Fire Tribe Gathering — Freeform Music and Alchemical Rhythmatism Alchemical Rhythmatism

	Fire Tribe Hawaii

Winter Solstice Fire Tribe Gathering
Leeward Oahu, Hawaii
December 16-20, 2008
Early Village Builders, December 15

Freeform Music and Alchemical Rhythmatism

Drummers! Musicians! Take Note....

Musicians at Fire Tribe Hawaii's fire circles alternate between Freeform musical spontaneity, and the structured creativity of Alchemical Rhythmatism.

During the Freeform segments, musicians play according to their own intuitive design.

I've been working the alchemical fire circle intensely over the last five years; my primary mode is dancing, and I've challenged myself to learn to sing too. I can rattle and hand a water bottle around with the best of'em, and occassionally even do a spoken word piece... but those drummers' benches always felt out of reach. I didn't have enough confidence to play. I didn't know how to get in and fit in. I didn't want to spoil the groove.

After attending the Alchemical Rhythmatism workshop [at May Fire] and knowing what the musical structure would be for the night, I felt totally safe joining in to play drums. I knew how to find out what my part was, and how to play it. My deepest gratitude to the drummers who would speak my part out as they played so I could pick it up. I knew how to communicate with the rest of the players, each doing their part in a divine rhythm ensemble. It was a completely exhilirating experience to be part of the music.

This tech allows the experienced and talented drummers to effortlessly lead and gives those of us just starting out an entree to the ecstatic world of coordinated but creative music-making. There is room for everyone to learn and play and participate. — Lillith Avalon

Periodically, this cycles out, and those who have learned the practices and agreements of Alchemical Rhythmatism begin to play, mindfully crafting a new, shared rhythm. This too, cycles out, and all players again return to the flow of unguided Freeform musical expression. A clear visual cue marks each segent.

Fun, experiential playshops held each day introduce and explore the practice of Alchemical Rhythmatism, which offers a simple blueprint to empower everyone (from the complete novice to the most accomplished musician) to collaboratively invent a common groove in the moment.

Alchemical Rhythmatism has simple techniques, yet it sets high aims for musical quality and connection. Players guide and encourage one another toward reaching these aims. For example, if you have difficulty playing a tricky part, someone may show you a simpler one. If your timing feels unsteady, someone may support you in aligning solidly with the pulse. If a person seems unacquainted with the AR method, someone will politely ask him or her to wait for the start of the next Freeform period to play music (meanwhile, the portals of chant, dance and service await).

For details about Alchemical Rhythmatism, including its symbolic place within the Alchemical Fire Circle model, you may like to read "The Practice: Alchemical Rhythmatism."

Why Do This?

The Fire Tribe Hawaii Council has seen that simultaneously following different modes of music-making can lead to disharmony in the fire circle. In one approach, each person offers an individual rhythm of personal self-expression, and these blend to form a common pulse as they overlap; Another approach starts with a common seed rhythm, out which a carefully formed group composition blossoms.

When musicians use both approachs at the same time, each approach impedes the other from becoming fully realized. When this happens, the players can become frustrated, and the circle can suffer. The Council believes cycling between these approaches nurtures harmony, enriches sonic diversity, and takes us to new levels of creative play.