Village Music Circles Facilitators

Arthur Hull

Arthur Hull is recognized as the father of the community drum circle movement. He is a motivational speaker, keynote presenter and an internationally acclaimed master at facilitating groups of people through a common experience using music and rhythm.

Since 1985, Arthur has used the Village Music Circles™ metaphor to build team spirit and promote unity in corporations, schools and communities worldwide. Arthur’s unique awareness of human dynamics allow him to work successfully with diverse populations. From corporate executives to kids at risk, from the self-proclaimed “rhythmically challenged” to professional musicians, Arthur inspires full, enthusiastic participation. Arthur has taught Village Music to over 7,000 students at the University of California in Santa Cruz.

Apple Computer, Silicon Graphics, Patagonia, Kinko’s, Motorola, McDonald’s, Microsoft, The Wall Street Journal, ExonMobile, World Bank, Sony, and Toyota are among the hundreds of corporations who have found the spirit of community through Village Music Circles™ events.

Based on years of experiences Arthur has authored a book/CD and a video in which he shares his stories and techniques in facilitation and rhythm. Drum Circle Spirit: Facilitating Human Potential Through Rhythm and The Video Guide to Endrummingment are available through Village Music Circles Products.

Arthur has been nationally awarded for his success in using rhythm as a tool for social awareness and change. His awards include:

2001 Infinity Foundation Spirit Award
2000 Drum Magazine’s Drummie Award for Best Drum Circle Facilitator
1998 Drum Magazine’s Drummie Award for Best World Beat/New Age Percussionist of the Year
1994 All One Tribe Foundation’s Drumming Education Award

Babatunde Olatunji and Arthur Hull drumming together

As a performing musician for 30 years Arthur has studied and worked with many renowned percussionists including Babatunde Olatunji (left), Hamza El Din, and Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead. His studio work has placed his rhythms on many recorded albums including those of The Small Village Music Ensemble; The Nigerian Highlife Orchestra, Katoja; and Babatunde Olatunji’s African Rain.

Arthur is a Signature Series Endorsee for REMO, Inc. He has designed many REMO World Percussion Drums and facilitates national and international REMO sponsored events.

Arthur’s mastery of group facilitation and musical talent combined with his spontaneous humor and wisdom guarantee fun and inspiration for all.

Don Davidson

Don brings the same depth of passion and commitment to Drum Circle Spirit events that make his courses in drum music of the African Diaspora at the University of California at Santa Cruz, and his work as a performing musician truly remarkable.

As a facilitator with Village Music Circles for thirteen years, Don has led communities as diverse as Smithsonian Magazine, Motorola, Hewlett Packard, Rutgers University, and the Boys Scouts of America to the joy and power of drumming across the United States, Europe and Australia. Don was selected as Artist in Residence by the Santa Cruz County Arts Council to bring music and rhythm education to Bay Area schools.

Don is a founding member of Dandaro Marimba Ensemble, performing traditional and contemporary music of Africa. He also performs traditional religious music of Haiti with San Francisco’s Group Petit La Croix. Don has recorded works with The Small Village Drum Ensemble, Baba Olatunji, the jazz fusion group Eyelevel, and the Dandaro Marimba Ensemble.

With Don’s breadth of knowledge in music, culture and psychology, coupled with his expertise and love of drumming, he brings tremendous fun and transformative learning to communities of all kinds.