Drumming Sounds Facilitator Training Retreat

+ Halloween “Shake Down” Drum Circle & Ancestor Celebration

October 30 – November 2 • Franciscan Renewal Center, Paradise Valley, AZ

A transformational 3-day immersion in rhythm, ceremony, sound medicine, and facilitator mastery.

Step into a sacred weekend of rhythm, healing, and community. Hosted at the serene and spiritually charged Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley, this immersive gathering brings together the full power of drumming, singing, dancing, sound medicine, sacred communication, and hands-on drum building to awaken your gifts as a facilitator, healer, and community leader.

Arrive Friday at 4:00 p.m. and enter a space designed for deep transformation. Depart Monday at 11:00 a.m. renewed, inspired, and aligned with your purpose.

Halloween Ancestor Celebration

Drum Circle & Dance with the Ancestors

During this special Halloween weekend we will gather for a joyful community celebration inspired by Day of the Dead, All Saints Day, and traditions that honor the ancestors who guide our lives.

Participants are invited to:

• Come dressed as a beloved ancestor, family member, saint, or historical figure who has inspired your spiritual journey

• Bring a photo of a loved one or teacher who has blessed your life

• Help build a community altar in the center of the drum circle

• Share stories, songs, prayers, and memories

Together we will drum, dance, and celebrate the ancestors with laughter, gratitude, and joyful Halloween spirit.

This evening becomes a powerful reminder that we do not walk alone — we walk with the wisdom of those who came before us.

What This Retreat Offers

🔥 Drum Circle Facilitation Training

Learn the Drumming Sounds Protocol—an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach blending nervous-system regulation, ancient rhythm practices, and modern facilitation skills.

You will leave with tools to lead circles in:

• Recovery programs

• Wellness settings

• Community events

• Senior living centers

• Corporate wellness programs

• Retreats and festivals

⚡ Sound Medicine & Ceremonial Practices

Experience immersive sound journeys, breathwork, sacred songs, and meditative practices that open the heart and quiet the mind.

These experiences include:

• Morning prayer sessions

• Sunrise intention setting

• Sacred communication workshops

• Guided emotional release through rhythm

🪶 Drum Building Workshop

Create your own 14-inch elk or deer hide frame drum, lacing your intentions into every thread.

You will also craft your drumstick and learn traditional practices for awakening your drum as a medicine tool.

🌕 Movement, Ecstatic Dance & Embodiment

Move your body. Free your spirit.

Experience rhythmic embodiment practices designed to unlock joy, release stagnation, and deepen your relationship with sound and movement.

💬 Community, Ceremony & Connection

Every moment of this retreat is supported by sacred spaceholding, shared meals, community circles, and opportunities to connect with like-hearted leaders from across the country.

📣 Optional Business & Marketing Training

For those who want to bring this work into the world professionally, optional sessions include:

• Marketing 101 – Building Your Identity & Message

• Marketing 1.2 – The Drumming Sounds Community Model

• Marketing 2.0 – Growing Your Facilitator Practice

You may join these sessions or simply enjoy the retreat space, rest, or explore the beautiful grounds.

Who This Retreat Is For

• Drum circle facilitators

• Wellness practitioners

• Recovery specialists & peer supporters

• Sound healers & musicians

• Mental health professionals

• Coaches, artists, movement teachers

• Spiritual seekers and community leaders

No musical experience required — just an open heart.

Retreat Schedule at a Glance

Thursday – Arrival & Opening Circle

4:00 p.m. – Check in and settle into your room

Explore the property and connect with participants

7:30–9:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony & Drum Circle

Friday – Drum Building & Training

Morning meditation and intention setting

Drum Building Workshop

Facilitation Training

Optional Marketing Sessions

Sound Medicine Journey

Evening community gathering

Saturday – Ancestor Celebration

Facilitator Training Intensive

Ecstatic Dance & Movement

Sacred Communication

Halloween Ancestor Drum Circle & Dance Celebration

Community altar building and storytelling

Sunday – Integration & Closing

Closing Circle & Blessing of the Drums

Depart at 11:00 a.m. renewed and ready to lead

A Transformational Weekend in Paradise Valley

Nestled at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the Franciscan Renewal Center offers peaceful desert landscapes, quiet walking paths, beautiful accommodations, and sacred spaces perfect for reflection and renewal.

It is the perfect container for deep spiritual work, community building, and personal transformation.

Your Facilitators

Andrew Ecker & Monica Patton, co-founders of Drumming Sounds, bring over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 wellness-based events across tribal nations, hospitals, recovery centers, festivals, and spiritual communities.

Their combined wisdom in drumming, sound healing, ceremony, and sacred communication will guide you through every step of this journey.

Secure Your Spot

This retreat has limited capacity due to the hands-on drum building experience.

Reserve your place now and step into a transformational weekend that will:

• awaken your voice

• strengthen your spirit

• empower you as a community leader

Join us for a powerful Halloween weekend of rhythm, remembrance, celebration, and transformation.