This is the first volume of the Rhythmical Alchemy Playshop series. It focuses on hand drumming games for a group of players sitting in a circle facing each other. The drum circle games in this volume are designed for all the people in the circle to play some sort of drum. Many of these same games can be easily adapted to use all hand percussion or a mixture of both drums and percussion, and we still call the group a drum circle. While these rhythm games offer fun and enjoyment for those who participate, they also teach the individuals about aspects of cooperative and collaborative rhythmical music making. Through the interactive process, participants receive information about actions that make a drum circle work, and about the specific elements that exist in the rhythms and music that they are creating. All ages and levels of rhythmical experience can participate and learn at the same time, while having a lot of fun.