Just some of the lovely things people have to say about us…
“Of all the pleasures that Doris brings, the one that calls us back as a family each year is the experience of trust amongst people of such varying backgrounds. It is not so much a merging of cultures but rather a positive affirmation of each, celebrated side by side. And all bound by a common outlook of tolerance, a core of love. That shared unity of folk from all corners of the planet and so many cultural and even religious heritages is surely the blueprint for humanity’s survival and with it the Earth’s ecology.
It is difficult to imagine a better cultural educational experience for our children than to combine the experience of shared trust and tolerance with a week of developing their musical skills. Over eight consecutive Dorises, we have seen our two boys, now in their mid-teens, incorporate the drumming, dancing and singing with their stringed playing to wonderful effect. To have been able to do that “on our doorstep” in South-West England has been an unexpected wonder and delight.” - Chris Weedon 27th August 2008
“I’ve been coming to Doris for 8 years and build my yearly calendar around this un-missable event. Doris always fuels my creativity and allows me to experience and try new things. It’s such a joy spending time in a place where everyone has such enthusiasm for learning new things!! A week where my 14 year old son immerses himself in drumming, away from electronic gadgets and the internet does him more good than anything else I could find!! Our whole family benefits from the Doris Magic. I wish the world could be like Doris!!” - Kavida Rei
“I first came to Doris 12 years ago, keen to drum and dance. What touched me though was Tai Chi. Since then I have practiced Tai Chi…weekly classes, and daily practice. It challenges and supports me to go forward to discover what it means to be an authentic human being. Thanks to Olu for that first insight.” - Alan Jones, age 53, 4 times at the Intercultural Summer School
“I forgot to fill in the visitors book to say what a great week I had - my first Doris, a surprise birthday present and I loved every minute. Well maybe not the mud…..so THANK YOU. ” - Eddie Sinclair
“I started drumming at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds in 1994, with Misa Suma (Master Drummer from Conakree, Guinea) We formed a group of 7 women, and I began teaching one to one, and then groups. Now, after 14 years, I have taught at Leeds College of Music, at Doris, and I do a lot of therapeutic, fun drumming with groups who use Mental Health Services and other community groups, as well as other adults and children. Coming to Doris has freed my spirit and inner child….helped me loose inhibitions and taught me new rhythms; enjoying quality teachers, sharing with others, keeping in touch and being able to try anything if I want to….Doris is in Leeds, alive and kicking!!!” - Marion Small, Leeds, mother of 2, grandmother of 1
“Doris is something I have never done before. I never immersed myself in music, and singing, it made me get in touch with my inner creativity I did not know I had, the artistic part of myself…Tribe of Doris complements and completes who I am!! And I love the kindred spirits I have met through Doris. I found a sense of peace when I am drumming and dancing. ” - Carolina Upex. Age 32, Peru, 2nd year at Doris
“I like to drum, and learnt some new things at Doris. And I love doing Hip Hop…I have never done that before!” - Laura. Age 11, 4 times at Doris
“I like drumming, and I really like the teachers. They are fun.” - Georgia. Age 11, 4 times at Doris
“Doris re-energises me for the rest of the year!! It gives me an opportunity to develop my musical skills, and reminds me of the importance of maintaining and developing international links” - Kate Hale. Age 51, from Cornwall. At Doris 3 times
“I am discovering new skills I did not know I had, or wanted to learn!! It allows me to develop a sense of adventure. Volunteering was fun, but really hard work.” - Pat Hastings. Age 54, from Cornwall. 3 times at Doris, volunteer this year.
“Doris is my Christmas and Birthday all at once!! It is uplifting of the voice, body and spirit. Over the years, I have learnt enough songs, and rhythms to pass these on to the next generation of performers ….and this year, I had 30 9year olds playing kpanlogo on djembes to their parents!! This year I have been deeply moved by the Baka singing, and watching my 2 1/2 year old playing the congas in the drum circle!! BiDo has stretched my playing ability to the absolute limit - at one point I nearly gave up!! But I am glad I persevered with it, as it is an ecstatic sense of achievement when you eventually get it right!” - April Wallis, from Kent
“Doris is a creative cauldron for me….so much gets to be ignited, turned around and shaped into new paths for expression and musicality….my creativity gets nourished to such an extent that I feel I draw from this experience all year round….and it sets a context for new openings and explorations that are exciting and exquisite. This year I have been particularly touched by the new generation of musicians…the young people who have been around the elders in music, learning from them, and now finding their own voice….and creating completely new, invigorating and inspirational music. What a joy!! I am deeply grateful for the years of learning, exploring, playing, hanging out with kindred spirits and precious gifts from the extraordinary teachers that are part of the Doris Team….. I SALUTE YOU!!!” - Ursula Monn. Age 59. 8 times at Doris
“I have been going to Doris for the last ten years, when I first got to Shepton Mallet I had just got my djembe. I had no idea how to play it, and no idea how it could sound when played properly. My first workshop was beginners drumming with someone called Deasy. The workshop was fun, my drum sounded great (to me) - but the most impressive part of my time there was the incredible enthusiasm shown by everyone involved in organising the event. From the teachers Kanyinda and Musa Suma to the lovely ladies running the showers decked with plastic flowers… As the years have passed and I have gone to more and more Dorises, I have discovered more and more not only about other cultures, but about myself as well. This knowledge has enriched my life no end, and set me on a journey to last a life time!” - Mike Nixon
“Hello, I came to Tribe of Doris in 1998 and it was a life changing time, never have I had such a feeling of tribal togetherness and joy! I remember playing djun djun with Ade’s talking drum class, if you see him tell him thankyou it’s still here, in my head, Forever!!! Whenever things have been rough the memories of DORIS have kept me going, love to all.” - Byron.
