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Last May, we were thrilled to participate in the inaugural US-based Women's Handpan Gathering, Super Bloom, nestled in New York's Catskill Mountains. Celebrating this unique assembly, we crafted a 9-minute highlight reel showcasing the joy and connections formed at this empowering event.

Super Bloom welcomes all who identify as women, offering a space for learning, rejuvenation, and music-making, with a special invitation for others to witness this unity through our video.

This year, we're excited to return, offering amazing prizes and an array of We Play Well Together instruments for participants to explore. Super Bloom stands as a testament to the strength and creativity of women united by music, set against a backdrop of nature, with a program designed for relaxation, exploration, and shared musical experiences.

 

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.

Have you discovered the enchantment of Koshi Chimes? These captivating hanging chimes, tuned to 432 Hz and hailing from France, have become indispensable in the realm of sound meditation. Our excitement soared when The Metal Sounds Company introduced a set of Zenko drum "Elementals" designed to harmonize perfectly with the Koshi Chimes. These Zenko drums, smaller and more affordable than their larger counterparts, have been affectionately dubbed "baby turtles" by our community, and they've quickly become a beloved addition to sound healing sessions.

These "baby turtles" come in four elemental tunings, each offering a distinct energy to enhance your sound bath experience:
- EARTH ELEMENT in C-Major "Terra": Energizing
- AIR ELEMENT in A-minor "Aria": Mystical
- FIRE ELEMENT in G-Major "Ignis": Heartwarming
- WATER ELEMENT in D-minor "Aqua": Introspective

Designed with practicality in mind, the Zenko Elementals feature three rubber feet for stability on various surfaces and can be easily played with one hand or on your lap. Their compact size and included carrying bag mean you can bring the soothing essence of your chosen element wherever you go.

Curious to hear these elemental tunings? Check out this brief 1-minute video showcasing the unique sound of each Elemental tuning, offering a glimpse into the tranquil world they create.

A heartwarming 4-minute video from Estes Park, Colorado, captures a brother-sister duo enchanting Mary's Lake with a Spacedrum handpan duet, proving that making beautiful music isn't reserved for the seasoned player. Joule L'Adara and Mike Moss, despite being new to the handpan, demonstrate that with a few simple patterns and a bit of practice, anyone can create mesmerizing soundscapes.

This performance not only showcased their newfound harmony but also captivated a family of hikers, highlighting the handpan's ability to soothe and mesmerize listeners of all ages. Highlighting the community spirit, the story shares insights from WPWT friends who incorporate the Spacedrum into their daily lives, emphasizing the instrument's wide appeal. For those inspired to start their own handpan journey, a reminder: Spacedrums are in demand, so early ordering is advised, with payment plans available to make your musical dreams accessible.

Discover the exquisite line of Metal Sounds' steel percussion instruments, skillfully crafted in Southern France and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This includes the Zenko Drum, a top-tier tongue drum likened to the "Porsche" of tongue-drums for its refined sound and elegant design, and the Spacedrum, available in both Evolution and Nitro versions, offering unique sounds suited to various musical and therapeutic applications.

The Zenko Drum, with its variety of tunings, and the Spacedrum, with its chromatic range and responsive qualities, exemplify innovation in musical instrument design. Metal Sounds, established from a collaboration between Philip Maignaut and the Djoliba Music Store, prides itself on quality and integrity, handcrafting instruments that resonate with musicians, therapists, and enthusiasts alike.

As the exclusive North American distributor for Metal Sounds, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER ensures a seamless experience for customers, from expert advice to after-service support. This partnership not only brings these unique instruments closer to the American handpan community but also fosters a global network of players united by the joy of music.

Percussionist David Naylor's remarkable journey through music began after a severe illness left him with no memory of his past, including his musical talents. Rediscovering a photo of himself surrounded by drums, with a Zenko Drum at the heart of his setup, sparked a reconnection to music and a path to self-reinvention.

In an Instagram Live conversation with We Play Well Together's Joule L'Adara, David shared insights into living fully in the present, embracing the state of wonderment arising from fragmented memory and mindfulness. He expressed appreciation for his memory loss, viewing it as a clean slate that freed him from traumatic past experiences.

David also discussed his neurodivergence, finding a special connection to rhythmic patterns that align with his interest in specific number sequences, particularly a 3-6-9 Afro-Cuban rhythm. This connection to rhythm and the Zenko Drum, which he feels links him to his past while transporting him to other worlds, highlights the healing power of music.

This conversation underscores the profound impact music can have on recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth. David's story is a testament to the therapeutic potential of musical exploration and the Zenko Drum's role in his musical and personal rediscovery. For a deeper understanding of David's journey and the Zenko Drum's significance, watch the edited IG Live interview on YouTube, which includes discussions and demonstrations of David's percussion setup.

The We Play Well Together collective, featuring instruments like monochords, tongue drums, handpans, kalimbas, and hanging chimes, has found a significant place in music therapy across various settings and conditions. Music Therapist Katie Down has outlined the instruments' clinical uses, which range from hospice care bedside support to assisting individuals with special needs, and from facilitating early childhood development to enhancing therapeutic group work. These instruments are instrumental in techniques such as clinical improvisation, songwriting, and self-soothing methods, supporting vocal exploration, breath work, and more.

A special highlight video has been crafted to offer music therapists a glimpse into the potential applications of these instruments, showcasing creations by Hokema Kalimbas, feeltone, and Metal Sounds. Notably, feeltone instruments can be treated for disinfection, aligning with current health protocols, ensuring they remain a safe choice for therapeutic environments.

Further resources for music therapists interested in integrating these instruments into their practice are available, including profiles and methods by professionals like Christine Stevens and Joanne Loewy from the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. These resources demonstrate the broad spectrum of therapeutic possibilities these instruments can offer.

For an opportunity to explore these instruments and their uses in music therapy further, We Play Well Together will be present at the American Music Therapy Association 2021 Conference from October 14th to 17th, inviting professionals to connect and learn more about these transformative tools.

Zenko Drums, touted as the "Porsche" of Tongue-Drums, are a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design, produced by Metal Sounds in the South of France. These metal tongue drums stand out for their intuitive playability and superior sound quality, crafted from two stainless steel shells welded together and precision-tuned to produce melodic tones through laser-cut "tongues." Lightweight and portable, Zenkos come with a protective padded bag complete with a mallet holder, making them perfect for musicians on the go.

What sets Zenko Drums apart in the crowded tongue drum market is their exceptional material quality and the meticulous attention to detail in their creation. The Zenko offers a sonic experience akin to handpans, with pure, uplifting bell-like tones and pitch-perfect tuning that invites meditative exploration and enhances sound meditation and music therapy sessions. Designed for professional use, Zenkos can be mounted on a cymbal stand, integrating seamlessly into drum kits or percussion setups.

Recognizing the Zenko as a premium instrument, Metal Sounds offers a diverse range of tunings, from chromatic scales to unique musical modes, catering to both traditional musicians and adventurous explorers of sound. A special video featuring percussionist Conny Sommar showcases the variety of Zenko tunings, providing a glimpse into the drum's versatility and the meticulous process behind its creation in Toulouse, France. This dedication to quality ensures that Zenko Drums not only meet but exceed the expectations of professional musicians and sound practitioners, offering a sound experience that is as refined and sophisticated as a Porsche.