WePlayWellTogether is a specialist in European-made monochords, kalimbas & Chimes & gong drums for sound healing, meditation and music making – Intuitive Instruments create Community.
The World Drum Club at We Play Well Together features the collaboration of Kalani and Brandon, both know for their percussion sessions.
Their work combines various rhythms and engaging presentation. The duo's approach has been noted for offering both entertainment and educational insights, reflecting We Play Well Together's focus on musical innovation and community engagement.
Brandon Blake, a multifaceted individual juggling roles as a preschool teacher, brain injury support group leader, musician, animal rights activist, and volunteer, shares his daily life and his profound connection with the Kalimba Sansula in an interview with Annalena Horl for Hokema, Germany. His routine begins with caring for his cats, followed by preparing breakfast and spending eight hours at school focusing on the social and emotional development of young children. Post-work, he finds solace and creativity in playing the Sansula or bass, highlighting his commitment to self-care and artistic expression.
Brandon’s job satisfaction stems from nurturing positive behaviors like kindness, empathy, and respect among preschool children, aiming to cultivate a future generation free of xenophobia, racism, and aggression. He was drawn to the Sansula as a means to disconnect from the digital world and engage in a more tactile, musical form of expression. Since discovering the Sansula in 2015, it has become an integral part of his life, offering him solace, therapeutic benefits, and a medium for musical creativity.
He utilizes the Sansula across various aspects of his life, from calming preschool children and entertaining nursing home residents to providing healing in brain injury communities. Brandon praises the Sansula for its ease of use, therapeutic potential, and adaptability, including his innovative use of magnets to alter its notes for performance flexibility. He regards the Sansula as a serious musical instrument, validated by his performances with renowned musicians like Victor Wooten, where his unique playing techniques were celebrated.
Brandon’s favorite Hokema instrument is the Sansula Renaissance for its durability and sound quality, making it suitable for both young children and therapeutic applications. His journey with the Sansula began after a life-altering accident that left him with severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury, from which he has been recovering with resilience and positivity. Now leading a group for young patients with brain injuries, Brandon views every moment as "bonus time," a second chance at life enriched by his experiences, relationships, and music.
I received my monolini recently and fell in love. My intention is to bring healing to myself and others. This course really brought new understanding to this beautiful instrument. Joule is so authentic and encourages each student. The pace of the two day training is perfect. Plenty of instruction as well as exercises. I highly recommend the course for anyone who is new to this instrument so that they can fully realize its potential. At age 64 having no musical background, I have found an instrument that gives me incredible joy. Also surprisingly confident enough to share with others. Thanks to Joule and her course, I’m deeply in love and have appreciation for the creators, makers, and the wood and metal that makes this instrument possible. I’m looking forward to another Joule training.
Very excellent customer service and the monolina is awesome. Gabriele was understanding, patient and responsive. The consultation with Joule was worth doing as she was able to answer questions that I wouldn't have gotten from the website. The fee went towards the instrument.
I love it. People love it. It's an investment and a good one.
Some say that D minor is the saddest key. I beg to differ. D minor is is a beautiful key and the Aqua collection is a delight. I feel fortunate to obtain the blue "baby turtle" now that they are no longer being manufactured. It's a perfect addition to my D minor collection, including several We Play Well Together offerings. It has a sweet, lovely sound and you really can't go wrong playing it.
