Friday nights reverberate to the sounds of the informal drum circle we call the Beat Jam, an opportunity for rhythm players of all levels to jam with others under the kindly eye and expert facilitation of Stream Ohrstrom, whose affiliation with House of Musical Traditions dates back to the Berkeley Springs days.

The Beat Jam, founded by Stream and in session since 1988, is the only "every week, any weather" drum circle in the Washington DC area. Literally hundreds of drummers of all ages have had their first drumming experience in Stream's groups. The jam's original home was in the upstairs lesson room at House of Musical Traditions until late 2003.

Included in each jam is an Introductory and Closing "heartbeat," guidance in several different Middle Eastern, African, and Latin rhythmic patterns, a fantastic story by Stream with free improvisational accompaniment, and general instruction in percussion technique and in playing with others.

If you're in the DC area on a Friday, come on by for the Beat Jam. Bring your own drum, or borrow one of ours. Reservations not required. For more info, call 301-949-8984 or email cmndrx@verizon.net.

In addition to being our hand drum instructor, Stream also builds Blue Dragon bamboo flutes for HMT and does most of our drum repairs. Private drum lessons can be arranged by contacting the lessons coordinator.