Alan discusses the benefits of drum circles and the inspiration to provide this unique service. Danielle Nelson, the activity coordinator at Sunrise of Bluemont Park, an independent and assisted living community, shares how this programming has inspired residents and staff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSNMk_tv_pQ
-------------------------------------------------
The Beat Goes on for the Elderly
This program focuses on rejuvenation, maintaining health and having a GREAT time. It is perfect for nursing homes, assisted living facilities or retirement communities looking for a very different recreational activity for its residents. Countless elderly persons who have participated in group drumming activities report that they feel energized, empowered, rejuvenated and enlivened after drumming. We provide all of the instruments. Recent clinical research has demonstrated that group drumming stimulates brain activity and even has positive effects on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.
A snapshot of the process of individual and group empowerment through drumming:
"I Drum . . . therefore I AM. When my hand hits the head of the drum, and I hear the sound that I produce, it re-affirms that I am alive and I do exist and I can create things with my energy that transform the world around me."
There is something magical and primal about hitting a drum with your hand. You strike the drum, and the drum vibrates. You feel those vibrations through your entire body, and if you're lucky, your soul. You like what you feel, you like what you hear. You didn't know that your "rhythmically challenged" hands could produce such a pleasing sound on the drum.
All of the sudden, you are a child again. All of the sudden, you don't care about how much noise you are making, or what the people around you may think. You don't care that you're making a funny face while you play the drum, or that you may even be dancing a little bit strangely. You realize that you do have some rhythm after all. You're keeping a beat. You have a heartbeat that maintains a steady beat, so all you are doing is following the rhythm of your heart. The person next to you joins in. Now, you feed off of her energy, and it makes you drum more intensely. And she feeds off of your energy, and it makes her play stronger. Now you are sharing each other's rhythm, just as you are sharing the same air that both of you are breathing. No words are spoken, but a bond has been created between the two of you, a bond that re-affirms that you are young at heart, that you are full of life, and that you are connected.
The Beat Goes On helps to create that bond.
We can accommodate groups of 10-50.
Contact Alan Yellowitz at Alan@TheBeatGoesOn.us for programs and pricing structures tailor-made for your group or facility.
Posted by Steve Gurney one day ago
A few weeks ago I had the privilege to attend a drum circle conducted by my friend Alan Yellowitz at Sunrise of Bluemont Park. In all my years of visiting communities I don’t think I have witnessed such a unique activity.
The activity started the moment Alan would start unpacking and setting up his drums. Many of the residents were asking him questions about the drums and he would share information about their design and history.
Once the drum circle started, I moved throughout the community to get different video shots. Everyone I passed in the hallway was either tapping their feet or grooving to the beat. It was great to glance into an office and see someone working behind a desk bobbing their head to the beat.
I am excited that the community is planning to have Alan come back when some local elementary schools students are visiting. I think it will be truly a memorable experience for the children and the elders!
