Right after sound check is done, there is a silent acknowledgement that fills the air.
The anticipation of eager ears occupying the concert hall seats.
Each of these 800 seats will be filled with the smiling faces of kids, each with a drum.
I swear that I can feel my drum smiling too.
“It’s time to stop thinking of the drum as just a musical instrument. Start thinking of it as a unifying tool for every family, a wellness tool for every retiree and an educational tool for every classroom”
- Remo Belli, CEO/Founder of Remo, Inc.
Drumming brings people together, dissolves boundaries and uplifts the spirit of both individual participant and the community as a whole. What an incredible blessing it is to share this gift with others.
It always amazes me that a simple group of hand drums and percussion can transform a group or family. This activity makes for a great bonding experience on any level. I have personally experienced this bonding and transformational experience many times. I walk into a room where hardly anyone knows the other people in the room. Strangers at first, yet just minutes into a drumming session, we are all smiling at one another in acknowledgement. The joy radiating from each participant knows intimately the joy radiating from all others. This unifies us. Now we’re friends speaking the same language; the language of rhythm. We all leave excited and refreshed.
I’m glad this is my work:)
I have always loved the drums. Apparently, I wasn’t able to nap when I was 6 months old unless my brother Mark was practicing drumming. It’s in my blood and anyone who is around me for more than five seconds can attest to the fact that I’m tapping or practicing on my knees/the table/a bank machine/to the metronome of my car turn signal. I’m sure this has to be annoying for the people in my life but I do not apologize.
Three things that drums have taught me in my life:
1. Do what you absolutely love because it will be an endless source of joy. If you don’t it will eventually turn into an endless source of pain and what ifs.
2. It is perfectly ok to take up lots of space. The more drums the better:)
3. Be loud but tasteful. Have a point.
