Drum Circles Interactive Drumming Programs Rhythm-Based Keynote Presentations Percussion Education

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About Jim Greiner

Jim Greiner is an internationally known touring and recording percussionist, educator and community drumming leader based in Santa Cruz, California, near San Francisco. He has been playing since 1970, including two years in Africa where he was deeply moved by the community-building, invigorating powers of group drumming and drumming celebrations.

Jim has played percussion in a wide rage of styles and situations, including bands (rock, R&B, funk, latin, latin/jazz, jazz), accompanying theater and dance classes and professional companies and recording for CD's, film, TV and jingles. His interactive drumming programs are recognized as being on the cutting edge of contemporary community-building models.

Jim has won numerous regional, national and international awards and recognition for his drumming and programs including:

-Drum! Magazine's Readers Poll for Best Drum Circle Facilitator.

-Drum! Magazine's Music Products award for Best Percussion Educational video/DVD for his DVD, Community Drumming For Health & Happiness

-Has presented more than a dozen workshops at the prestigious annual Percussive Arts Society International Conference (PASIC)

-Has presented over twenty workshops at the National Association of Music Manufacturers annual trade show for music instrrument makers and retailers

Jim has been leading drumming events since 1980 and is recognized as "One of the leaders in the contemporary drum circle movement in the U.S." (Latin Percussion Instruments Inc.). Jim blends his passion for drumming with a lifelong, hands-on study of cultures, folklore, and physical and mental well-being in many ways:

Leads participatory drumming programs for corporations ,conferences, schools, therapeutic centers and communities throughout the U.S. and internationally for ice-breaking, community-building, stress releasing, motivating and celebrating.

Teaches hand drum and hand percussion instrument clinics, workshops and residencies in schools, universities, communities and music camps throughout North America. Jim has been a featured clinician at many music and percussion events including being one of the very few world-class percussion educators to teach at more than six of the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Conferences (PASIC).

Is the percussionist for the Bill Hopkins Rock'n Orchestra, one of the premier corporate special events bands in the US, at corporate parties and resorts around the world. Jim plays a variety of percussion instruments with the BHRO in a wide range of styles including Jazz, Rock, Latin, R&B, Funk and Pop.

Gives clinics and leads drum circles in music stores throughout North America for Latin Percussion Instruments, the largest manufacturer and distributor of hand drums and percussion instruments in the world. Works with LP to design and field-test new instruments and develop teaching programs.

Is an endorser for Latin Percussion Instruments, Sabian Cymbals & Gongs, Audix Microphones, Gibraltar Drum Hardware and Pro-Mark Drumsticks

Leads The Celebration Drummers (with or without dancers), a professional troupe that entertains at a wide range of corporate and civic events.

Teaches Drum Circle Facilitation Skills workshops for people involved in leading groups, including educators, activities directors, therapists, councellors and others.

Records hand drums and percussion for CDs, film and TV

Lectures and writes about the practical aspects and benefits of drumming, community, teamwork, physical well-being, and stress release.

"People are still raving about you and your work. We want you for next year's conference." -University of California Administrator's Conference "A big THANK YOU for all you have done to support percussion education. The valuable percussion presentations you have conducted at PASICs... the drum circles you facilitate are always a hit. Your ability to communicate to people of all skill levels is a rare and special talent." -Ray Tregellas, Education Diector, Latin Percussion, Inc. "Jim Greiner's infectious percussion heightens the hot and funky pastiche!" -Blues & Rhythm Magazine revies of Sista Monica Parker's CD "Get Out My Way" "Thank you for providing a very exciting, uplifting experience. The client said it was their best company party in years!" -Tracy Lugo, Meeting Planner

Some of the LP instruments Jim uses in his interactive drumming programs

Jim's instructional DVD/Video, Community Drumming for Health and Happiness, is available through this web site and through LP Music and Warner Bros. Publications in music stores world wide.

Jim playing LP Congas