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  • Creating Joy with Rachel Nelson of Conscious Soundscapes in Alberta, Canada
    August 23, 2023

    Creating Joy with Rachel Nelson of Conscious Soundscapes in Alberta, Canada

    In the "Creating Joy with Conscious Soundscapes" feature on the We Play Well Together blog, we dive into how thoughtfully crafted sound environments can be a source of joy and wellness in our lives.

    A carefully chosen soundscape can have on transformative experience in our personal spaces and create relaxation and creativity.

    Instruments like the Koshi Chimes and Monolina Monochords are spotlighted for their ability to create these immersive, soothing auditory experiences.

    The article is packed with expert insights and actionable advice, guiding us on how to weave our own soundscapes filled with mindfulness and positive vibes. It really brings home the idea that sound has a profound ability to enrich our daily experiences, echoing the site's dedication to fostering a sense of harmony and well-being through music.

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  • 😌World Drum Club: People are loving Kalani & Brandon together
    June 29, 2023

    😌World Drum Club: People are loving Kalani & Brandon together

    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.
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  • Kalimba Electro: Techniques for the Studio and Live Stage!
    March 6, 2023

    Kalimba Electro: Techniques for the Studio and Live Stage!

    Here is a cool 83-second video showcasing the Kalimba Electro by Hokema, a game-changer for studio and live musicians. This unique kalimba comes with a piezo pickup and a 6.35mm jack socket, eliminating the need for an external mic and perfect for integrating crystal-clear percussive notes into your tracks.

    The video highlights Connor Shafran and Sia Mozaffari (Sia Seeds), demonstrating innovative uses of the Kalimba Electro in live and studio settings, from pitch-shifting in Germany to triggering samples and loops in Oakland. Featured is the B11 Kalimba Melody Electro, tuned to G-Major, alongside its variants in a-minor and C-Major pentatonic scales – all adjustable with Hokema's tuning tool.

    Dive into the fusion of traditional African rhythms with modern music production. Hokema's Kalimba Electros, with their built-in pickups, are a seamless fit for live performances and digital setups, offering a warm, gentle sound that complements any musical ensemble. Check them out for a versatile addition to your instrumental arsenal.
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  • Our New Livestream Series on YouTube & Facebook Live!
    January 27, 2023

    Our New Livestream Series on YouTube & Facebook Live!

    We're excited to announce a new Livestream series for 2023, featuring our friend Kalani Das from the WORLD DRUM CLUB on YouTube. Kickstarting this series, a recent livestream showcased Kalani playing our instruments alongside a live looper. This collaboration is set to continue with a monthly livestream event, offering our audience and customers unique interactive opportunities.

    The first session in this series, happening on Sunday, January 29th, will see Kalani joined by We Play Well Together's Joule L'Adara. They'll dive into the instruments played in the initial video, provide live demonstrations, and host a Q&A segment for any questions about playing intuitive instruments.

    Mark your calendars for the last Sunday of each month to catch these special livestreams on our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. This initiative is part of our ongoing collaboration with Kalani, aimed at enhancing our connection with the community and sharing the joy of music. Whether you're interested in Koshi Chimes, Zenko Drums, Tinka Tongs, Kalimbas, feeltone Monochords, or more, these sessions promise a wealth of musical exploration.

    If you can't join live, no worries—the recordings will be available on our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. We're looking forward to playing well together with you in 2023!

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  • The profound experience of  Soundscape-Jamming
    November 24, 2022

    The profound experience of Soundscape-Jamming

     

    If you're navigating the challenges of harmonizing with family and friends this holiday season, our Earth-Fire and Air-Water Elemental Jam Sets might just be the solution you need to PLAY WELL TOGETHER. The holiday season, while joyful, can also amplify stress, especially when navigating conversations across differing beliefs. Music, however, offers a unique bridge, enabling a form of communication that transcends words, fostering resonance, harmony, and understanding among participants.

    Heartfelt stories from our community have illustrated how intuitive music-making has become a medium through which individuals with divergent views can connect, offering a path back to joy and mutual respect. This inspired us to create our Soundscape Jam Sets, designed for anyone to join in, regardless of musical skill. These sets harmonize with the 432 Hz-tuned 4-Element Koshi Chimes, accompanied by matching Hokema Kalimbas and Zenko Tongue-Drums from Metal Sounds, ensuring an immersive soundscape that anyone, from children to grandparents, can enjoy together.

    As we introduce these sets, consider them not just as instruments, but as invitations to shared experiences and healing moments. Each set—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—features instruments that complement each other, creating rich, layered soundscapes reflective of their elemental inspiration. These sets also serve as thoughtful gifts, offering the chance for communal music-making that strengthens bonds.

    Immerse yourself in the concept through our 4-minute video, and feel which element calls to you. Whether it’s the grounding vibes of Earth, the lightness of Air, the flow of Water, or the energy of Fire, find your element and discover a new way to connect this holiday season.

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  • Why were 118K Souls Soothed by this B15 Kalimba video?!
    September 14, 2022

    Why were 118K Souls Soothed by this B15 Kalimba video?!

    Introducing the B15 "Mini" Kalimba from Hokema, designed specifically for smaller hands, this new model promises easier playability for children, young adults, and anyone with smaller-sized hands.

    Its unique feature, closely mounted metal tines, simplifies playing glissandos, allowing a fluid transition between notes for a mesmerizing musical effect. Echoing the layout and tuning of its predecessor, the B17, the B15 Mini is crafted from American Cherry wood and spans two-and-a-half octaves in the C-Major diatonic scale. This layout supports easy chord formation and intuitive play, enhanced by "chord magnets" for marking chords, inviting players of all ages to explore its harmonious potential.

    With origins rooted in southern Africa, the kalimba's soothing tones are now accessible in this compact, versatile instrument, enriching our diverse collection of kalimbas, including the Sansula and Kalimba Electro, available for discovery and delight.

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  • All About Hokema
    April 25, 2022

    All About Hokema

    Discover the enchanting world of Hokema Kalimbas, meticulously crafted in a solar-powered, family-operated factory in Germany, and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This introduction into the interconnected community of kalimba enthusiasts underscores the instruments' accessibility and appeal to music makers of all levels.

    The Kalimba, with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a warm, soft sound that encourages relaxation and integrates well with other instruments. The Sansula, a unique development by Hokema, amplifies the kalimba's vibrations through a drum head, producing a prolonged, overtone-rich sound. For the more technologically inclined, the "Elektro" Kalimba features a built-in pickup for easy amplification, ideal for live performances and digital streaming.

    Founded by Peter Hokema, who was captivated by traditional African plucked instruments, Hokema has evolved under the leadership of his son Hugo, maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their instruments are crafted from American cherry wood, avoiding tropical woods, and the factory runs on renewable energy.

    Hokema's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made its kalimbas beloved by a diverse array of users, from professional musicians to wellness practitioners. As the exclusive North American distributor, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER, led by Gabriele Schwibach, supports this tradition, offering a platform for these beautiful instruments to resonate within a global community.
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