Wayne Manthey is a nationally known drum maker and teacher of drum making.  His approach is spiritual, honoring the animals who provided the hides and the trees who donated the wood. 

“As I started making drums, I was especially interested in the vibration of rawhide and the sound it makes.  Once I was able to consistently achieve the quality sound and feeling I was looking for, assign antlers, wood, stone and lacing variations made the drums more decorative and visually pleasing.  Teaching drum making classes involves storytelling and introspection.  The drum symbolizes the heartbeat of life, the heartbeat of community.  It is not simply an art form, but a tool for cleansing, centering and focusing one’s intentions for health and happiness. 

Drums teach responsibility. Making them is an honor, a meditation, and continues to reveal lessons for me.”