The College of the Canyons Center for Early Childhood Education Circle of Friends, a support and fund-raising group for the college’s Children’s Center and Early Childhood Education Training Program will hold their sixth annual "drum circle" event at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2006. The event will be held in the Vital Express Center for the Performing Arts and will be a prelude to that evening’s performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir. A Drum Circle is a huge jam session – a fun, welcoming experience that is fun for "children of all ages." Drum Circle participants express themselves collectively by using a chorus of hand-played drums, percussion and vocals to create a musical song together while having a great time. It is not a professional ensemble, nor is it really about music, but rather a group of people having a rhythm party. Participants in the past have included parents, teachers, CEOs of major companies, college Board members and other elected officials and those who simply enjoy the physical activity and the sound of drum-beats. Regardless of what they do for a living, the one thing they have in common is a  fun-filled evening of group drumming. The Drum Circle event is sponsored and conducted by a representative from local manufacturer REMO Inc., the world’s most innovative and respected name in drumheads and drums. African djembes, frame drums, SOUND SHAPES(tm) and other drums will be provided by REMO. REMO’s Website says that drum circles are a wonderful opportunity for people to relate, not only musically, but personally. Studies show that acquiring new learning skills, socializing and exercise may keep our brains healthy and more importantly, rejuvenate  brain cells. Group drumming provides experiences in all three of these important practices for maintaining health and supporting longevity. Funds raised from this event will help maintain the high quality and safety of the physical environment of the
Child Development Center, such as learning materials and equipment for classrooms and the children’s yards.  Tickets for the event are $35, which includes a champagne reception pro9vided by RSVP Catering. Additional Drum Circle sponsors include Dr. Rex Baumgartner, DDS, and Wilshire Home Entertainment. Reservations may be made by calling the College of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3493. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!