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.

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.

Curious about the enchanting world of handpans and tongue drums? If you've ever pondered the unique tonal qualities of these instruments or how to integrate them into your musical or therapeutic practice, including singing alongside these melodious percussions, then you're in for a treat.

We're thrilled to feature an insightful interview with Kalani Das of the World Drum Club, a celebrated YouTube channel with over 200K followers that delves into percussion instruments through tutorials and reviews. In this detailed discussion, Kalani explores Metal Sounds' Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, offering a captivating demonstration that highlights the harmony between these instruments.

Kalani's expertise shines as he employs live looping techniques to blend the distinct sounds of the Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, illustrating the seamless interaction possible even for solo performers. This interview is a testament to the synergy of We Play Well Together's curated instrument selection.

Highlights from the interview include:
- The distinctions between handpans and tongue drums and their unique applications.
- The Zenko drum's exceptional quality, likened to the "sportscar" of tongue drums for its refined sound.
- The Spacedrum Evolution's notable sustain, making it a standout choice among handpans.
- Tips on using live looping for creating layered soundscapes.
- The importance of investing in the highest quality instrument possible.
- The dynamic duo of singing with pitched percussion for an enriched musical experience.

Deciding between a handpan and a tongue drum is significant, with many opting to dream about and list these instruments as coveted additions to their musical repertoire. Metal Sounds' handcrafted instruments from France demand patience, often requiring weeks to perfect, but the result is an unparalleled sound companion worth the wait. Explore our collection of Spacedrum and Zenko Drums to find the one that resonates with you.

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.

Metal Sounds:

Handpans Handmade in France

 

SPACEDRUM®, the intuitive handpan, is a metal melodic instrument inspired by the original steel drum (aka the steelpan) and by the Hang® invented by PANArt® in 2000. Metal Sounds' handpans have been designed and handcrafted since 2006, and were the first handpan producer in France.

As requirements, tastes, and desires vary, Metal Sounds offers two different lines of handpans:

"This particular handpan by Metal Sounds is one of the most beautiful that I've personally played before!" - Todd Boston, January 2021

Want to know how to record a handpan?

 

Todd Boston, demonstrates the difference between a spacedrum Nitro and a spacedrum Evolution.