My highlight for 2017 was performing an introduction to hand drumming assembly for k-12 kids who had no music in their curriculum. I have been facilitating workshops in their school ever since.
“We’ve all been given a gift; the gift of life. What we do with our lives is our gift back.” -Arron Tafoya
The sound of African, Cuban and Peruvian drums echoed in the cafeteria of Minnewaska Area Day Treatment as students learned the history and instruments of hand drumming. Tom Barrett, cajon and djembe drummer and artist; wrote and performed a short story especially for MADT students called “A Dragon’s Heartbeat,” which highlights communities living in harmony. Aaron Tafoya, founder of Empowered Percussion drum company, St. Paul (www.empoweredpercussion.com) builds custom drums for schools, nursing homes, and novice and professional musicians. They both donated their time and talents to demonstrate and teach the students about these unique instruments.
After an all school assembly, individual classes participated in smaller “drumming circles” where the hands-on fun really heated up! In less than 30 minutes students (and staff) were performing in a “groove” of their own and it sounded awesome! Even Linda O’Neil, cook in the kitchen was tapping her feet to the beat!
“Drumming is not only fun, but offers many health and wellness benefits, especially for children with special circumstances,” explained Tafoya. Teachers and students were surprised to learn that drumming can actually increase academic performance and test scores.
Research proves that one of the greatest benefits of drumming and music is the emotional expression it allows. Music and drumming give the student the ability to interpret joy into upbeat rhythms or anger into the heavy and rapid pounding of the drums. This can be especially beneficial for students facing depression, emotional crisis or trauma, providing a healthy and effective means to process difficult emotional responses that can otherwise erupt in destructive behaviors. From communication and emotional expression to fine-tuning physical and motor abilities, music and drumming give children benefits that help in school, at home, and provide a system of coping and development that can last a lifetime.
“The 30 minutes of drumming circles went fast. Everyone left with a smile and a feeling of accomplishment which is a great way to recognize and celebrate our positive environment,” said one staff member.
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