Proceedings, Oxford, UK (2002) - World Federation of Music Therapy

Being able to stop : It is not easy for them to leave the Darbouka to their
neighbour, especially for the ones who enjoy playing it. I am the
conductor and they really enjoy seeing me in that role. I start the play and
I manage the group. They know that the one who has the Darbouka is the
only one authorised to express himself. The conductor is only able to
intervene when there is a danger, for instance : he is the guarantor of the
rule which protects the group. During the first term I stop the play of each
child, but from the second term I rarely intervene : they are gradually
able to manage themselves their playtime. However, at the end of the
year, they are very disturbed by their school advising : it is more difficult
for them to be able to stand each other but the work established at the
beginning of the year remains.
Passing the Darbouka to his neighbour : It is agreeing that the other is
allowed to play and that he exists with his own sound production and
personality. These are important moments where a lot of Personal
conflicts are settled.
My Darbouka is an heavy and strong instrument, so suits very well for
difficult children. I noticed they take great care of it, much more than the
instruments from the school. It is My Darbouka and the children
recognise my ownership very well. It is covered in leatherette, a soft
material that they like to touch. The batter head is made of a blue
transparent plastic which allows much varying sound effects. To sit
astride the instrument is their favourite position; sometimes they stop to
play and bend to see through it as if they were trying to know where the
sounds go.
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