On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center participants gathered in the courtyard to make music with their hands and form connections with their hearts. Led by drum facilitator
Jane Gerughty of Music Mends Minds, along with Activity Lead Polly Peterson and Floor Lead Dina Caceres, two dozen participants harmonized sounds on drums, shaker eggs, maracas, and rain sticks.
Music Mends Minds—a nonprofit founded by Carol and Irwin Rosenstein that creates musical support groups for individuals with neurological disorders like dementia and Parkinson’s—partners with Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center each month to bring drum circles to life. Michael, a Rose Kleiner participant and enthusiastic drummer, says he “never misses it!” Even for participants who feel shy or nervous to join the drum circle, Jane Gerughty says, “They can participate by watching if that’s where their comfort level is, or try a shaker egg, which can feel a little less intimidating.”
We are all born with rhythm, our heartbeat.
Jane Gerughty, Drum Facilitator, Music Mends Minds
Numerous studies have shown that music can unlock skills and memories. Peterson has seen that firsthand with her participants, “Drum Circle has engaged folks who are sometimes reluctant to participate in other activities. For seniors who may have otherwise lost the words to communicate, music unlocks lyrics.” Judging by the facial expressions on the drum circle music makers, drumming can be a language of its own.
Gerughty reminds us that in drum circles—and in life—not every moment has to be filled with sound. “Try to create some space so that other people can fill it.”
If you’d like to join this monthly event at Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center, please email Activity Manager Candi Warren at cwarren@avenidas.org.