program presentations

Percussion Discussion

A drumming program geared for intermediate & advanced drummers or music classes. This program introduces participants to the techniques and patterns associated with West African and Afro-Latin drumming. Participants learn various rhythms and patterns associated with these cultural styles and through playing together, create a fusion of rhythmic ideas.

The goal of this experience is to use the Art form of Drumming as a tool to help promote better communication skills, engage in team building exercises, improve interactions socially, release anxiety and stress, and increase awareness & appreciation of different cultural traditions. Drumming has the unique ability to bring people together despite their individual differences and allows them to communicate together both verbally and non-verbally.

Found Sound All Around

A hands-on, percussive program designed for elementary, middle, & high school students. The program uses found sound objects to provide students an opportunity for creative self-expression by way of group rhythmic activities. Students are taught some basic rhythm and percussion concepts. Their challenge is to apply rhythm to these found sound items. They are encouraged to create on their own and in groups. Working together in groups helps to foster the skill of team building and shows that by working together, they can accomplish a common goal.

Rhythm Circle

A program for those who want to learn more about rhythm or are looking for an engagement activity for an office staff, class, group, church, camp, or conference.

Rhythm is found throughout our natural environments. The heart beat is the rhythm of life and it is from this perspective that participants are encouraged to tap into the rhythm within themselves and share it with others.

This program utilizes a variety of rhythmic games and exercises to engage participants.

Bucket Brigade

The program will introduce students to the basic techniques and patterns associated with Western Rudimental drumming. Students will learn different rhythms and patterns associated with this tradition. Many of the rhythms are rooted in drum line and marching band (corps) style drumming.

Students will use 5 gallon buckets as their primary instrument. The buckets are affixed with modified Remo drumheads. This allows the bucket to sound like a traditional snare drum or tom-tom. The Artists will supply the instruments needed for the project.

Students will play and learn together in a group style. In keeping with the cultural tradition, most of the information shared using Western musical notation. Students will learn to read and play music by sight and ear. The Call & Response method will also be used to communicate and share rhythmic ideas from the instructor to the group.

Traps

A specialized program designed for elementary, middle, & high school students with an interest in percussion. The program focuses on developing the skill set required to play the drum set. The drum set, originally known as the contraption set, is an American innovation that dates back to the mid 1860s.

Participants are introduced to various playing techniques and styles such as jazz, blues, rock, and world. The biggest goal is to develop independent coordination of the appendages which ultimately enables one to play uninhibitedly.

This program encourages the development of sight reading of Western musical notation as well as playing by ear. Both are necessary in order to master the art form.

This program is for beginners and intermediate level drummers eventually seeking to become professional drummers.

PROGRAM DURATION OPTIONS:

6 weeks/12 weeks/18 weeks/36 weeks

(no. of days per week TBD)

Drums For Athletes (College & Pro)

In an effort to better connect each player with the rhythm of the game, Miller’s Rhythm Circles are designed to foster team bonding, team chemistry, team building, and a better understanding of counts [musical] that can be applied to a myriad of non-musical contexts.

It has been proven that drumming regularly improves coordination between hands (and feet), increases motor skills development, stimulates positive physical, mental, and cardiovascular activity, fosters a better understanding of self-awareness, assists with pattern recognition, enhances the ability to communicate (non- verbally), and provides an alternative release for stress and anxiety.

Because drumming is a sensory experience, each workshop experience uses a variety of rhythmic exercises that reinforce coordination between hands & feet and eyes & ears. There are some exercises specifically geared towards enhancing pattern recognition and replication.

Just like a team sport, in order to create a musical rhythm, drummers must rely on one anther in an ensemble to play multiple parts in unison. Each person has a role to play and a duty to perform. Accomplishing this task is not a given, it is often quite a challenge.

field trip experience

House of Drum

The House of Drum [HOD] is a mobile venue that offers participants a safe place to enjoy the experience of drumming. HOD is a non-traditional rhythm circle vibe. It is a hands-on, interactive experience without any artificial intelligence needed. For those who come just to play, the venue is open for individual drumming as well as group play. Most styles of drumming are welcome. Drum sets are not encouraged or utilized.

The HOD is not a literal brick & mortar house, but instead it is in any place that we choose to gather and play. As a mobile unit, the venues will be in various locations and will vary daily based on scheduling. In a true pop-up style experience, the HOD can service participants in virtually any mainland U.S. location.

