeting other community members through rhythm, music and song!
Matthew plans to lead weekly drumming classes from Tangled Tones Music Studio beginning Tuesday May 21st 6:30pm - 7:30pm.
Meet Matthew & Jenna Nord
Matthew and Jenna, married for 22 years and parents to four children, prioritize their family and community above all else. Matthew, a native of Missoula, MT, has spent most of his adult life entrenched in the local arts, music, and healing scenes. He has strong ties with organizations across the Northwest beyond Missoula. Together with Jenna, they established Tangled Tones Music Studio in 2005, which has been enriching Missoula with music, arts, and culture education for nearly 20 years. In 2022, they co-founded Nord Studios, merging photography and music to provide wedding packages throughout the Northwest. Together Matthew and Jenna bring Living Rhythm Drumming to schools, organizations, events, festivals & casual gatherings in Montana and North Western United States.
Jenna, an acclaimed photographer with national and international recognition, specializes in capturing raw, emotive, and authentic moments that resonate deeply with her audience. Jenna operates Jenna Nord Photography and her work extends beyond photography; she is dedicated to empowering women by visually showcasing their brilliance and feminine strength. Jenna's lens celebrates the past, present, and future journey of every woman she captures, embracing the transformative essence of their stories.
You're invited to join us for a two-event series on Wednesday, May 8th, and Tuesday, May 14th. While this is a series, you have the flexibility to register for either date separately; attending both events is optional. Additionally, we offer a package deal with the option to attend both events at a discounted rate. Click the top link below to register for May 8th, or choose the "2 Event Package" link to secure your spot for both dates.