Recording artist and author Dennis Maberry is a versatile percussionist who has studied a variety of percussion methods including African, Afro Cuban, Afro Haitian, Middle Eastern and the rhythm concepts of India. By blending these influences Dennis has created a rhythmical style that is distinctly his own
Dennis is the author of several popular percussion instructional books including his newest book "Practice Makes Perfect: Techniques and Practice Patterns For Hand Drummers". Each of Dennis' books feature a foreword by Arthur Hull "Father of the Modern Drum Circle Movement".
Dennis has recently released his latest album "Let The Spirits Dance". The album features several special guest artists including Tor Dietrichson (member of the Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart's first percussion group the Diga Rhythm Band), Gordy Ryan (longtime member of the legendary group Babatunde Olatunji's Drums of Passion), didgeridoo master Joel Hinkle, and Ben Smith (former drummer for the band Heart).
About the album: Many of the cultures in which the drums used on this album originated use music, dance, and ritual to celebrate their spirituality. This album is a tribute and a thank you to those spiritual traditions and to the people that live and practice those traditions. They have been a major influence in my life and I honor them with these songs. Although a percussion based album this is not a "chops" album. The album features some great drumming and percussion but instead of focusing on fast lead playing (chops) Dennis instead chose to use drumming and rhythm as a creative tool for ritual and celebration.
Dennis is a Remo Drum Company Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator who has studied drum circle facilitation with Arthur Hull who is widely recognized as "the Father of the Modern Drum Circle Movement" Arthur Hull literally "wrote the book on drum circle facilitation" by publishing the books Drum Circle Spirit: Facilitating Human Potential through Rhythm" and "Drum Circle Facilitation: Building Community Through Rhythm"
Dennis is also a certified HealthRHYTHMS facilitator. HealthRHYTHMS® is a fun, evidence-based whole person strategy which promotes socialization and ensures a healthy non-strenuous workout. On a deeper level it builds bridges while fostering nurturing, support, camaraderie, self-respect and respect for others. It is not really about drumming, but uses the drum as a tool for communication and personal expression. This system can be integrated as a therapeutic strategy in group counseling sessions, support groups, rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, aging facilities and more (from the HealthRHYTHMS website). .
Dennis has years of experience teaching and presenting percussion and rhythm related classes and workshops. He taught classes at the University of Illinois Springfield, community education classes at Lincoln Land Community College, and has presented workshops annually at the World Rhythm Festival in Seattle, WA. He was blessed to have been asked to present a workshop on Middle Eastern drumming at the 2019 Percussive Arts Society's International Conference (PASIC).
Dennis has presented workshops in schools, summer camps, libraries, the YMCA, and others. He has extensive experience working with special needs populations and has presented workshops with such organizations as the Special Olympics, Goodwill, and the Macoupin County School for the Developmentally Disabled. As part of his BA in Social Work he created a rhythm based program for people with Intellectual Disabilities and then went on to teach the concepts of this program to other social service agencies including presenting at the Illinois Association for Rehab Facilities (IARF) for several years. Dennis is a certified HealthRhythms faciliator and has presented Health and Wellness programs including stress reduction workshops for cancer victims and their families.