The goal is to provide opportunities for participants to learn and experience the variety of cultures connected by the musical art form of percussion. Drumming has the unique ability to bring people together despite their individual differences and allows them to communicate together both verbally and non-verbally.

school show Performances

Full School Assembly

Drums From Around the World - A hands-on traditional drumming experience that shares the history and role of drums of various world cultures.

Single facilitator

Duration: 45 - 60 mins

*For rates and availability, please click the Book Program tab below.

Full School Assembly or Grade specific workshop

Found Sound All Around - A program that combines the concepts of rhythm and recycling. Participants perform rhythmic patterns together as a musical ensemble.

Single facilitator

Duration: 45 - 60 mins (assembly)/ 55- 90 mins (workshop)

*For rates and availability, please click the Book Program tab below.

Full School Assembly or Grade specific workshop

Move & Groove…Rhythms of the Diaspora - An interactive presentation that incorporates the artistic mediums of music and dance to engage and encourage students to move to the beat  and make the beats.

Two facilitators

Duration: 45 - 60 mins (assembly)/ 55- 90 mins (workshop)

*For rates and availability, please click the Book Program tab below.

Full School Assembly

100 years of music & dance - A performance presentation by L.A. based professional dancers and musicians that highlights the music and dance of cultural Black America from the swing era of the 1920's to the contemporary styles of today.

Cast: 2 dancers; 4 musicians

Duration: approximately 55 mins

*For rates and availability, please click the Book Program tab below.

RHYTHM (DRUM) circles

Tamar Productions in association with MarcusMillerDrums presents

SO CAL DrumS

In January 2020 artist/percussionist Marcus L. Miller started facilitating monthly community rhythm circles hosted by selected venues throughout Southern California. These free, family friendly, hands-on percussion experience occurred once a month at each venue. And then came the Coronavirus Pandemic in March and everything came to a screeching halt!

We are still working to resume these events. Until then please check the calendar for the next scheduled Circle. We hope that soon we can all gather & share in the communal spirit of drumming and learn more about the unique cultural traditions connected to the rhythms of the drums.

As always, drums are available on a first come, first serve basis. Remo World Percussion instruments are provided courtesy of Remo Inc. Participants are also encouraged to Bring Your Own Drum [B.Y.O.D.].

These events are made possible by generous support from St. Elmo Village, First Congregational U.C.C. , Meditation Room @ the University of Redlands, Remo Inc., Musicians at Play, and Los Angeles Unified School District.

Upcoming Event(s):

TBA

For more information, please contact Tamar Productions at tamarprod@gmail.com or call 310.493.2851.

To become a Sponsor and/or Host a drum event, please click below. To do both, please click BOTH.

summer drum camp 2022 - LA (ST. Elmo Vilage)

After a two year hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Summer Drum Camp is back in session! This year’s camp was held at St. Elmo Village in Los Angeles, CA. The main focus for this session was primarily on the drum set. Session 1 occurred in June and the second session took place the following month of July. Both sessions offered participants a chance to explore the basic technique and other rhythmic concepts of the drum set.

Summer Drum Camp-LA 2017...A recap!

The inaugural Summer Drum Camp -LA 2017 concluded with a bang!  The campers rose to the musical challenges presented to them throughout the week and showed even more than we ever could have expected or even imagined. Cheers to the young percussionists of Los Angeles who will be the musicians of the very near future.

The "campercussionists"  ended the week with a final jam session. In a room full of percussion instruments, 20 young percussionists were set free to explore rhythms and sound. The vibration was strong and positive!

The campers percussive experience was highlighted by a very special guest,  Many thanks to Chris Hart of Remo INC. for sharing his knowledge and insight of the vast world of percussion with the youngsters as well as bearing gifts for all. Remo INC. is one of the sponsors of the camp. They provided a portion of drums used during the week.

For those who would like to take part, another session will be offered in 2018, Please sign up and register when the registration period begins,

Camp Photos

Camp Video

For more information or to register, please click below.

MarcusMillerDrums…for Seniors

A HANDS-ON PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR SENIORS

Experience:  Marcus Miller has facilitated drum circles and workshops for over 20 years in Southern California. Miller uses the drum to help others connect with their inner drummer. Marcus' programs are designed for all ages. He has worked with numerous organizations, including the Los Angeles Public library system, to provide percussion based enrichment programs for youth, adults, and seniors. Between 2010-2015, Miller developed his program for seniors by conducting drum circles at the Silvercrest senior residence in Santa Monica, CA.

