A Drumheller man is sending a bombastic gift to the drummers of Red Deer.
Artisan and drummer Bob Richardson has been in the valley for about two years. His latest creation measures about a metre in diameter, has a rich tone and made its debut this weekend, Saturday October 24 at an artsparks session.
Tanya Schur of Red Deer will lend a hand at the drumming workshop Saturday afternoon as a part of the artsparks series. Tanya is a drum circle facilitator and holds a Masters degree in leadership and training.
She will also participate in leading morning worship at Knox United Church on Sunday.
Richardson has known Schur for years and has drummed with her in the past. He stumbled upon the material needed to make the community PowWow drum.
The body of the drum is constructed from a giant cottonwood stump that used to grow where Riverside Terrace Condominiums now stands.
Robin Digby rescued the stump years ago and it sat at Jim and Tony Wilson’s farm for years. Richardson came upon the stump last year working on the farm, and Robin graciously gifted the stump to Richardson to make drums. The enormity of the stump was such that it was cut into three, and was still too big for a single person to lift.
After the centre of the stump had been hollowed, it was more manageable. The soft cottonwood contributes to the resonance of the drum. The head is made from elk hide which is stretched and held in place with some antique hardware, and is held taut with a tensioning system. The whole instrument is suspended by rope on a stand. It is big enough to accommodate four to six drummers.
Following the workshop, the drum is destined for Red Deer for drummers in that community to enjoy.