History of the drum: The drum has been used for thousands of centuries by various cultures including the African, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and European cultures. Generally the drum is used to accompany dance and assist in worship or meditation. Aside from being used to entertain, the drum has also been used for militaristic purposes as well as to promote healing and well-being. Drumming is the oldest form of communication known to man. 

Benefits of Seniors Drumming:

• Decreased anxiety and depression.

•Improved joint mobility and posture.

• An improvement in language ability.

• Increased energy.

• Improved immunity.

• Having fun, and being in the moment.

• Making new social connections.

Physical Effects of Drumming:

Great Workout: (The Mind)

Drumming is a great workout for the brain. Extensive research shows that the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. During the drumming process, the entire brain is accessed.

Less Stress: (The Body)

 Many studies show that drumming can help relieve stress, lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune systems of those who play. Extended periods of drumming release endorphins and enkephalins, neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. The physical exercise of playing the drum is extremely beneficial, especially to the upper body.

Positive Vibration: (The Soul)

Drumming allows one to tap into the Rhythm of Life...the heartbeat. As the drum is played, its vibrations are felt throughout the body and depending on the type of rhythm, one can even feel the effect in the chakras regions. An inspirational drumming session has the ability to uplift and restore the spirit.

Drum workshops provide an opportunity for great social interaction.

• Drumming encourages gentle body movements providing beneficial physical exercise.

• Drumming is hands-on and sensory stimulating. No learning curve. Participants can quickly get involved.

• Encourages all seniors to participate and engages them within their own comfort level.

• Special-needs equipment to reduce fatigue and offer low-resistance playing.

• A drum circle is accessible to all participants at any level of entry.

• One of the key benefits of drumming, especially for seniors, is the mental discipline involved.

 There are many benefits to creating music in a group, and it is widely accepted by teachers, youth workers, music therapists, and health practitioners as being an effective way to encourage life skills and develop confidence and self-esteem. Recent studies show that activities such as ensemble drumming diminish the effects of senile dementia, and may even prevent the onset of such disorders. As a Remo endorsement artist, Marcus brings a variety of Remo percussion instruments, including paddle drums and small hand drums, to help create many different sounds for the group.  By challenging participants to learn and play new rhythms, Miller is helping to create new pathways for neuro-muscular function. Some of the participants have reported improvement in their overall general health, coordination, walking, speaking, sleeping, and thought process.  Many have also experienced a boost in self-esteem and confidence.

A drum circle program for seniors at all functioning levels.

Results Matter: Seniors are greatly effected as they feel the vibrations of the music. They smile and laugh, hands open and close, memories return, and they often start singing and dancing. Not only is drumming fun, but it improves circulation in the hands and body, loosens stiff joints in the shoulders, arms and wrists, and stimulates the mind.

Tap into the rhythm of life…Pick up a drum and have some fun!

Please click below to schedule a drum circle for your community of seniors.

Young Drummers of Los Angeles

 Roster (2017-2018):

Micah Roseman

Malachi Roseman

Krys Wright

Nelan-Ay Miller

Veritus Miller

Jelani English

Director/Founder: Marcus Miller

* Former members:  Zaven Embree, Ayikwei Kimathi, Marcus Johnson, Kevin Moore, Josse and Evan Greer, Eugenia Foster, Elvis Garnett, Landry & Nicholas Barb, Brandon Jelkes, Jelani Blunt, Lemery Wright, Te' Amir and Tutu Sweeney, Johnathan Pinson, Charles Dutton, Johnathan Edwards, Freddie Gray, Gage Brown, Keonta Daniels, and Ameer Roman.

GROUP HISTORY:

The Young Drummers of Los Angeles [YDLA] began in 1998 under the direction of Founder/Director Marcus Miller. Miller created the group as an outlet for many of his young drum students so they might have an opportunity to perform and showcase their skills. St. Elmo Village was the place where the group would meet and rehearse. The group consists of boys and girls ages 10-17 located throughout Los Angeles county.

YDLA has performed at festivals and events throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. On several occasions, the group performed for former Los Angeles Mayors Hahn and Villaragosa. The group collaborates regularly with the youth dance ensemble of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre. Along with choreographer, Tamica Washington -Miller, the two groups have worked together to create a couple of choreographed pieces.

Throughout the past 19 years, the group has watched several young men and women continued to perform on a professional level. Notable previous members include drummer Jonathan Pinson and percussionist Te'Amir Sweeney.

PHOTOS:

VIDEO: